Lasers are utilized in several key areas within nanotechnology:
1. Lithography: Lasers are essential in photolithography, a process used to create extremely fine patterns on semiconductor materials. This technique is crucial for manufacturing integrated circuits and other nanoscale devices. 2. Spectroscopy: Laser-based spectroscopy techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, are employed to study the composition and properties of nanomaterials. These methods offer high sensitivity and resolution. 3. Nanofabrication: Lasers can be used to precisely cut, shape, and assemble materials at the nanoscale, enabling the creation of intricate nanostructures and devices. 4. Optical Trapping: Also known as optical tweezers, this technique uses focused laser beams to manipulate and move nanoparticles and molecules with high precision. 5. Nanoimaging: Advanced imaging techniques like confocal microscopy and SNOM utilize lasers to achieve high-resolution images of nanostructures.
