| abstract |
A long range, periodically ordered array of discrete nano-features (10), such as nano-islands, nano-particles, nano-wires, non- tubes, nano-pores, nano-composition-variations, and nano-device-components, are fabricated by propigation of a self-assembling array or nucleation and growth of periodically aligned nano-features. The propagation may be induced by a laterally or circularly moving heat source, a stationary heat source arranged at an edge of the material to be patterned (12), or a series of sequentially activated heaters or electrodes. Advantageously, the long-range periodic array of nano-features (10) may be utilized as a nano-mask or nano- implant master pattern for nano-fabrication of other nano-structures. Ih addition, the inventive long-range, periodically ordered arrays of nano-features are useful in a variety of nanoscale applications such as addressable memories or logic devices, ultra-high-density magnetic recording media, magnetic sensors, photonic devices, quantum computing devices, quantum luminescent devices, and efficient catalytic devices. |