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Local control of microdomain orientation in diblock copolymer thin films with electric fields

Journal Article · · Science
; ; ; ;  [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Univ. of Chicago, IL (United States)
  2. Almaden Research Center, San Jose, CA (United States)

Local control of the domain orientation in diblock copolymer thin films can be obtained by the application of electric fields on micrometer-length scales. Thin films of an asymmetric polystyrene-polymethylmethacrylate diblock copolymer, with cylindrical polymethylmethacrylate microdomains, were spin-coated onto substrates previously patterned with planar electrodes. The substrates, 100-nanometer-thick silicon nitride membranes, allow direct observation of the electrodes and the copolymer domain structure by transmission electron microscopy. The cylinders aligned parallel to the electric field lines for fields exceeding 30 kilovolts per centimeter, after annealing at 250{degrees}C in an inert atmosphere for 24 hours. This technique could find application in nanostructure fabrication. 22 refs., 3 figs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
387407
Journal Information:
Science, Journal Name: Science Journal Issue: 5277 Vol. 273; ISSN SCIEAS; ISSN 0036-8075
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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