This project has two goals: On one hand to master the science of subtractive plasma nanoassembly and on the other hand to demonstrate novel applications in emerging fields. 

The objectives concerning plasma nanoscience are:

• Design and implement a high-density plasma source incorporating controlled deposition flux of etch inhibitors for plasma nanoassembly
  
  
• Demonstrate nanopillars with controlled dimensions on organic and inorganic substrates using plasma nanoassembly
  
  
• Demonstrate 0, and 1d nanostructures (nanodots, nanopillars), as well as hierarchical nanostructures using plasma nanoassembly  and/or combination of self-assembly with plasma nanoassembly 
  
  
• Mathematically characterize plasma nanostructured surfaces with emphasis on their degree of order, using new defined correlation functions and complex system methods
  
  
• Simulate the process of nanoassembly and predict process windows and order range
  
  
• Prove the reproducibility, repeatability, and cost-effectiveness of subtractive plasma nanoassembly

Clearly subtractive plasma nanoassembly will be promoted when important applications are demonstrated. While the budget and time-frame of the project does not allow for thorough investigation of many applications, the Principal Investigator feels that demonstration in Life Sciences and Energy are important and attainable. The team includes therefore both experts in Life Sciences and electronic nano-devices. The following objectives are targeted:

Demonstration of novel lab-on-a-chip bio-micro systems for life science applications:

We plan to create “smart” surfaces with desired wetting and binding properties for biomolecules and cells, and incorporate these surfaces in “autonomous lab-on-a-chip” systems to impart new functionalities, facilitating point-of-care diagnostics:

• Control of liquid flow by both capillary action and hydrophobic valves
  
  
• Creation of nanostructured spots for biomolecule adsorption / capture, and demonstration of improved sensitivity for analysis
  
  
• Creation of nanostructured spots for selective cell adhesion and separation

Demonstration of  enhanced efficiency solar cells incorporating nanopillars:

• Fabrication of nanopillars on single crystal Si and industrial silicon used for photovoltaics, such as thin-film amorphous-microcrystalline Si
  
  
• Study of improvements on nanostructured with pillars model Si-photovoltaics and industrial tandem solar cells
  
  
• Fabrication of nanopillars on active layer of Organic Photovoltaic and study of efficiency improvement