Biologically inspired methods for volumetric deposition of colloidal materials for 3D nano-fabrication of optics and photonics (Conference Presentation)

Nanotechnology and more generally the ability to fabricate devices with nanoscale features has developed from a history rooted in the semiconductor industry; however, biology has long been able to programmatically assemble nanoscale structures with a vast array of functions. Inspired by this, we develop a set of volumetric deposition strategies related to the mechanisms of assembly employed in biological systems. Leveraging a technology for 3D nanofabrication, Implosion Fabrication, we have explored novel methods for depositing nanomaterials relevant to optics, photonics, and plasmonics using thiol-binding, hydrophobic interactions, protein binding, and hydrogen bonds into any 3D geometry with nanoscale resolution and gradient capabilities. Through the development of these novel deposition chemistries, we create a platform by which a large variety of functional nanomaterials can be directed to assemble for the future of device manufacture.