Fabrication of metal structures with nanometer-scale lateral dimensions by sectioning using a microtome

This Communication describes the fabrication of planar structures comprising metallic features with nanometer-scale lateral dimensions in polymer prepared by sectioning a thin metallic film, embedded in a polymer matrix, in a plane perpendicular to the metallic film. This procedure converts a structure that is thin along the z-axis into a structure that is thin along the x-axis. The embedded thin metal film is still conductive and can be used as a nanoelectrode. The structure and composition of the exposed nanoedge can be easily tuned by changing the structure of the surface supporting the metal film, and the composition and the thickness of that film.