Unconventional Patterning at the Nanoscale    »» Main Menu

INTRODUCTION

The ability to generate nanoscale structures is central to modern science and technology. The experiments described in this site provide the first step towards bringing nanofabrication to undergraduate students using simple benchtop tools that are accessible and inexpensive. These experiments are currently taking place in the first quarter of a sophomore seminar (Chem 250-1) offered jointly by the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University.

This webpage provides a step-by-step video demonstration of various nanoscale patterning experiments and explains the basic principles behind the techniques. Students learn (i) how to pattern nanometer-sized features using soft lithography (microcontact printing, molding, and phase-shifting photolithography), (ii) how to synthesize and characterize nanoparticles and nanoscale devices, and (iii) how to create simple nanoscale optical devices. Students also receive training on nanoscale characterization tools, such as scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.

The design of these experiments and video modules was made possible by the National Science Foundation under the Nanotechnology in Undergraduate Education Award, DMR-0407073.

OBJECTIVES:

This video lab manual is the first part of a two-sequence, research-based course on nanoscale patterning for undergraduate students offered by Prof. Teri W. Odom and Prof. Vinayak P. Dravid. The video lab manual has a set of nanopatterning experiments in addition to few nanoscale syntheses as well as nanoscale devices. These experiments enable undergraduate institutions that want access to techniques in nanopatterning but do not have the facilities or resources. The projects can be performed on the benchtop with a minimal arsenal of supplies. The experiments use only accesible materials, such as UV lamp, light sensitive polymers, CD / DVDs and some chemicals. Students have the opportunity to get hands-on training and experience with nanopatterning using soft lithography. There is a step-by-step movie demonstration of the experiments with educational modules for many experiments. In addition, there are also tutorials that explain the basic principles behind each of the experiments.

The courses at Northwestern (Chemistry 250-1 and 250-2), offered Winter and Spring 2006, provide research experience on top-down fabrication and bottom-up synthesis, including interactive training in nanoscale characterization tools. The classes are designed to expose students early in their academic careers to new concepts in nanotechnology using interdisciplinary ideas in chemistry, materials science and engineering. Because nanotechnolgy is such a broad subject area, we have focussed on a particular aspect of nanotechnology — nanoscale patterning and characterization -- to maximize hands-on experience of students in research projects.

Specific course objectives include:

• Identification of current and unconventional methods in nanoscale patterning
• Training on fabrication of nm and micron scale structure
• Training on advanced equiment (scanning probe and electron microscopes)
• Participation in group research projects
• Designing independent research proposals and projects
• Preparation of students for more advanced courses in nanotechnolgy
• Development of effective research-based courses that promote student intellect