Abstract:
An electroplating method that includes: a) contacting a first substrate with a first article, which includes a substrate and a conformable mask disposed in a pattern on the substrate; b) electroplating a first metal from a source of metal ions onto the first substrate in a first pattern, the first pattern corresponding to the complement of the conformable mask pattern; and c) removing the first article from the first substrate, is disclosed. Electroplating articles and electroplating apparatus are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A stamper-forming electrode material contains Ag as its main ingredient and at least one other element, preferably Au and/or Cu. It is preferred that the Au and Cu contents each be 5.0 wt % or less. A stamper-forming thin film is made of this stamper-forming electrode material, whereby its corrosion resistance is improved to suppress damage to itself, and a high-quality stamper can hence be formed.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the area of microelectromechanical systems in which electronic circuits and mechanical devices are integrated on the same silicon chip. The method taught herein allows the fabrication of thin film structures in excess of 150 microns in height using thin film deposition processes. Wafers may be employed as reusable molds for efficient production of such structures.
Abstract:
Surface micromachining and bulk micromachining are employed for realizing a porous membrane with bulk support for a microparticle filter. The filter is manufactured by a process employing a thin film etch-stop, in which the bulk substrate is etched using a first etching process followed by etching of the etch stop and of material within pores of a filter layer using a second etching process. The filter is sufficiently sturdy to allow for easy handling. It may be used as a diffusion barrier and under high pressures. The disclosed fabrication method is simple, reliable, and integrated-circuit compatible, and thus amenable to mass production. Electronic circuitry may be integrated on the filter surface, as may be desired for several purposes, such as fluid characterization, filter self-cleaning, or charging of the filter surfaces. Methods are shown for the realization of biological containment capsules based on this microfilter.
Abstract:
Microfabricated filters utilizing a bulk substrate structure and a thin film structure and a method for constructing such filters. The pores of the filters are defined by spaces between the bulk substrate structure and the thin film structure and are of substantially uniform width, length and distribution. The width of the pores is defined by the thickness of a sacrificial layer and therefore may be smaller than the limit of resolution obtainable with photolithography. The filters provide enhanced mechanical strength, chemical inertness, biological compatibility, and throughput. The filters are constructed using relatively simple fabrication techniques. Also, microfabricated containment wells and capsules constructed with such filters for the immunological isolation of cell transplants and a method for constructing such containment wells and capsules. The pores of the wells and capsules are large enough to let a desired biologically-active molecular product through, while blocking the passage of all larger immunological molecules. The containment wells and capsules provide enhanced biological compatibility and useful life.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the area of microelectromechanical systems in which electronic circuits and mechanical devices are integrated on the same silicon chip. The method taught herein allows the fabrication of thin film structures in excess of 150 microns in height using thin film deposition processes. Wafers may be employed as reusable molds for efficient production of such structures. Various material properties may be varied within the structures to produce electrical, mechanical or electromechanical devices.
Abstract:
La présente invention concerne un procédé de fabrication d'une pluralité de microstructures métalliques caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes consistant à: a) se munir d'un substrat conducteur ou d'un substrat isolant recouvert d'une couche conductrice d'amorçage. b) appliquer sur la partie conductrice de la surface du substrat une couche de résine photosensible, c) aplanir la surface de la couche de résine photosensible jusqu'à une épaisseur et/ou un état de surface désiré d) irradier la couche de résine à travers un masque définissant le contour de la microstructure désirée; e) dissoudre les zones non polymérisées de la couche de résine photosensible pour faire apparaître par endroit la surface conductrice du substrat, f) déposer galvaniquement au moins une couche d'un métal à partir de ladite couche conductrice pour former un bloc atteignant sensiblement la surface supérieure de la résine photosensible, g) aplanir la résine et le métal électroformé pour amener la résine et les blocs électroformés au même niveau et ainsi former des pièces ou microstructure électro formées, h) séparer la couche de résine et le bloc électrodéposé du substrat, et i) éliminer la couche de résine photosensible de la structure obtenue à l'issu de l'étape g) pour libérer les microstructures ainsi formées.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a micro needle array with an X-ray process. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a micro needle array, comprising the steps of preparing an X-ray mask by forming an absorber having a configuration of the micro needle array on a substrate; preparing a PMMA cast for the micro needle array by exposing PMMA to vertical an inclined X-rays using the X-ray mask; preparing a flexible PDMS mold having a configuration opposite to that of the PMMA cast by pouring PDMS on the PMMA cast; filling an upper surface of the PDMS mold with a gel type of polymer to obtain a desired thickness of the polymer; patterning a desired configuration of a hole by irradiating UV rays on the polymer; and separating the PDMS mold to complete th polymer micro needle array. The micro needle array of the present invention is made of a polymer material and can be used for drawing blood from or injecting a medicine into the skin.
Abstract:
An electroplating method that includes: a) contacting a first substrate (2) with a first electroplating article (4), which includes a support and a conformable mask disposed in a pattern on the support; b) electroplating a first metal from an electroplating bath (58) which is a source of metal ions onto the first substrate in a first pattern, the first pattern corresponding to the complement of the conformable mask pattern; and c) removing the first article from the first substrate, is disclosed. The method may be used in the microfabrication of miniaturized devices. Electroplating articles and electroplating apparatus are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for producing micro-components in a simple manner consisting of the following steps: a magazine is produced from an electrically non-conductive moulding material encompassing at least one micro-component made from a chemically soluble material (micro-component of a first variety) on its side surfaces in positive fit; one side of the magazine and the micro-component of a first variety is provided with a coating or with a substrate of an electrically conductive material; the micro-component of the first variety is removed, the empty magazine is filled with a metal or a metal alloy to produce metal micro-components of a second variety and the coating or substrate is removed.