Microwiring of nanomaterials via multiphoton absorption polymerization and subsequent electroless enhancement

Nanomaterials have become increasingly important with the reduction in size of today's electronics, and thus understanding how the properties of nanomaterials differ from those of bulk materials has also become increasingly important. Two methodologies are discussed for electrically connecting nanomaterials such as gold nanowires. Both methods involve fabrication via laser-assisted multiphoton absorption followed by chemical modification of the microstructure surface to allow electroless deposition of metals to create conductive wires. Deposition of a variety of metals and metal oxides, such as copper, nickel, cobalt, and magnetite, is discussed. Characterization of conductivity of gold nanowires is also presented.