Making a point: Method prints nanostructures using hard, sharp 'pen' tips floating on soft polymer springs
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 15:32
in Physics & Chemistry
Researchers have developed a new technique for rapidly prototyping nanoscale devices and structures that is so inexpensive the "print head" can be thrown away when done. Hard-tip, soft-spring lithography rolls into one method the best of scanning-probe lithography -- high resolution -- and the best of polymer pen lithography -- low cost and easy implementation. The new method could be used in the areas of electronics, medical diagnostics and pharmaceuticals, among others.