Using Laser-Induced Thermal Voxels to Pattern Diverse Materials at the Solid–Liquid Interface

Abstract

We describe a high-resolution patterning approach that combines the spatial control inherent to laser direct writing with the versatility of benchtop chemical synthesis. By taking advantage of the steep thermal gradient that occurs while laser heating a metal edge in contact with solution, diverse materials comprising transition metals are patterned with feature size resolution nearing 1 μm. We demonstrate fabrication of reduced metallic nickel in one step and examine electrical properties and air stability through direct-write integration onto a device platform. This strategy expands the chemistries and materials that can be used in combination with laser direct writing.

Upper limit to the thermal penetration depth during modulated heating of multilayer thin films with pulsed and continuous wave lasers: A numerical study

“…Many modern applications rely on laser heating to manipulate structural, mechanical, and electrical properties of materials. Pulsed laser heating, having versatile windows of energy duration ranging from femtoseconds to nanoseconds, is routinely used in materials and microstructure fabrication, [1][2][3] materials processing, 4 laser cutting and micro-machining, 5 and property measurements through pump-probe techniques. [6][7][8][9] Additionally, with picosecond and sub-picosecond pulse durations, pulsed lasers can be used to provide high energy densities locally, providing a means for surface modification.…”

“…10,11 Continuous wave laser heating, likewise, has major applications in welding, cutting, surface treatment 12 such as near-surface melting to modify wear and corrosion, 13 and surface patterning. 2 In all such applications, it is necessary to understand the spatially varying temperature profile that results from laser heating, since this temperature dictates the material response.…”

Laser‐Based Printing: From Liquids to Microstructures

“…When laser illumination provides heat above a certain threshold, thermally driven reactions that promote material deposition in 2D and 3D can occur. [ 156 ] These methods were referred to as laser‐induced hydrothermal growth, [ 166 ] laser‐assisted hydrothermal method, [ 167 ] laser‐induced direct selective growth, [ 42 ] photothermal chemical liquid growth, [ 168 ] optothermal‐effect‐based mechanism, [ 169 ] laser‐induced solvothermal voxels, [ 170,171 ] direct‐write lithography, [ 172 ] laser‐induced direct lithography, [ 173 ] and in situ laser patterning technique. [ 174 ]…”

“…(b) Reproduced with permission. [ 171 ] Copyright 2016, American Chemical Society. (c) Adapted with permission.…”

Substrate thermal conductivity controls the ability to manufacture microstructures via laser-induced direct write

“…As a more universally-applicable phenomenon, we investigate the role of the absorbed energy from the laser source, substrate thermal conductivity, and resulting thermal transport, on silver metal line fabrication during laser direct write on a variety of substrates submerged in an ionic liquid precursor. In our previous work, we have surmised that the local energy density and resulting steady state temperature rise from an absorbed laser source drives the thermal direct write process, and hence increases the generality and expands the material applicability of laser direct writing [22]. With the goal of producing material structures across the periodic table, wet-chemistry techniques have unveiled the proper precursor solutions for most materials [23][24][25][26][27].…”