Nanostructure array fabrication with temperature-controlled self-assembly techniques

Abstract

Two simple techniques for depositing a monolayer of colloidal particles called dynospheres over large areas using spin coating and 'tilting' are presented. The various factors that lead to the formation of a continuous ordered array of monolayer particles over a large area including spin speed, tilt angle, volume dispensed and temperature were investigated. Being able to deposit a monolayer over a large area gives rise to the possibility of forming magnetic nanostructures over a large area. The array of sub-micron particles acts as a deposition mask for magnetic materials such as nickel. Lift-off of the mask results in the formation of arrays of approximately 100 nm nickel particles. Magnetic force microscopy performed on the nickel nanostructures a single-domain magnetic configuration.