A method of writing very high frequency line and dot patterns, in exce
ss of 10,000 lines/mm, is described. This method uses a very small dia
meter, 10 to 20 nm, beam of electrons to sensitize a 100-nm thick laye
r of electron resist. The line and dot patterns are produced by etchin
g the sensitized resist. Moire fringe patterns occur when the line arr
ays are observed in the scanning electron microscope. Moire fringes wi
th excellent contrast have been produced at magnifications as high as
1900x. This capability permits e-beam moire to be employed in micromec
hanics. Examples of line arrays, dot arrays and moire fringe patterns
on a brass disk and on a tensile specimen fabricated from glass-fiber-
reinforced plastic are demonstrated to introduce the possibilities for
micromechanics applications.