Nanolithographic deposition of metallic nanostructures using coated tips for use in microelectronics, catalysis, and diagnostics. AFM tips can be coated with metallic precursors and the precursors patterned on substrates. The patterned precursors can be converted to the metallic state with application of heat. High resolution and excellent alignment can be achieved.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims benefit to provisional application Ser. No. 60/405,741 to Crocker et al. filed Aug. 26, 2002, and Ser. No. 60/419,781 to Crocker et al. filed Oct. 21, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
A device for sculpting a substrate includes a vertically displaceable probe having a nano-scale dimensioned probe tip. A displacement mechanism is configured to adjust a vertical displacement between the probe tip and the substrate. A heating mechanism selectively heats the probe tip to a preselected temperature that is sufficient to cause a portion of the substrate in contact with the probe tip to decompose.
An apparatus and methods for manipulating light using nanoscale cometal structures are disclosed. A nanoscale optics apparatus for manipulating light includes a plurality of nanoscale cometal structures each comprising a dielectric material located between a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor. A method of fabricating a nanoscale optics apparatus for manipulating light includes preparing a plurality of nanoscale planar structures; coating a plurality of planar surfaces of the plurality of planar structures with a dielectric while leaving space between the plurality of planar surfaces; and coating the dielectric with an outer electrical conductor layer, wherein a portion of the outer electrical conductor layer is located between the planar structures to form coplanar structures.