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 and 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 the 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:
Performance and reliability of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) components enhanced dramatically through the incorporation of protective thin film coatings. Current-generation MEMS devices prepared by the LIGA technique employ transition metals such as Ni, Cu, Fe, or alloys thereof, and hence lack stability in oxidizing, corrosive, and/or high temperature environments. Fabrication of a superhard, self-lubricating coating based on a ternary boride compound AlMgB14 is described in this letter as a potential breakthrough in protective coating technology for LIGA microdevices. Nanoindentation tests show that hardness of AlMgB14 films prepared by pulsed laser deposition ranges from 45 GPa to 51 GPa, when deposited at room temperature and 573 K, respectively. Extremely low friction coefficients of 0.04-0.05, which are thought to result from a self-lubricating effect, have also been confirmed by nanoscratch tests on the AlMgB14 films. Transmission electron microscopy studies show that the as-deposited films are amorphous, regardless of substrate temperature; however, analysis of FTIR spectra suggests that the higher substrate temperature facilitates formation of the B12 icosahedral framework, therefore leading to the higher hardness.
Abstract:
The invention includes methods of fabrication and apparatuses. In at least some embodiments of the applicants' invention, the methods include processes of: maskless selective deposition of non-layered structures, selective etching and/or deposition without use of a separate mask and/or lithography techniques, retaining selected portions of sacrificial material during removal (e.g. etching) of other portions of sacrificial material, depositing materials other than the structural and sacrificial materials, including more than one type of structural and/or sacrificial material, and fabrication of interlacing elements. Embodiments of the methods of the invention provide increased capabilities, properties, flexibility and in the fabrication of three-dimensional structures by electro-deposition or other techniques. In certain embodiments, the apparatuses of the invention include structures having non-layered elements, retained sacrificial materials, three or more different deposited materials, and interlaced elements.
Abstract:
An electroplating method includes forming a layer, the forming of the layer includes: a) contacting a substrate with a first article, the first article includes a support and a conformable mask disposed in a pattern on the support; b) electroplating a first metal from a source of metal ions onto the 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 substrate. The method may further involve one or more of (1) selectively depositing or non-selectively depositing one or more additional materials to complete formation of the layer, (2) planarizing deposited material after each deposition or after all depositions for a layer, and/or (3) forming layers adjacent previously formed layers to build up a structure from a plurality of adhered layers. Electroplating articles and electroplating apparatus are also disclosed.
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 ion 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:
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:
The present invention provides a capsule made of a biologically compatible material with sufficient mechanical strength to form a very thin membrane shell having at least a region with approximately uniformly sized and spaced holes or pores that are large enough to let a desired biologically active molecular product through, while blocking the passage of all larger immunological molecules. The present invention thus provides an immunological isolation of cell transplants contained therein. The present invention also provides a free standing thin film structure that may be used as a component of such a capsule and method for the fabrication of such component and capsules.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a process for fabricating a monolayer or multilayer metal structure in LIGA technology, in which a photoresist layer is deposited on a flat metal substrate, a photoresist mold is created by irradiation or electron or ion bombardment, a metal or alloy is electroplated in this mold, the electroformed metal structure is detached from the substrate and the photoresist is separated from this metal structure, wherein the metal substrate is used as an agent involved in the forming of at least one surface of the metal structure other than that formed by the plane surface of the substrate.
Abstract:
An apparatus and the use of such an apparatus and method for producing microcomponents with component structures are presented which are generated in a process chamber on a substrate according to the LIGA method for example and are stripped from the enclosing photoresist with the help of a cooled remote plasma source.
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.