Stamping devices for nanotechnology using metallic glasses

Advances in using amorphous metal alloys may make possible an inexpensive nanotech version of the molding technique used to make DVDs. The pits stamped in DVDs are rectangles 320 by 400 nm, but now amorphous metals have been used to stamp features as small as 13 nm, and the researchers believe that they can further decrease the feature size, perhaps to as small as single atoms. From Yale University, via AAAS EurekAlert “Yale engineers revolutionize nano-device fabrication using amorphous metals“:

Yale engineers have created a process that may revolutionize the manufacture of nano-devices from computer memory to biomedical sensors by exploiting a novel type of metal. The material can be molded like plastics to create features at the nano-scale and yet is more durable and stronger than silicon or steel. The work is reported in the February 12 issue of Nature [abstract].