Nanopatterning with Lithography

In this Activity, students learn the general principles of serial and parallel nanofabrication techniques. Students use nylon spheres, contact paper, and talcum powder to form patterns. Using this macroscale analogy, students explore the parallel fabrication technique known as nanosphere lithography. This Activity can be integrated into discussions on the transition from individual atoms to extended structures. Instructors can draw parallels to atom packing in solids as well as emphasize geometry concepts. This Activity can be extended to include photolithography by using a UV lamp and photosensitive paper to develop the patterns.