Implosion Fabrication: 3D nanofabrication by volumetric deposition and controlled shrinkage of patte
- Daniel Oran
- Dec 13, 2018
- 1 min read
Lithographic nanofabrication is often limited to successive fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) layers. We present a strategy for the direct assembly of 3D nanomaterials consisting of metals, semiconductors, and biomolecules arranged in virtually any 3D geometry. We used hydrogels as scaffolds for volumetric deposition of materials at defined points in space. We then optically patterned these scaffolds in three dimensions, attached one or more functional materials, and then shrank and dehydrated them in a controlled way to achieve nanoscale feature sizes in a solid substrate. We demonstrate that our process, Implosion Fabrication (ImpFab), can directly write highly conductive, 3D silver nanostructures within an acrylic scaffold via volumetric silver deposition. Using ImpFab, we achieve resolutions in the tens of nanometers and complex, non–self-supporting 3D geometries of interest for optical metamaterials.
The concept of volumetric nanofabrication is nothing short of revolutionary. Implosion fabrication, through controlled deposition and shrinkage, demonstrates how we can manipulate materials at a microscopic level to create highly intricate structures previously thought impossible. Such techniques are vital for advancing microengineering and biomedical applications, but they also inspire artistic and design innovations. For those looking to translate these advanced concepts into more accessible 3D printing projects, https://www.gambody.com/stock provides a collection of high-poly STL files that allow creators to experiment with complex models without needing advanced fabrication equipment. These tools not only make sophisticated design achievable but also highlight how 3D printing bridges the experimental research world and everyday creative expression, enabling enthusiasts to explore cutting-edge structures at their own…