Laser focusing of atoms for nanostructure fabrication

Laser focusing of atoms has emerged as a viable form of nanofabrication. Structures are formed by focusing chromium atoms as they deposit onto a surface. The focusing occurs in a standing-wave laser field in one or two dimensions, resulting in arrays spaced at exactly half the laser wavelength (λ/2 = 212·78 nm). Atomic force, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopies are used to view the fabricated structures. Improvements in the technique, including narrowing of the linewidth and extension to two dimensions are discussed. Theoretical predictions for the shape of the deposited structures are also discussed.