Abstract: The method of the present invention utilizes atomic force microscopy techniques (AFM) for the reversible formation of nanoscale polymeric features by localized heating and mechanical deformation, generated through electrostatically mediated interactions across the polymer film between a conductive backplane and the cantilever AFM tip. This technique utilizes a selective lifting/placement of the cantilevered tip in the z direction (perpendicular to the planar surface of the polymer) to produce nanostructures of precise dimensions in contact AFM mode from regions of polymer locally heated by current flow between the cantilever AFM tip and the conductive substrate.

Abstract: An atomic force microscopy polymer nanolithography method is described. The method of the present invention enables rapid creation of raised or depressed features in a polymer film. The features are generated by mass transport of polymer within an initially uniform, planar film via localized softening of attoliters of polymer by Joule heating. This localized softening of the polymer is accomplished by current flow between the AFM tip and a conductive wafer upon which the layer of polymer is mounted.

Abstract: A method of amplitude modulated electrostatic polymer nanolithography providing rapid creation of features in a polymer film is disclosed. The nanolithography method of the present invention generates features by mass transport of polymer within an initially uniform, planar film via localized softening of attoliters (102-105 nm3) of polymer by Joule heating enabling high data densities upon the surface of the polymer. This localized Joule heating is accomplished by current flow between the cantilever AFM tip and a conductive wafer upon which the layer of polymer is grown or mounted.