Abstract:
The invention relates to micro-contact printing, wherein a self-assembled monolayer(SAM)-forming molecular species (1) is applied to a surface (2) of an article (3). The SAM-forming species (1) comprise a polar functional group that is exposed when the species (1) form a monolayer. This enables said printing method to be performed in vacuum or in a gaseous atmosphere, preferably in air. The invention also relates to an article having a surface comprising at least one isolated region of a SAM having a lateral dimension within the range of from 1 to 100 nm. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing at least one nanowire, or a grid of nanowires, having a lateral dimension within the range of from 1 to 100 nm.
Abstract:
A system is described for the preparation of monolayers of particles or molecules comprising: means (8, 9) for injecting a thin liquid film (2) containing the particles (3) dispersed therein on a rotary element (1); means (8, 10, 11) for adjusting chemical characteristics of the particles (3) taking the particles (3) to the surface of the liquid film (2); means (1) for transporting the particles (3) adsorbed at the gas-liquid interface of the liquid film (2) into a uniform monolayer (5); means (12) for working on the uniform monolayer (5); and means (14) for transferring the worked monolayer (5) from the surface of the liquid film (2) onto a substrate.
Abstract:
A method is proposed with which chemically defined bodies can be deposited on a substrate. Therefore, the bodies are fixed with a predetermined orientation on a stamping means which is then approached to the substrate whereby the bodies are deposited. While releasing the stamping means the bodies remain on the substrate keeping their orientation.
Abstract:
Improved methods of forming a patterned self-assembled monolayer on a surface and derivative articles are provided. According to one method, an elastomeric stamp is deformed during and/or prior to using the stamp to print a self-assembled molecular monolayer on a surface. According to another method, during monolayer printing the surface is contacted with a liquid that is immiscible with the molecular monolayer-forming species to effect controlled reactive spreading of the monolayer on the surface. Methods of printing self-assembled molecular monolayers on nonplanar surfaces and derivative articles are provided, as are methods of etching surfaces patterned with self-assembled monolayers, including methods of etching silicon. Optical elements including flexible diffraction gratings, mirrors, and lenses are provided, as are methods for forming optical devices and other articles using lithographic molding. A method for controlling the shape of a liquid on the surface of an article is provided, involving applying the liquid to a self-assembled monolayer on the surface, and controlling the electrical potential of the surface.