Slide Image: A collage of four nano images

Top left image is an optical microscope image showing the finger-like surface of an unstable polymer film exposed to an electric field.

Bottom left image shows surface reconstructions in thin copolymer films. Thin films of block copolymers have been used as templates and scaffolds for the fabrication of arrays of nanostructured materials. The appearance is somewhat like a honeycomb.

Top right image shows an interfacial assembly of nanoparticles. The directed self-assembly of functionalized, luminescent nanoparticles at oil-water interface, followed by crosslinking of the associated ligands, affords robust membranes. These composite membranes, nanometers in thickness, are shown to be effective diffusion barriers that have potential applications in controlled encapsulation and release.

Bottom right image shows a colorized micrograph of a nanoporous insulation film after "wrinkling" with a new NIST measurement method. The appearance is an interlocking, angular arrangement.

Credit (clockwise from top left): VISUAL, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Researcher Yao Lin, University of Massachusetts; NIST; Researcher Ting Xu, University of Massachusetts