INTRODUCTION:

UNCONVENTIONAL PATTERNING AT THE NANOSCALE

 

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