Soft Nano Technology

The fabrication of large area polymer structures with feature sizes ranging from few microns down to the molecular level is key to various technologically important areas, examples of which include molecular electronics, flexible display screens, optical sensors, structural colour, reusable super adhesives, super hydrophobic and self-cleaning surfaces, scaffolds for tissue engineering etc. The meso scale, which ranges from a few nm to few microns, interfaces the molecular and the macroscopic worlds. Thus, it becomes possible to observe simultaneous signatures of molecular interactions as well as macroscopic effects at these length scales, often giving rise to exciting new phenomena. The success of the desired applications, harvesting theextraordinary scientific phenomena occurring at these length scales, dependsstrongly on the availability of suitable, easy to implement patterning techniquesthat can create defect-free structures over large areas followed by their accurate characterization. In this course we will learn how to create nano patterns on Soft Surfaces, particularly on Polymer films by various techniques. We will start out discussion with certain general concepts related to nano patterning, understand various issues related to Surface Tension and look into some applications of Nano Patterned surfaces (Module 1). Subsequently we will talk about Photolithography (Module 2) and various Soft Lithography techniques (Module 3) that allow crating nano pattern. Finally we will learn the basic working principle and functioning of a very important instrument that is widely utilized in Nanotechnology research: the Atomic Force Microscope (Module 4).INTENDED AUDIENCE : Elective UG, PG and PhD BE, B Tech, ME, M Tech., MS, MSc, PhD PREREQUISITES : Basic Knowledge of Fluid Mechanics will be helpfulINDUSTRY SUPPORT : NIL

Week 1: Introduction to Patterning of Thin Films
Application of Nano Patterned Films and Surfaces
Basic Concepts of Wetting: Cassie and Wenzel Regimes
Basic Concepts of Surface Tension
Week 2: Different Nano Fabrication Regimes including self assembly
Micelle formation
Introduction to Photo Lithography
Week 3: Discussion on Photo Lithography: Photo Resists
Spin Coating
Exposure
Development
Week 4: Nano Imprint Lithography
Week 5: Soft Lithography: Introduction
Different Techniques
Week 6: Soft Lithography Techniques
Week 7: Basic Concepts of Atomic Force Microscopy
Week 8: Different Imaging Modes of Atomic Force Microscopy