Nanometer scale patterning of a monolayer Langmuir-Blodgett film with a scanning tunneling microscope in air

Nanometer scale patterns have been fabricated on a Langmuir-Blodgett deposited monolayer film of stearic acid using a scanning tunneling microscope in air. Carbon deposits build up underneath the tip for tip voltages with absolute value greater than 4 V. Using an atomic force microscope for image, lines 25 nm wide on a 60 nm period have been written. As confirmed with Auger electron spectroscopy, the unexposed film can be removed with a chloroform soak without affecting the existing carbon patterns, and no additional patterns could then be written because of the removal of the monolayer film.