Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Research Seminar Series
Can Cyclic Block Copolymers Meet the Needs for Next-Generation Nanolithography?
Presented by Julie Albert, Chemical Engineering, Tulane University
Among the next generation of technologies, we expect medical diagnostic devices that are more accurate and portable; electronic devices that are faster, smaller, and capable of storing more information; and energy sources that are cleaner without sacrificing capacity or power. Self-assembling block copolymer (BCP) systems with tunable nano- and micro-structured morphologies can address these challenges. In this work, we sought to evaluate the properties of cyclic BCPs and linear/cyclic BCP blends in the context of nanolithography requirements to achieve feature sizes 20-40% smaller than their linear analogues – sub-10 nm feature sizes, narrow interfacial width, self-assembly at low molecular weights, and vertical orientation of nanostructures. I will discuss the challenges associated with the synthesis of strongly-segregating cyclic BCPs and how the use of dissipative particle dynamics simulations (collaboration with Prof. Hank Ashbaugh, Tulane) enabled us to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of using cyclic BCPs for nanolithography. I will conclude with my thoughts on the question posed in the title, “Can Cyclic Block Copolymers Meet the Needs for Next-Generation Nanolithography?”
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Open to the Public
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No