damascene templates have two - dimensionally patterned raised metal features disposed on an underlying conductive layer extending across a substrate . the templates are topographically flat overall , and the patterned conductive features establish micron - scale and nanometer - scale patterns for the assembly of nanoelements into nanoscale circuits and sensors . the templates are made using microfabrication techniques together with chemical mechanical polishing . these templates are compatible with various directed assembly techniques , including electrophoresis , and offer essentially 100 % efficient assembly and transfer of nanoelements in a continuous operation cycle . the templates can be repeatedly used for transfer of patterned nanoelements thousands of times with minimal or no damage , and the transfer process involves no intermediate processes between cycles . the assembly and transfer processes employed are carried out at room temperature and pressure and are thus amenable to low cost , high - rate device production .