With the increasing demand for large-scale nano- and micropatterns in the field of digital displays, nano- and micropattern replication technology has become a research priority. In this study, a continuous ultraviolet (UV) roll nanoimprinting process using a pattern roll stamper for the replication of large-scale nano- and micropatterns was designed and constructed. Several flexible nano- and micropatterns with large areas were fabricated and analyzed as tests of this continuous UV imprinting process.

Coupling a tightly packed layer of discrete metal nanoparticles to the resonant mode of a photonic crystal surface has been demonstrated as a means for obtaining additional electromagnetic gain for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), in which electric fields of the photonic crystal can couple to plasmon resonances of the metal nanoparticles. Because metal nanoparticles introduce absorption that quench the photonic crystal resonance, a balance must be achieved between locating the metal nanoparticles too close to the surface while still positioning them within the enhanced evanescent field to maximize coupling to surface plasmons. In this work, we describe a parametric study into the design of a photonic crystal-SERS substrate, comprised of a replica molded photonic crystal slab as the dielectric optical resonator, a SiO₂ “post” layer spacer, and an Ag “cap” metal nanostructure. Using the Raman signal for trans-1,2-bis(4pyridyl)ethane, the coupling efficiency was maximized for a SiO₂ “post” layer thickness of 50 nm and a Ag “cap” height of ~20 nm, providing an additional enhancement factor of 21.4.

Micro/nano-precision glass molding (MNPGM) is an efficient approach for manufacturing micro/nanostructured glass components with intricate geometry and a high-quality optical finish. In MNPGM, the mold, which directly imprints the desired pattern on the glass substrate, is a key component. To date, a wide variety of mold inserts have been utilized in MNPGM. The aim of this article is to review the latest advances in molds for MNPGM and their fabrication methods. Surface finishing is specifically addressed because molded glass is usually intended for optical applications in which the surface roughness should be lower than the wavelength of incident light to avoid scattering loss. The use of molds for a wide range of molding temperatures is also discussed in detail. Finally, a series of tables summarizing the mold fabrication methods, mold patterns and their dimensions, anti-adhesion coatings, molding conditions, molding methods, surface roughness values, glass substrates and their glass transition temperatures, and associated applications are presented. This review is intended as a roadmap for those interested in the glass molding field.