VIDEO LAB MANUAL:

UNCONVENTIONAL PATTERNING AT THE NANOSCALE

 

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.