Importance of nanoscale pattern

While we are still in the era of technology, the Moore’s law is about to face a challenge because we are approaching the limits of photolithography. Manufacturers are desperate to search for new methods for replacement. As a result, self-assembly of molecules has become the research frontier in nanotechnology. We are interested in nanoscale patterns because they are the foundation of all electronic devices. In the current nanoscience field, researchers can create nanoparticles of different size and shapes, but we are still having difficulties in controlling nanoparticles assembly into higher order structures. Our research group uses computational methods to understand the underlying principles that dictate how nanoparticles assemble into various superlattices. In the image, we show the model of dodecanethiol ligated gold nanoparticle used in many of our MD simulations. Background images are fascinating patterns that I came across during the Pacifichem 2010 conference where we presented some of our results. Going in the clockwise direction starting from the bottom left it is the bird view of Chicago downtown, architecture of the convention center in Honolulu, sand pattern and palm trees at the Waikiki beach, man canoeing on a surfing board, and the Sheraton Waikiki hotel.