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Conductive polymer patterned media fabricated by diblock copolymer lithography for scanning multiprobe data storage
Shinya Yoshida1, Takahito Ono, Masayoshi Esashi
1WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan.
Nanotechnology
|August 13, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a high-density conductive polymer dot pattern for scanning multiprobe data storage systems using diblock copolymer lithography. This method achieves a 30 nm pitch, enabling ultra-high-density data recording.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Data Storage
Background:
- Advancements in data storage demand higher recording densities.
- Scanning multiprobe data storage systems (SMDSSs) offer a potential pathway for ultra-high-density storage.
- Patterned media are crucial for achieving high bit densities in data storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a high-density conductive polymer dot pattern for SMDSS applications.
- To investigate the feasibility of using diblock copolymer lithography (DCL) for creating dense polymer dot patterns.
- To demonstrate electrical modification and high-density recording capabilities of the fabricated pattern.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diblock copolymer lithography (DCL) with polystyrene-block-polymethylmethacrylate.
- Fabricated a closed dot pattern of conductive polyaniline (PANI) with a 30 nm center-to-center distance.
- Employed scanning probe microscopy (SPM) for electrical modification experiments.
Main Results:
- Achieved a high dot pattern density significantly greater than electron beam lithography.
- Demonstrated selective conductivity modification of PANI dots via SPM.
- Successfully demonstrated recording at a minimum pitch of 30 nm, corresponding to ~700 Gbits/inch² recording density.
Conclusions:
- Diblock copolymer lithography is an effective method for fabricating high-density polymer dot patterns.
- The conductive polymer patterned medium shows significant potential for ultra-high-density data storage in SMDSSs.
- Selective electrical modification enables precise control for high-density recording applications.

