Abstract:
The invention provides a system and process of patterning structures on a carbon based surface comprising exposing part of the surface to an ion flux, such that material properties of the exposed surface are modified to provide a hard mask effect on the surface. A further step of etching unexposed parts of the surface forms the structures on the surface. The inventors have discovered that by controlling the ion exposure, alteration of the surface structure at the top surface provides a mask pattern, without substantially removing any material from the exposed surface. The mask allows for subsequent ion etching of unexposed areas of the surface leaving the exposed areas raised relative to the unexposed areas thus manufacturing patterns onto the surface. For example, a Ga+ focussed ion beam exposes a pattern onto a diamond surface which produces such a pattern after its exposure to a plasma etch. The invention is particularly suitable for patterning of clear well-defined structures down to nano-scale dimensions.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a microstructured tool having a microstructured layer having a polymer and a microstructured surface; a nickel layer disposed adjacent the microstructured layer opposite the microstructured surface; and a base layer disposed adjacent the nickel layer opposite the microstructured layer. The microstructured surface may have at least one feature having a maximum depth of up to about 1000 um. Also disclosed herein is a method of making the microstructured tool using laser ablation. The microstructured tool may be used to make articles suitable for use in optical applications.
Abstract:
A method is provided for manufacturing microstructures of the type which contain a substrate and an array of protruding microelements with through-holes, which are used in penetrating layers of skin. The microelements are embossed or pressed into an initial substrate structure, which in some embodiments is formed from extruded polymeric material, and in some cases from two layers of polymer that are co-extruded. The through-holes are formed from filled through-cylinders of a second material that is removed after the embossing or pressing step; in other instances, the through-holes are left hollow during the embossing or pressing step.
Abstract:
A lithographic process for forming a pattern in relief (20) on a mass (10) of polymeric material comprises the steps of: preparing the mass (10) of polymeric material and a die (12) having a surface region (14) facing towards the mass (10) of polymeric material and which reproduces in negative the pattern in relief (20); heating the die (12) and putting the mass (10) of polymeric material into contact with the die (12) in any temporal sequence, in such a way that the part of the mass (10) of polymeric material in contact with the surface zone (14) is subject to softening; and separating the die (12) from the mass (10) of polymeric material on the surface of which the pattern in relief (20) has been formed. The heating of at least one part of the die (12) is obtained by generation of thermal energy upon dissipation of another form of energy in at leats one region (16) of the die (12).
Abstract:
An array of microneedles is provided to apply semi-permanent or permanent markings to skin, or to apply semi-permanent subcutaneous makeup or other cosmetic compounds to skin. The microneedles can apply identifications or other tattoo-like graphics, and will not enter into the dermal layer of the skin so that the application procedure is painless. The markings can be made permanent or semi-permanent, and can be applied with monochrome or multi-color inks, or even inks that are not visible at human eye wavelengths. The preferred inks contain particles of a certain minimum size that will not diffuse too far through the skin, thereby maintaining a high resolution, and if placed into the epidermis, the marking will disappear from the skin after a time period. The microneedle array is also useful for delivering specific compounds or actives into the skin, such as cosmetic compounds or nutrients, or various skin structure modifiers that can be delivered subcutaneously without having to visit a cosmetic surgery clinic. In addition, color cosmetics could also be delivered subcutaneously to provide long-term benefits for the skin, and even makeup or lipstick-type coloring compounds can be delivered by use of the microneedle patches described hereinabove. The color cosmetics are delivered into the epidermis, where they remain in place for at least one or two months. Since the epidermis is renewable, the color makeup or color cosmetics that are delivered would eventually wear out, since the epidermis is renewable; the delivered color pigment or dye, or skin structure support actives (such as polymers) will remain in the epidermis for only a finite time (e.g., 1-3 months), and then will be expunged from the body. This allows a person to change their "look" according to changes in fashion and style, which typically change every season.
Abstract:
The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, improved microfluidic systems and methods for fabricating improved microfluidic systems, which contain one or more levels of microfluidic channels. The inventive methods can provide a convenient route to topologically complex and improved microfluidic systems. The microfluidic systems provided according to the invention can include three-dimensionally arrayed networks of fluid flow paths therein including channels that cross over or under other channels of the network without physical intersection at the points of cross over. The microfluidic networks of the invention can be fabricated via replica molding processes, also provided by the invention, utilizing mold masters including surfaces having topological features formed by photolithography. The microfluidic networks of the invention are, in some cases, comprised of a single replica molded layer, and, in other cases, are comprised of two, three, or more replica molded layers that have been assembled to form the overall microfluidic network structure. The present invention also describes various novel applications for using the microfluidic network structures provided by the invention.
Abstract:
A microneedle array is manufactured using a mold preparation procedure that begins by placing an optical mask over a layer of PMMA material, exposing the PMMA material to x-rays, then developing using a photoresist process. The remaining PMMA material is then electroplated with metal. Once the metal has reached an appropriate thickness, it is detached to become a metal mold that is used in a microembossing procedure, in which the metal mold is pressed against a heated layer of plastic material. Once the mold is pressed down to its proper distance, the plastic material is cooled until solidified, and the mold is then detached, thereby leaving behind an array of microneedles. If the microneedles are hollow, then an additional procedure is used to create through-holes all the way through the underlying substrate material using laser optical means.
Simplified title:压模及使用压模的图案复印方法以及依复印图案的构造体的形成方法 STAMPER, LITHOGRAPHIC METHOD OF USING THE STAMPER AND METHOD OF FORMING A STRUCTURE BY A LITHOGRAPHIC PATTERN