1-Dimensional Nanopatterned Polymers for Future Use in Microelectronics

NU-MRSEC researchers fabricated and characterized 1-dimensonal polymer nanostructures using a unique fluorescence technique. Their experiments provided the first measurements of the glass transition temperature (T_g) in such systems. T_g determines a polymer's stability and characteristics for use in applications. The researchers showed that when a polymer is perturbed by the presence of a large free surface area and strong surface interactions there are dramatic changes in T_g. These studies have important implications in the use of these materials in the next generation of microelectronics.