Spatial control of organic nanocrystal nucleation in sol–gel thin films for 3-D optical data storage devices or chemical multi-sensors

Abstract

We have controlled the spatial distribution of organic nanocrystals grown in sol–gel thin films prepared by spin-coating. This spatial control of nucleation is carried out through the difference in confinement between the surface and the depth of the sol–gel thin films at the first stage of the coating process. Thus, we can direct the nucleation sites in grooves or wells of textured substrates. We have achieved, respectively 1- and 2-D ordering of nanocrystals while 3-D patterns have been obtained through a multi-layer process. This nucleation control gives an opportunity to design new 3-D optical data storage or 2-D arrays of luminescent crystals for chemical or biological multi-sensors.