Self Assembly for Building Nanoscale Patterns (broadcast Friday, August 15th, 2008)

Researchers have found a way to create high-quality repeating patterns with features just ten nanometers across. The work, reported this week in two papers in the journal Science, could provide a means for producing nanoscale materials for applications such as computer data storage and solar cell technology.

The researchers used a technique known as self assembly, in which carefully designed physical and chemical forces are used to coax components into arranging themselves onto a surface. By adding certain features to the surface as a 'template' to guide the self assembly process, the teams found that they could create nanoscale patterns over a large area with a higher degree of perfection than previously possible. We'll talk about why that matters. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.