Direct-write of sensor devices by a laser forward transfer technique

Abstract

The use of direct-write techniques in the design and manufacture of sensor devices provides a flexible approach for next generation commercial and defense sensor applications. Using a laser forward transfer technique, we have demonstrated the ability to rapidly prototype temperature, biological and chemical sensor devices. This process, known as matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation direct-write or MAPLE DW is compatible with a broad class of materials ranging from metals and electronic ceramics to chemoselective polymers and biomaterials. Various types of miniature sensor designs have been fabricated incorporating different materials such as metals, polymers, biomaterials or composites as multilayers or discrete structures on a single substrate. The MAPLE DW process is computer controlled which allows the sensor design to be easily modified and adapted to any specific application. To illustrate the potential of this technique, a functional chemical sensor system is demonstrated by fabricating all the passive and sensor components by MAPLE DW on a polyimide substrate. Additional devices fabricated by MAPLE DW including biosensors and temperature sensors and their performance are shown to illustrate the breadth of MAPLE DW and how this technique may influence current and future sensor applications.