Bogart K.H.A., El-kady I., Grubbs R.K., Rahimian K., Sanchez A.M., Ellis A.R., Wiwi M., McCormick F.B., J.-L. Shir D., Rogers J.A.
Sandia National Laboratories, US
Keywords: nano Fabrication, nanostructure, periodicity, photonic lattice, soft lithography
Three-dimensional (3D) nano-structures are vital for emerging technologies such as photonics, sensors, fuel cells, catalyst supports, and data storage. The Proximity-field nanoPatterning1 method generates complex 3D nanostructures using a single exposure and development cycle. Exposure through an elastomeric “phasemask” patterned in x, y, and z (dimensions~ exposure wavelength) generates a complex 3D light-intensity distribution due to diffraction (Abbe theory) and the Talbot effect (self-imaging) that patterns underlying photoresist in 3-dimensions. Our goals are to create full models of this process and scale fabrication to 150mm. We developed a model that predicts the phase mask required to generate a specific desired nanostructure. We have compared this inverse model with experimental 3D structures to test the validity of the simulation. We have transferred the PnP fabrication process to a class-10 commercial cleanroom and scaled-up the processed area to >2000mm2, tested photopolymer additives designed to reduce resist shrinkage, incorporated atomic layer deposition (ALD) to coat the 3D patterned resist with metals/metal-oxides improve structure robustness, and generated quasi-crystal patterned 3D nanostructures. We are investigating large-area approaches to 2-photon patterning2 of 3D structures. The successful creation of the phase mask for a particular desired device structure and the scale-up to commercially viable areas enables this method to be utilized for actual device (e.g. photonic lattices) fabrication. References 1. PNAS 101, 12728 (2004). 2. Opt. Express, 14 2300 (2006)
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2008: Microsystems, Photonics, Sensors, Fluidics, Modeling, and Simulation – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 9 - 12
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Photonic Materials & Devices
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8505-1