Quasi-static Simulation of Laser-Directed Self-Assembly of Highly Aligned Lamellar and Cylindrical Block Copolymer Nanostructures

Abstract

In experiments, self-assembled vertical lamellar or surface-parallel cylindrical nanodomains can be aligned by lateral scan of focused laser, and excellent long-range order over 10um length scale can be achieved. For the systematic understanding of this experimental observation, we develop quasi-static simulation employing successive self-consistent field theory calculation. Miniaturized simulations of experimental systems could confirm a strong tendency for lamellar domains to grow in the direction of laser scanning. Cylindrical self-assembled domains exhibit similar behaviors provided that the surface prefers one block and the block copolymer film thickness is moderate.