Large Scale Directed Assembly & Transfer Research

Large Scale Directed Assembly & Transfer Research breaks down into two basic categories. The first involves the development of nanoplates to be used as tooling for an economically realistic production process. Once developed, CHN’s nanotemplates will be integrated as tooling for an economically realistic production process. Our research in this area works to construct self-assembling nano-building blocks over large areas in high-rate, scaleable, commercially viable processes such as injection molding and extrusion. The center is working on the synthesis of singlewall nanotubes with the desired size, functionality, and solubility for high-rate manufacturing. Chemical guides are being developed for self-alignment and registration.

The second piece of research that falls into this category involves the vital issues of reliability and failure. In order to mitigate the defects that may occur during fabrication, CHN is addressing three related functions: preventing failure, removing defects, and developing fault tolerance and self-repair. Among the challenges the center faces are selectively removing impurities and being able to clean nanostructures without destroying them. CHN researchers have designed and fabricated innovative MEMs based devices that can characterize nanowires, nanotubes, nanorods, and nanofibers.