Preparation of nanoscale gold structures by nanolithography

Gold is the material of first choice for the realisation of a large number of interesting nanoscale devices and structures due to its unique chemical and optical properties. However, conventional photolithographic processes cannot be used to manufacture such tiny structures in gold (or any other material) due to limitations imposed by the diffraction of light. New methods of lithography have been developed to overcome this limitation. In this article we review these new nanolithographic techniques, describe how they have been used to produce nanoscale precious metal artefacts, and briefly survey some of the existing and potential applications for these structures.