Selected immobilization of individual nanoparticles by spot-exposure electron-beam-induced deposition.

The use of spot-exposure electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID) to immobilize targeted nanoparticles on a substrate is demonstrated, and investigated using experiment and simulation. Nanoparticles are secured in place through the build-up of carbonaceous material that forms in the region between a particle and substrate when an energetic electron beam is focused onto the particle and projected through to the substrate. Material build-up directly affects the strength of adhesion to the surface, and can be controlled through electron dosage and beam energy. By selectively immobilizing specific particles within surface agglomerations and removing the excess, we illustrate the potential for spot-exposure EBID as a new technique for nanofabrication.