Microshaping metal surfaces by wave-directed self-organization

Abstract
Self-organization in the shaping of a metal surface is dictated by an internal wave that selects the type of modes from an externally imposed periodic pattern. An elastomeric mold, when placed on a thin bilayer of metal on polymer and heated, provides periodic nodes that give rise to a periodic wave of harmonic series. The internal wave in the bilayer selects the type, number of harmonic modes, and the fractional magnitude that each allowed harmonic mode contributes to the overall surface shape, thereby permitting shape engineering of the metal surface.