Fabrication of three-dimensional surface structures with highly fluorescent quantum dots by surface-templated layer-by-layer assembly

The selective build-up of 3D surface structures with highly fluorescent quantum dots (QD) was discussed. The build-up was demonstrated by modification of the QD surface coatings, choosing proper assembly partners, and using a surface-resist coating to reduce non-specific secondary interactions. It was found that the signal-to-background ratio obtained of ∼7000 demonstrates the excellent selectivity in the multilayer assembly. The results show that the height of the features can be controlled easily by variation of the number of assembly cycles.