Theme 2 – Nano Structures and Patterns

Lead: Prof Mihri Ozkan (UCR)

The aim of Theme 2 is to provide alternative fabrication methods since standard lithographic techniques may become formidably expensive for complex surface patterning at a feature size of > 10 nm. In order for the predicted size, speed and power advantages of molecular electronics to be realized new methods for creating complex patterns with a feature size of 1-5 nm are investigated. It is evident, therefore, that a higher level process is required in order for nanoscale building blocks to be assembled into useful devices and architectures by 1) using force assisted methods and 2) utilizing smart biotemplating. An example of the former is electrophoretically moving quantum dots along a surface to produce nanoscale patterning while the latter is based on the use of biological systems which have, in recent years, become an intriguing approach for creating nanoscale architectures. Our center will be investigating DNA, peptides, phage and microtubules that will serve as nano-templates for the assembly of electronic building blocks in addition to inorganic and organic self-assembly building blocks. Some projects include:

The Principal Investigators contributing to this theme include (click to view bio):  

• Prof Mihri Ozkan (UCR)
• Prof Cengiz Ozkan (UCR)
• Prof Harold Monbouquette (UCLA)
• Prof Bruce Dunn (UCLA)
• Prof Thomas Russell (UMass)
• Prof Paul Nealey (U of Wisconsin)
• Prof Erik Winfree (Caltech)
• Prof Yu Huang (UCLA)
• Prof Yong Chen (UCLA)