Kovio, Inc.

Colin Bulthaup

Chris Spindt

Klaus Kunze

Joerg Rockenberger

Fabio R Zurcher

Scott T Haubrich

Mao Takashima

Brian N Hubert

Chris Gudeman

A method of and device for controlled printing using liquid embossing techniques is disclosed. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention a stamp comprises a differentiated embossing surface with protruding and recessed surfaces to enhance the ability of the stamp to selectively displace liquid ink from a print surface and/or remove solvent from the liquid in a soft curing process. A stamp with differentiated surfaces is fabricated by selectively coating, or otherwise treating the protruding features, the recessed features, or a combination thereof, such that the surface energies and/or wettability of the protruding surfaces and the recessed surfaces are differentiated.

Contact print methods

The current invention is directed to a method of patterning a surface or layer in the fabrication of a micro-device. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first mask structure is formed by depositing a layer of a first material onto the surface or layer and embossing the layer with a micro-stamp structure. The layer is preferably embossed as a liquid, which is solidified or cured to form the first mask structure. The first mask structure can be used as an etch-stop mask which is removed in a subsequent processing step or, alternatively, the first mask structure can remain a functional layer of the micro-device. In further embodiments, unmasked regions of the surface or layer are chemically treated through the first mask structure and/or a second material is deposited onto the unmasked regions of the surface or layer through the first mask structure to form a second mask structure and/or a second functional layer of the micro-device.

Methods for patterning using liquid embossing

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San Mateo, CA, United States of America

Colin Bulthaup