Long range ordering in self-assembled Ni arrays on patterned Si

We have succeeded in aligning self-assembled structures by using a lithographically defined stripe. The 140 nm wide by 100 nm high SiO₂ strip is shown to guide the assembly of 500 nm latex spheres so that spheres are aligned along the strip and are in registration on either side of the strip. This method can be used to increase long-range ordering in magnetic storage systems without compromising the density. Inverse sphere Ni arrays were made by electrodeposition through the latex template. We also show that the hexagonal symmetry of the resulting inverse sphere Ni arrays can be simulated using the approach presented below.