Photochemical metallization at the nanoscale

Photochemical metal deposition is a powerful yet simple method for the controlled manipulation of metal nanostructures. In this chapter, the fundamentals of the technique are discussed and its capabilities are demonstrated for single metal particles, particle pairs, and ordered arrays of particles. The results obtained in fundamental experiments pave the way towards applications relevant for future electronic device packaging such as the photochemical fabrication of nanoscale junctions and wirings, the optimization of sensing applications, nanoscale corrosion protection, or the biocompatability of nanostructures.