Laser-based patterning of gold nanoparticles into microstructures.

A novel laser beam guided patterning technique for deposition of nanoparticle clusters of various materials on movable substrates and fabrication of microstructures is described. An example of the technique’s application, the fabrication of gold microstrips of under 100-150 μm in width, is discussed. Microstrip patterning is achieved by making use of gold thiolate nanoparticles (7-20 nm). The experiments reveal one of the assets of this technique, the in situ manufacturing ability to form gold electrodes on deposited patterns. Such features could be explored for the fabrication of microsensors of varying conducting characteristics.