Patent ID: 7172795

Claim:
A method for making three-dimensional structures of nanometric or micrometric dimensions, wherein the three-dimensional structures are surface projections having a height of up to 500 microns and having defined geometries, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) obtaining of a photopolymerizable mixture including nanoparticles orientable in space; (b) deposition of the mixture on a substrate to form a layer; (c) exposure of the layer to UV-radiation to cause polymerization of the photopolymeirzable mixture and control of state of polymerization based on variation of the index of refraction of the layer; (d) application of a magnetic and/or electrical field to the layer to produce a desired orientation or positioning of the nanoparticles and to induce the growth of the surface projections from the layer; and (e) polymerization of the mixture, wherein the nanometric dimensions are dimensions from about 50 nm to 1 Î¼m, and the micrometric dimensions are dimensions from about 50 Î¼m to about 500 Î¼m, and the control of state of polymerization is carried out by detection of the variation of the index refraction of the layer in the areas thereof having different degrees of cross-linking, to consequently modify intensity of the magnetic or electrical field.