Printable Electronics to Benefit from Contactless Liquid Deposition
October 2, 2015 | University of TwenteEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Scientists of research institute MESA+ of Twente University have developed a technology for contactless deposition of liquids at nanoscale. In doing so, they make use of an electric field. Their technology will lead to new 3D-applications and can be of great value to, for example, cell research, nano-lithography and printable electronics. The findings of the Twente-based Mesoscale Chemical Systems Department have recently been published in the academic journal Applied Physics Letters.
In conventional techniques for liquid deposition, pressure is exerted on liquids, or capillary forces are used. This is done with the aid of a so-called AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) ‘dip-pen’ probe or a ‘nano-fountain pen’ probe. These probes have been equipped with a tip which permeates the liquid. A disadvantage of this method is that several elements, such as humidity and liquid or surface properties, can affect the deposition negatively.
The contactless deposition method with the AFM nano-fountain pen probe ensures a reliable and quick deposition of liquids on a 50 nanometre scale. This is thanks to the use of an electric field. By applying a voltage, the liquids inside the tip are charged. The difference with the charge of the surface causes the liquid to be pulled out of the probe. A relatively low voltage (60 Volt) can already be sufficient. As the pulse duration increases, the volume of the liquid deposition will grow too.
The research now published was carried out in collaboration with the company SmartTip. This spin-off of the University of Twente develops and produces smart probes with new functionalities. Researcher Joël Geerlings of the Mesoscale Chemical Systems Department expects that many new possible 3D-applications lie ahead with the development of the new deposition method. “Think of a 3D-printer with nanoscale resolution that produces a scaffold (construction) for cell research.” Other applications are arrays of DNA or proteins, photonic crystals, microfluidic structures, printed electronics and MEMS structures (micro-electromechanical systems) for sensors, for example.”
Joël Geerlings will obtain his doctoral degree in January, based on his research into contactless liquid deposition. Mesoscale Chemical Systems is part of the faculty of Science and Technology and it works closely together with research groups of research institute MESA+ of the University of Twente.
Suggested Items
CentraTEQ to Showcase Wide Range of Vibration & Environmental Test Systems at Battery Tech Expo 24
03/26/2024 | CentraTEQEnvironmental and vibration test specialists CentraTEQ are excited to be exhibiting at the upcoming Battery Tech Expo, scheduled to take place at Silverstone on April 25, 2024.
SEMI 3D & Systems Summit To Spotlight Trends In Hybrid Bonding, Chiplet Design And Environmental Sustainability
03/26/2024 | SEMILeading experts in 3D integration and systems for semiconductor manufacturing applications will gather at the annual SEMI 3D & Systems Summit, 12-14 June, 2024,
iNEMI/IPC White Paper on Complex Integrated Systems Highlights Future Technology and Manufacturing Ecosystem Needs
03/25/2024 | IPCToday’s system solutions combine more varied functionality, such as digital, analog, optical, micro-mechanical, etc., packed into smaller form factors. As a result, electronics manufacturing has to deliver increasingly complex integration of diverse technologies with system designs that blur the distinction between chip, package, board, and assembly.
Synopsys Announces New AI-Driven EDA, IP and Systems Design Solutions At SNUG Silicon Valley
03/25/2024 | PRNewswireSynopsys, Inc. kicked off its annual flagship Synopsys User Group (SNUG) conference in Silicon Valley at the Santa Clara Convention Center with a keynote presentation by Synopsys president and CEO Sassine Ghazi. Ghazi discussed the unprecedented innovation opportunities and challenges that technology R&D teams face in this era of pervasive intelligence.
New North American Product Family Release from Smart Factory Design
03/22/2024 | Smart Factory DesignSmart Factory Design is pleased to announce a new system technology and supply chain model for providing Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Wastewater Recycling Systems to the North American market. Smart Factory Design is an international public benefit company focused on environmental sustainability and autonomous processes for the Printed Circuit Board, IC Substrate, and General Metal Finishing industries.