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Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B, Vol.13, No.5, 1933-1937, 1995
Scanning Probe Anodization - Patterning of Hydrogen-Terminated Silicon Surfaces for the Nanofabrication of Gold Structures by Electroless Plating
We have developed a nanofabrication method that uses patterned anodic silicon oxide as a template for pattern transfer to a gold (Au) nanostructure. The oxide patterns were prepared on a hydrogen-terminated silicon (Si-H) surface by scanning probe anodization, that is, electrochemical nanolithography based on scanning probe microscopy. These anodic oxide patterns were transferred to Au patterns through area-selective electroless plating, in which Au deposition proceeds selectively on the unanodized Si-H area while the anodic oxide surface remains free of deposits. Due to low Au nucleation density on the Si-H surfaces, Au lines formed by the electroless plating were discontinuous when their linewidth narrowed to less than 50 nm. The nucleation density was increased by a chemical etching of the Si-H surface prior to plating. We have successfully fabricated a continuous Au line as narrow as similar to 30 nm.