GOALI: 3D Nanomanufacturing with Rubber Stamps and Conformable Phase Masks

这项拟议的研究将直接解决纳米科学和技术的关键需求：广泛有用的技术，有能力制造复杂的，定义明确的三维（3D）纳米结构。本文提出了两种新的方法。第一种方法是将薄的固体“墨水”涂层从高分辨率橡皮图章上单层或多层转移到基底上。第二个使用这些邮票作为适形的相位掩模，用于透明光聚合物薄层的近场纳米图案化。虽然这两种技术使用相同的图案转移元件，但它们依赖于完全不同的物理原理，并且它们提供互补的图案化能力。该技术的操作简单性，它们快速形成大面积图案的能力，以及可以用它们形成的结构的几何形状的灵活性，表明了3D纳米制造的通用性。 该计划的科学重点包括：1）表面化学，可用于将薄固体“墨水”从高分辨率橡皮图章转移到目标基板上，以及这些墨水的材料。将研究的方面，如表面化学结构和转移所需的键合密度以及多层组件的物理韧性，将使多层和3D转移打印成为可能。这些研究还将提供对粘附和断裂的分子水平方面的见解。 2)高分辨率适形相位掩模的近场、邻近场和远场光学。建模和实验工作将探索通过使用调制光学相位的掩蔽元件来操纵3D光流的能力。除了它们在邻近场纳米图案化方法中的核心作用之外，这些研究还将与传统的光掩模设计和近场光学成像和检测相关。 3)弹性体聚合物的结构-性能关系，提供高模量、高物理韧性和高折射率。这项工作将产生用于上述3D纳米制造技术的坚固，可靠的印章和掩模的材料。它还将建立聚合物改性的一般策略，基于（i）双峰链段，（ii）与高度交联网络树脂域的共混物和（iii）相分离的纳米粒子。从研究中产生的科学和方法将通过发布在中央网站上的会议演讲，论文和材料广泛传播，任何感兴趣的各方都可以访问和下载。此外，GOALI的合作伙伴道康宁公司将提供新材料和加工方法方面的专业知识，从而确保成功工作的广泛技术转让，并为学生提供良好的教育和推广机会。 将开发一个关于纳米纤维的动手夏季实验室课程，向来自各个学科的学生介绍这一重要领域。它还将向来自克拉克亚特兰大大学（Clark Atlanta University）的代表性不足的本科生展示这些领域，克拉克亚特兰大大学是一所历史悠久的黑人机构，他们将积极参与今年的夏季课程和研究。

This proposed research will directly address a critical need for nanoscience and technology: broadly useful techniques that have the ability to fabricate complex, well defined three dimensional (3D) nanostructures. Two new methods are proposed here. The first uses single or multilayer transfer of thin solid 'ink' coatings from high resolution rubber stamps onto substrates. The second uses these stamps as conformable phase masks for proximity field nanopatterning of thin layers of transparent photopolymers. Although both techniques use the same pattern transfer elements, they rely on completely different physical principles, and they provide complementary patterning capabilities. The operational simplicity of the techniques, their ability to pattern large areas quickly, and the flexibility in the geometry of structures that can be formed with them suggest general utility for 3D nanomanufacturing. The scientific thrusts of the program involve: 1) Surface chemistries that can be used to transfer thin solid 'inks' from high resolution rubber stamps to target substrates, and materials for these inks. The aspects that will be investigated, such as surface chemical structure and bonding density required for transfer and physical toughness in ultrathin multilayer assemblies, will enable multilayer and 3D transfer printing. These studies will also provide insights into the molecular-level aspects of adhesion and fracture. 2) Near, proximity and far field optics of high resolution conformable phase masks. Modeling and experimental work will explore the ability to manipulate the 3D flow of light by using masking elements that modulate the optical phase. In addition to their central role in the proximity field nanopatterning approach, these studies will have relevance to conventional photomask design and near field optical imaging and detection. 3) Structure-property relationships in elastomeric polymers that provide high modulus, high physical toughness and high index of refraction. This work will yield materials for robust, reliable stamps and masks for the 3D nanomanufacturing techniques described above. It will also establish general strategies for polymer modification based on (i) bimodal segments, (ii) blends with highly crosslinked network resins domains and (iii) phase separated nanoparticles.The science and methods that emerge from the research will be disseminated widely though conference talks, papers and materials posted on a central website, where they can be accessed and downloaded by any interested parties. Furthermore, the GOALI partner, Dow Corning Corporation, will provide expertise in new materials and processing methods, thus ensuring broad technology transfer of successful efforts and excellent educational and outreach opportunities for the students. A hands-on summer laboratory course on nanofabrication will be developed to introduce this important area to students from a wide range of disciplines. It will also expose these fields to underrepresented undergraduate students from Clark Atlanta University, an historically black institution, who will actively participate in this summer course and the research.