Abstract:
Gold is the material of first choice for the realisation
of a large number of interesting nanoscale devices
and structures due to its unique chemical and optical
properties. However, conventional photolithographic
processes cannot be used to manufacture such tiny
structures in gold (or any other material) due to
limitations imposed by the diffraction of light.
New methods of lithography have been developed
to overcome this limitation. In this article we review
these new nanolithographic techniques, describe
how they have been used to produce nanoscale
precious metal artefacts, and briefly survey some of
the existing and potential applications for these
structures.
