Molecule-by-Molecule Writing Using a Focused Electron Beam

ACS Nano, 2012, 6 (11), pp 10076–10081.

Willem F. van Dorp , Xiaoyan Zhang , Ben L. Feringa , Thomas W. Hansen , Jakob B. Wagner , and Jeff Th. M. De Hosson. 

Applied Physics, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands

Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials and Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands

Center for Electron Nanoscopy, Technical University of Denmark, Fysikvej, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

 

 

Abstract

 

The resolution of lithography techniques needs to be extended beyond their current limits to continue the trend of miniaturization and enable new applications. But what is the ultimate spatial resolution? It is known that single atoms can be imaged with a highly focused electron beam. Can single atoms also be written with an electron beam? We verify this with focused electron-beam-induced deposition (FEBID), a direct-write technique that has the current record for the smallest feature written by (electron) optical lithography. We show that the deposition of an organometallic precursor on graphene can be followed molecule-by-molecule with FEBID. The results show that mechanisms that are inherent to the process inhibit a further increase in control over the process. Hence, our results present the resolution limit of (electron) optical lithography techniques. The writing of isolated, subnanometer features with nanometer precision can be used, for instance, for the local modification of graphene and for catalysis.

Copyright © 2012 American Chemical Society

 

 

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