Glossary

Electron-beam lithography (EBL)

Similar to Photolithography, but instead of light the focused electron beam of a scanning electron microscope is used to modify a sensitive layer (resist) which was casted on a silicon wafer for example. A mask is not involved since the impact or dose of the electron beam can be adjust, e.g. areas to be structured receive a higher dose.

Electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID)

Electrons are focused on a surface of adsorbed procursor gas molecules. Inelastic collisions generate secondary electrons in the substarte that are re-emitted and dissociate precursor molecules. Nonvolatile products adhere to the surface, and a deposit grows. EBID has sub-10nm resolution.

Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM)

Mapping local differences in the surface potential. Based on the AFM, but using a conductive tip when a voltage is applied. The available information depends on the capacitance probe/sample and the surface potential.

Entanglement

Quantum theoretical term of a specific correlation between two particles (principle of superposition). Entangled particles can interact which each other independent of their spatial separation.

Entropy

Denotes the degree of disorder in a closed system and the probability if a reaction will take place or not. In a closed system entropy will increase until the equilibrium is reached. The thermodynamic definition of entropy is related to the fact, that the transformation of heat into work is limited: "There is no device that can transform heat withdrawn from a reservoir completely into work with no other effect.” (Lord Kelvin)

Enzymes

Molecular machines found in nature, made of proteins, which can catalyse (speed up) chemical reactions.

Epitaxy

Production of geometrically perfect layers on a crystalline surface by evaporation or sputtering techniques. The evaporated layer forms a single crystal.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

A complex structural entity surrounding and supporting cells that are found within mammalian tissues. The ECM is often referred to as the connective tissue. The ECM is composed of 3 major classes of biomolecules: 1. Structural proteins: collagen and elastin. 2. Specialized proteins: e.g. fibrillin, fibronectin, and laminin. 3. Proteoglycans: these are composed of a protein core to which is attached long chains of repeating disaccharide units termed of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) forming extremely complex high molecular weight components of the ECM.

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