Plasmon Enhanced Photocatalytic Nano Lithography

ended

The emergence of nanoscience and nanotechnology, with envisioned applications spanning from nano-optics and nano-photonics, to plasmonics and nano-electronics, depends on the capability to fabricate a variety of nanometre-scale structures. Despite the impressive development in these fields, breakthroughs remain in the laboratory, largely due to technological limitations in the ability to manufacture complex and accurate nanometer-resolved surface patterns, with satisfying resolution and on large area. The development of a new fabrication methodology is thus required. We propose to develop and demonstrate a novel technique for nanoscale photolithography that would bring 21st century nanotechnology breakthroughs out of the lab and into the public sphere. This technique is based on a chemical mechanism recently discovered in my lab. We revealed that multi-electron photocatalytic reactions could be directed to progress exclusively under a plasmonic field, in a controlled and highly localized manner. In this proposal we describe how this phenomenon may be leveraged for pattering, and high-resolution nano lithography. The project is divided into 3 stages: 1. Fundamentals of the underlying physical phenomena 2. Probe enhanced photocatalytic writing 3. Photolithography via plasmon enhanced photocatalytic mask At the end of the 5-year project we expect to be at a position to demonstrate our platform for lithographic writing of an interesting nano pattern of high quality, and establish the potential of this methodology as a powerful instrument in the nanotechnology researcher’s toolbox. I strongly believe that successful implementation of this project would fundamentally change the way in which nanotechnology affects modern life.