Nanoscale fabrication: techniques, limitations and future prospects

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the strategies and techniques being used and developed for the fabrication of nanoscale devices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses various nanofabrication technologies and strategies and highlights their merits and limitations. It concludes with a consideration of longer‐term possibilities.

Findings

It is shown that top‐down nanofabrication frequently uses lithographic and other techniques derived from the microtechnology industry but recent research appears to have identified a limit to its capabilities. Bottom‐up nanofabrication is less well‐developed but techniques such as molecular mechanosynthesis may offer unique capabilities in the longer‐term.

Originality/value

The paper provides a timely review of the rapidly developing field of nanofabrication technology.

Citation

Bogue, R. (2011), "Nanoscale fabrication: techniques, limitations and future prospects", Assembly Automation, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 304-308. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445151111172862