Mesoscale pyramids, arrays and methods of preparation

Abstract

Ordered, two-dimensional arrays of pyramidal particulates and related methods of preparation.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A composite comprising a dielectric component and two-dimensional substantially planar array of metallic pyramidal components, said pyramidal components uniformly oriented and at least partially imbedded within said dielectric component. 
     
     
         2 . The composite of  claim 1  wherein said pyramidal components comprise a noble metal. 
     
     
         3 . The composite of  claim 2  wherein said pyramidal components comprise a multi-layered composition. 
     
     
         4 . The composite of  claim 3  wherein each said layer comprises a thickness dimension less than about 65 nm. 
     
     
         5 . The composite of  claim 1  wherein said pyramidal components comprise a basal dimension up to about 300 nm and a tip radius of curvature ranging from less than about 2 nm to about 15 nm. 
     
     
         6 . The composite of  claim 4  wherein said pyramidal components comprise a basal dimension ranging from about 100 nm to about 250 nm, and a tip radius of curvature less than about 10 nm. 
     
     
         7 . The composite of  claim 6  wherein each said pyramidal component comprises a configuration of at least one layer, each said layer comprising a thickness dimension ranging between about 10 nm and about 50 nm. 
     
     
         8 . The composite of  claim 1  comprising up to about 10 8  pyramidal components per square inch of said dielectric component. 
     
     
         9 . The composite of  claim 8  wherein said dielectric component comprises a film comprising a thickness dimension up to about 15 microns. 
     
     
         10 . The composite of  claim 9  wherein said dielectric component comprises a poly(dimethylsiloxane).