Module 7NM: Nanostructures, nanopatterning and nanomechanics (MAT6720)
Preparation, properties and evaluation of nanoscale structures
Above: Single carbon-nanotubes being picked up from an
aligned CNT-bundle layer by a nano-manipulator.
Image by Yong Peng.
Nanostructures exist as patterns or imprints or overgrowth structures on surfaces, but also as 1D, 2D and 3D structured free-standing objects. This module will emphasise nanowires, nanosticks, nanobelts and nanotubes beyond standard carbon tubes.
Also presented are 3D framework nanostructures, including nanoporous materials, and composite nanomaterials generated from these porous materials.
The nanopatterning methods introduced concentrate on focused ion beam and focused electron beam technology followed by mechanical imprint methods and other less common techniques beyond standard semiconductor device lithography processes.
Characterisation and metrology on the nanoscale are introduced around some more advanced methods of electron microscopy (in-situ testing) and nanoindentation, followed by scratch testing and other mechanical deformation-based methods on the nanoscale, such as those applicable to MEMS and NEMS devices.
Students will gain an insight into the relationship between instruments used in generating nanostructures (nanostructuring) and the properties of the generated nanostructures themesleves.
Back to: Nanomaterials for nanoengineering
