Scope and Objectives

Metamaterials are artificially structured materials which are engineered to exhibit unique properties that arise out of their internal structure and geometry, leading to

Deliverables

To fabricate large area metamaterial at visible wavelength by optimizing of tri-block copolymer thin film self organization leading to double gyroid internal architecture with 10 nm size. It will then be replicated in gold by selective etching and subsequent deposition. Emphasis will be on achieving large area defect free ordering.

Scientific Output

Controlling the Texture of Liquid Crystal Thin Films by imposing Lateral confinement.

Results and outcome till date

PS-b-PMMA films were spin-coated onto a neutral flat and patterned substrate that balances the interfacial interactions toward the two blocks, where an end-functionalized random copolymer was used to generate the neutral brushes anchored to the surface. The morphology was indicative of symmetric wetting. The samples will be subject to thermal or solvent vapor annealing for subsequent morphological reorganization.

Societal benefit and impact anticipated

This is like to lead to technological breakthrough.

Next steps

We will start working on controlling and modulation of the phase separated BCP morphology by varying spin coating conditions.

Publications and reports

Palash Dhara, Nandini Bhandaru, Anuja Das and Rabibrata Mukherjee, Transition from Spin Dewetting to continuous film in spin coating of Liquid Crystal 5CB, Scientific Reports, 8, 7169, 2018.

Patents

Scholars and Project Staff

Deepanjay Nimje, working since June 2018 Trapti Mudgal, working since April 2019

Challenges faced

Identification of suitable instrument for characterization of meta materials.

Other information