We demonstrate the utilization of various transition metals in a biolo
gically derived, nanometer-scale patterning process. This process crea
ted large arrays of nanometer-scale dots (nanodot arrays) with several
of these metals. The correlation between nanodot array formation and
the interaction energies between metal atoms, other metals atoms, and
the surface of the sample was explored. The behavior of the metal fill
s was then investigated with the aid of a Monte Carlo solid-on-solid s
imulation, (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.