Abstract: Methods for generating patterned nanoparticle assemblies in thin films of supramolecular nanocomposites are provided that allow control over microdomain morphology, periodicity, and orientation by tuning the assembly kinetics and pathways of the system. Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) with nanoparticles formed on lithographically-patterned templates produce patterned supramolecular nanocomposite films and patterns of nanoparticles. DSA may be used to guide the formation of concentric rings with radii spanning approximately 150 nm to 1150 nm and ring widths spanning about 30 nm to 60 nm, for example. When plasmonic nanoparticles are used, ring nanodevice arrays can be fabricated in one step, and the completed devices produce high-quality orbital angular momentum (OAM).

Abstract: A parallelized chain-synthesizing technique includes capillary tubes, where each tube provides multiple locations or addresses where a specific arbitrary sequence for polymeric chains can be synthesized. An optical addressing system selectively delivers light to the locations to mediate or control reactions in the tubes.