Direct Patterning of CdSe Quantum Dots into Sub-100 nm Structures

Ordered, two-dimensional cadmium selenide (CdSe) arrays have been fabricated on indium-doped fill oxide (ITO) electrodes using the pattern replication in nonwetting templates (PRINT) process. CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with an average diameter of 2.7 nm and a pyridine surface ligand were used for patterning. The PRINT technique utilizes a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) elastomeric mold that is tolerant of most organic solvents, thus allowing solutions of CdSe QDs in 4-picoline to be used for patterning Without significant deformation of the mold. Nanometer-scale diffraction gratings have been successfully replicated with CdSe QDs.