Theory of lithographically-induced self-assembly

Recent experiments show that, when a two-phase fluid confined between parallel substrates is subject to an electric field, one phase can self-assemble into a triangular lattice of islands in another phase. We describe a theory of the stability of the island lattice. It is well known that the total i...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inApplied physics letters Vol. 78; no. 25; pp. 3971 - 3973
Main Authors Suo, Z., Liang, J.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States The American Physical Society 18.06.2001
Subjects
CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTROSTATICS
FREE ENERGY
ISLANDS
PHYSICS
STABILITY
SUBSTRATES
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Recent experiments show that, when a two-phase fluid confined between parallel substrates is subject to an electric field, one phase can self-assemble into a triangular lattice of islands in another phase. We describe a theory of the stability of the island lattice. It is well known that the total interface energy reduces when the island diameter increases. We show that, under certain conditions, the electrostatic free energy reduces when the island diameter decreases. The islands select the equilibrium diameter to minimize the combined interface energy and electrostatic energy. We describe the conditions for electrostatic field to stabilize the island lattice, and analyze an idealized model. The theory suggests considerable experimental control over stable island size.
Bibliography:NONE
US
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.1380728