The invention consists of a) a modified surface structure consisting of the original substrate in contact with a desired density of size-selected nanoparticles that are held in place and imbedded in a nanotape with precisely controlled thickness and chemical properties and b) a processing sequence of forming same. The nanotape controls the adhesion of the nanoparticles to the surface on which they are deposited. The advantages of this technology are as follows:
- Controlled size and concentration of spherical surface features on the nanoscale
- Controlled adhesion through properties and thickness of nanotape.
- Controlled topology and properties of surface features through properties of nanoparticles and composite nanoparticles
- The ability to package multiple types of nanoparticles, nanotubes, etc. using nanotape
This technology has been demonstrated using a plasma deposition process with controlled nanotape thicknesses of 1nm resolution, but can also utilize any deposition technology. Silver nanoparticles size selected from 30 nm to 100 nm were also used to demonstrate the technology, but could be used with any nanoscale particle, tube, fiber, rod or ribbon (PTFRR).
Potential applications:
- Controlled nanoroughened surfaces for tribological applications
- Magnetically patterned surfaces
- Embedding of quantum dots
- Packaging of nanoscale PTFRRs for bio/chem. sensing
- Nanoscale optical gratings and wave guides
- Improved adhesion surfaces for thin films
For more information, contact Jim Poulos at 301 403 2711 or jpoulos@umd.edu.
