Fabrication of nanoplasmonic arrays with square symmetry using spin-coating method

A spin-coating method was applied for the first time to prepare a colloid monolayer on the optical crossed gratings used as a template. Four polystyrene colloids of various nominal sizes and different surface charges were spin-coated on templates with periods matched to the particles size. Three types of coverage were described depending on the spin-coating parameters and particles type. The optimal coverage was obtained for all four particles sizes. A way of finding the right spin-coating parameters was proposed. The analysis of a coverage capability of polystyrene particles showed that neutral particles have the highest ability to order on the templates used. Large monolayered areas of ordered particles were used as a lithographic mask for generating a pattern of gold nanoparticles with a square symmetry. A few hundred square micrometers large, continuous and fully defect-free areas of gold nanoparticles were produced on the nearly entire surface of the templated substrates.