there is intense and growing interest in one - dimensional ( 1-d ) nanostructures from the perspective of their synthesis and unique properties , especially with respect to their excellent optical response and an ability to form heterostructures . 
 this review discusses alternative approaches to preparation and organization of such structures , and their potential properties . 
 in particular , molecular - scale printing is highlighted as a method for creating organized pre - cursor structure for locating nanowires , as well as vapor  liquid  solid ( vls ) templated growth using nano - channel alumina ( nca ) , and deposition of 1-d structures with glancing angle deposition ( glad ) . 
 as regards novel optical properties , we discuss as an example , finite size photonic crystal cavity structures formed from such nanostructure arrays possessing highqand small mode volume , and being ideal for developing future nanolasers .