Ink Patterns Research Articles

Investigation of pattern coating on mould roller in roller-reversal imprint process

In order to prepare large area micropatterns with certain profile (certain aspect ratio) on kinds of substrates, especially on flexible substrate, a novel roller-reversal imprint (RRI) process is proposed, which starts with pattern coating of an ink (mostly a liquefied electronics materials, such as a semiconductor polymer) on a mould roller and ends with transferring the ink already patterned on the roller to the substrate. One of the critical challenges in RRI process is ensuring ink pattern coating and full filling to the microcavities on mould roller, which is one of the preconditions to achieve the pattern transferred on substrate with precise profile. In this paper, an ink coating model is established to reveal the ink filling situations versus different profile of microcavities on mould roller. Simulations show that, in the coating process, as the contact angle of ink on mould increasing, three basic filling situations, i.e., full filling, partial filling, and non-filling, will occur. In order to demonstrate the requirement of full filling, critical contact angle for full filling is proposed to distinguish the full filling and partial filling, and it is deeply dependant on the cross-sectional parameters (such as linewidth and the aspect ratio) of microcavities on mould roller. The critical contact angle is the watershed between full filling and partial filling, so it can be used as a guideline to choose the appropriate match between the surface energy of ink and mould to achieve full filling in RRI process. Experiments prove that the ink filling model and its simulation results are basically right, the cross-sectional parameters of microcavities on mould play great important roles to the critical contact angle, and only when the actual contact angle is smaller than the corresponding critical value, full filling can be obtained.

TiO 2-based superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic patterns: Fabrication via an ink-jet technique and application in offset printing

A superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic pattern was prepared on an anodized Al plate by a new fabrication process. The process consists of five key steps: (1) TiO 2 coating of the plate, (2) surface modification with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), (3) formation of aqueous UV light-resistant ink patterns by an ink-jet technique, (4) photocatalytic decomposition of SAMs and surface conversion to the superhydrophilic state and (5) removal of the aqueous ink patterns by water washing. It is particularly noteworthy that the wettability pattern can be quickly formed on the plate, without the use of a photomask. The fabricated superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic pattern is shown to be applicable to offset printing.

Patterning of superhydrophobic paper to control the mobility of micro-liter drops for two-dimensional lab-on-paper applications

Superhydrophobic paper substrates were patterned with high surface energy black ink using commercially available desktop printing technology. The shape and size of the ink islands were designed to control the adhesion forces on water drops in two directions, parallel ('drag-adhesion') and perpendicular ('extensional-adhesion') to the substrate. Experimental data on the adhesion forces shows good agreement with classical models for 'drag' (Furmidge equation) and 'extensional' adhesion (modified Dupré equation). The tunability of the two adhesion forces was used to implement four basic unit operations for the manipulation of liquid drops on the paper substrates: storage, transfer, mixing and sampling. By combining these basic functionalities it is possible to design simple two-dimensional lab-on-paper (LOP) devices. In our 2D LOP prototype, liquid droplets adhere to the porous substrate, rather than absorbing into the paper; as a result, liquid droplets remain accessible for further quantitative testing and analysis, after performing simple qualitative on-chip testing. In addition, the use of commercially available desktop printers and word processing software to generate ink patterns enable end users to design LOP devices for specific applications.

Training listeners to identify the sounds of speech: I. A review of past studies.

In this first section of a two-part article we offer an overview of research on listeners' abilities to learn to hear the spectral-temporal details of simple and complex sounds, both speech and non-speech. In the second article, to appear in the October issue of The Hearing Journal, we will describe a new training system based on that science that has recently completed clinical validation trials with users of hearing aids and of cochlear implants.1,2

Manufacturing an environmentally friendly PCB using existing industrial processes and equipment

This paper investigates the possibility of utilising an additive screen printing process with conductive ink and adhesive together with a degradable substrate to identify whether this process offers a viable alternative to current subtractive methods of PCB manufacture. Existing manufacturing equipment and production process were adopted in order to establish the compatibility of a sustainable and environmental friendly PCB with these processes. Experimental trials have shown that by using a stainless steel stencil 150 mm thick in conjunction with an MPM Ultraprint machine with a printing speed of 89 mm/s, a squeegee pressure of 0.97 bar and a downstop of 1.9 mm successful printing of the electrically conductive adhesive was achieved. It was also shown that the substrate was compatible with electronic placement technology and convection oven. Comparisons of the electronic assemblies to an industrial IPC standard illustrated that it is possible to develop a circuit, which is deemed acceptable under this standard. It can be concluded therefore that a screen printed conductive ink pattern, when printed on a degradable substrate can offer a viable alternative to current printed circuit boards and can be manufactured using existing technology and manufacturing processes.

Development of capabilities for imaging mass spectrometry under ambient conditions with desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)

Aspects of the development of mass spectrometry over the past three decades are briefly reviewed and growth points in the subject are identified. Molecular imaging by mass spectrometry is one such growth area. The development of a capability for 2D chemical imaging of surfaces is described, based on the combination of a desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) ion source with an automated surface stage capable of x, y translational motion. The lateral resolution of this new system is found to be less than 200 microns, using a test ink pattern. Chemical imaging of surfaces is demonstrated using model examples of organic and biological systems: (i) imaging of a 2D pattern written in different colored inks on photographic paper and (ii) imaging of thin coronal sections of rat brain tissue fixed onto a glass microscope slide. In both cases, full mass spectra are recorded as a function of x, y-position on the surface. In the chemical imaging example, the distributions of the two different inks on the paper surface were mapped by tracking the abundance of the intact organic cation which characterizes each particular ink dye. In the tissue imaging example, distributions of specific lipids in coronal sections of rat brain tissue were followed from the abundance distributions in 2D space of the deprotonated lipid molecules recorded in the negative ion mass spectra. These latter distributions reveal distinct anatomical features of the rat brain. The results of these studies demonstrate the feasibility of performing surface imaging studies using DESI and show that at this stage of its development it has a lateral spatial resolution of a few hundred microns.

Size reduction of nanoparticle ink patterns by fluid-assisted dewetting

A novel method is proposed to considerably reduce the size of partially wetting patterns of nanopaticle solutions (nanoinks) on a substrate. A nanoink prepared by suspending gold nanoparticles in toluene was deposited on a glass substrate by writing a thin line with the width of 70μm. A water droplet of about 100μl covering the pattern was employed to shrink the pattern by transport of the toluene from the nanoink to the water region triggered by controlled heat addition from the substrate, which increased the solubility of toluene into water (these two liquids are practically immiscible at room temperature). During the dewetting phase, the three-phase-contact line is pulled by the uncompensated Young’s force. The dewetting dynamics is explained by the action of thermocapillarity enhanced by the convection microflow generated in the water layer.

Production of Sintered Ceramic Patterns Using an Inkjet Printing Process

A fast process for the production of ceramic patterns is presented, utilizing inkjet printing for laying down the pattern digitally. An aqueous ink, containing glycols and surfactants, was printed onto various substrates to act as an adhesive layer for a ceramic mineral powder. The powder was deposited in a dry powder spraying process and formed a uniform layer in contact with the adhesive ink. Excess powder that was not fixed by the ink was blown away by air pressure in the following step, before the pattern was laser sintered. The process was also demonstrated for multi-color ceramic patterns, by applying different colored pigments on successively printed ink patterns. Optimized ink composition and process parameters were investigated, to be able to avoid color changes of the final pattern after laser sintering. A prototype production unit is presented that implements the developed process.

Effect of Stamp Deformation on the Quality of Microcontact Printing: Theory and Experiment

Microcontact printing (microCP) is an effective way to generate micrometer- or submicrometer-sized patterns on a variety of substrates. However, the fidelity of the final pattern depends critically on the coupled phenomena of stamp deformation, fluid transfer between surfaces, and the ability of the ink to self-assemble on the substrate. In particular, stamp deformation can produce undesirable effects that limit the practice and precision of microCP. Experimental observations and comparison with theoretical predictions are presented here for three of the most undesirable consequences of stamp deformation: (1) roof collapse of low aspect ratio recesses, (2) buckling of high aspect ratio plates, and (3) lateral sticking of high aspect ratio plates. Stamp behavior was observed visually with an inverted optical microscope while load-displacement data were collected during compression and retraction of stamps. Additionally, a "robotic stamper" was used to deliver ink patterns in precise locations on substrates. These monomolecular ink patterns were then observed in high contrast using the surface potential scanning mode of an atomic force microscope. Theoretical models based on continuum mechanics were used to accurately predict both physical deformation of the stamp and the resultant inking patterns. The close agreement between these models and the experimental data presented clearly demonstrates the essential considerations one must weigh when designing stamp geometry, material, and loading conditions for optimal pattern fidelity.

The distribution and morphology of lymphatic vessels on the peritoneal surface of the adult human diaphragm, as revealed by an ink-absorption method.

Application of india ink to the peritoneal and pleural surfaces of the adult human diaphragm allowed visualization of the distribution and morphology of the lymphatic vessels by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The diaphragms examined had been fixed and stored in 10% formalin. Numerous lymphatic vessels were stained black with india ink, presenting reticular, radial-meshwork, ladder-like and lacy patterns. They were distributed throughout the entire sternocostal part. Analysis by light and scanning electron microscopy of the areas indicated by india ink revealed the presence of primary lymphatic vessels that formed lymphatic lacunae and stomatal openings to the peritoneal cavity. A layer of secondary collecting lymphatic vessels was located cranially with respect to the layer of primary lymphatic vessels. Thus, the peritoneum had at least two layers of lymphatic vessels. These lymphatic vessels were not tubular vessels but resembled flat cisternae, as has been suggested in the case of the mouse diaphragm. The pleura lacked lymphatic stomata and had no such double-layered lymphatic organization. This is the first report that showed distribution and morphology of the lymphatic vessels in the diaphragmatic peritoneum of the formalin-fixed, adult human diaphragm. The method and results in the present study may contribute to morphological analysis of the lymphatic system in the wall of the human body cavity.

Mechanical Behavior Of Elastomeric Stamps During Microcontact Printing Patterns: Direct Observation Of Stamps And Inks

AbstractMicrocontact printing is a straightforward and effective method for generating surface patterns of micron or submicron lateral dimensions. The fidelity of the ultimate pattern is a complex interplay of mechanical behavior of the elastomeric stamp, fluid transfer between surfaces and the ability of the ink to self-assemble on the new surface. We present here experimental observations and modeling of stamp deformation during precise external loads and visualization of inked surfaces by high contrast analytical methods. Stamp behavior was observed visually in an inverted microscope and load-displacement relationships used to determine onset of failure modes such as roof collapse and buckling of slender relief features as a function of stamp geometry. The load was applied with a glass sphere so as to obviate problems with alignment and to precisely determine contact areas.A “robotic stamper” fabricated from an AFM instrument can deliver ink under conditions of precise load. Surfaces inked with varying densities or combinations of SAMs can be imaged with excellent contrast by scanning surface potential microscopy (SSPM). The same area of the sample can then be examined using time-of-flight SIMS or other surface analytical technique with no additional etching or sample preparation. In this way the fidelity and density of the patterned monolayers can be evaluated. The effect of load on ink pattern quality can also be established.

Physical mechanisms governing pattern fidelity in microscale offset printing

We have studied the offset printing of liquid polymers curable by exposure to ultraviolet light onto flat and unpatterned silicon and glass substrates. The interplay of capillary, viscous, and adhesion forces dominates the dynamics of ink transfer at small feature sizes and low capillary number. For smooth and nonporous substrates, pattern fidelity can be compromised because the ink contact lines are free to migrate across the substrate during plate separation. Using a combination of experiments and equilibrium simulations, we have identified the physical mechanisms controlling ink transfer and pattern fidelity. In considering the resolution limit of this technique, it appears that the dynamics of ink flow and redistribution during transfer do not explicitly depend on the absolute feature size, but only on the aspect ratio of film thickness to feature size. Direct printing holds promise as a high-throughput fabrication method for large area electronics.

Selective dip-coating of chemically micropatterned surfaces

We characterize the selective deposition of liquid microstructures on chemically heterogeneous surfaces by means of dip coating processes. The maximum deposited film thickness depends critically on the speed of withdrawal as well as the pattern size, geometry, and angular orientation. For vertically oriented hydrophilic strips, we derive a hydrodynamic scaling relation for the deposited film thickness which agrees very well with interferometric measurements of dip-coated liquid lines. Due to the lateral confinement of the liquid, our scaling relation differs considerably from the classic Landau–Levich formula for chemically homogeneous surfaces. Dip coating is a simple method for creating large area arrays of liquid microstructures for applications involving chemical analysis and synthesis, biochemical assays, or wet printing of liquid polymer or ink patterns.

Material Objects in Bohm's Interpretation

According to the traditional presentation of Bohm's interpretation, we have immediate epistemic access to particle properties but not wavefunction properties, and mental states, pointer states, and ink patterns supervene on particle properties alone. I argue that these claims do not make physical sense, and I offer an alternative account that does.

Comparison of apical leakage shown by four different dyes with two evaluating methods

A study was conducted in vitro to assess and compare the extent of apical leakage of four dyes by two commonly-used evaluation methods. For the study, 120 single-rooted extracted teeth were prepared by the step-back technique and obturated by lateral condensation with gutta-percha and Roth 801 sealer. After randomly allocating the roots into six groups, they were immediately immersed in dye for 72 h, using vacuum for 30 min at 40 degrees C. Teeth were immersed in Eosin, Methylene Blue, Black India Ink and Procion Brilliant Blue and cross-sectioned in 0.7 mm thick slices. Those immersed in Black India Ink and Procion Brilliant Blue were also evaluated by the clearing process. Dye penetration was assessed using a stereomicroscope. A statistically significant greater dye penetration was measured in the cross-sectioned group compared to the clearing group using the same dyes (Black India Ink, P = 0.020, Procion Brilliant Blue, P = 0.040). In the cross-section groups, no statistical significant difference was observed in the amount of leakage comparing the four dyes. No statistically significant difference was found in the leakage pattern of Procion Brilliant Blue and Black India Ink using the clearing technique (P = 0.797). The evaluating method (cross-sections versus clearing) rather than the dye properties was the main difference between results. More research is needed to standardize dye leakage studies.

Experimental Observations of Internal Vortex Structures in Steady Baroclinic Waves

Abstract The basic structures of steady baroclinic waves observed in a differentially heated rotating-fluid annulus are well known to be composed of high and low pressure vortices, upper (eastward) and lower (westward) jet streams meandering through the vortices, and boundary layers. In order to find the structure of the vortices, the authors have conducted a series of experiments on a rotating-fluid annulus by injecting a few drops of red ink (and/or uranine solution) into a vortex or a jet and observing the results in the corotating reference frame of the wave that drifted eastward (counterclockwise) relative to the rotating annulus. The observed 3D ink patterns appearing in the fluid revealed the inner regions of the vortices. Their structures are composed of a core and a transition zone (separatrix layer). The core is a rather well-isolated region around the axis of the vortex and is split into separate upper and lower layers. The transition zone is a thin layer next to the core and the fluid is frequ...

B208 回転円筒水槽実験における定常傾圧波の渦の構造の観測

The basic structure of steady baroclinic waves observed in a differentially-heated rotating-fluid annulus is well known to be composed of high- and low-pressure vortices, upper (eastward) and lower (westward) jet-streams meandering through the vortices, and boundary layers. In order to find the structure of the vortices, we have conducted a series of experiments on a rotating-fluid annulus by injecting a few drops of red ink (and/or uranine solution) into a vortex or a jet and observing the results in the co-rotating reference frame of the wave which drifted eastward (counter-clockwise) relative to the rotating annulus. The observed 3-D ink patterns appearing in the fluid revealed the inner region of the vortices. Their structures are composed of a core and a transition zone (separatrix layer). The core is a rather well isolated region around the axis of a vortex and is split into separate upper and lower layers. The transition zone is a thin layer next to the core and the fluid. is frequently transported to and from its outside, but rarely to the core. Then a weak downwelling caused by the Ekman pumping was observed in the upper layer of the core in the high-pressure vortex and similarly a weak upwelling in the lower layer of the core in the low-pressure vortex. In addition, the present experiments were found to yield some results which are similar to those determined in the numerical simulations of Sugata and Yoden (1994) which followed the Lagrangian motion of a fluid particle in the annulus.

定常傾圧波動のラグランジュ運動を調べる実験

The basic structure of steady baroclinic waves observed in a differentially-heated rotating-fluid annulus is found to be composed of high- and low-pressure vortices, upper-level (eastward) and lower-level (westward) jet-streams meandering through the vortices, and boundary layers. On the basis of this structure, recently, Sugata and Yoden (1994) numerically studied the Lagrangian motion of a fluid particle in the annulus. Stimulated by their results, we conducted experiments on a rotating-fluid annulus by injecting drops of red ink into a jet or a vortex and observing the results in the co-rotating frame of the drifting wave. The observed 3-D ink patterns appearing in the fluid revealed the inner region of the vortices. That is, their structures are composed of a core region, which is rather well isolated and split into separate upper and lower layers, and next to the core a transition zone where fluid particles are frequently transported to and from its outside, but rarely to the core region. Several interesting phenomena observed in the annulus are also presented, such as one suggestive of the Ekman pumping found in the low-pressure vortex

A new patterning process concept for large-area transistor circuit fabrication without using an optical mask aligner

A new concept to produce large thin film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCD's) without using an optical mask aligner is proposed which emphasizes patterning technology. Some experimental thin film transistors (TFT's) are fabricated according to the concept and operated like conventional transistors fabricated by using an optical mask aligner. The concept includes improvement of printing technology and development of a double-layer resist method. The latter method employs a printed ink pattern and a photoresist. This prevents contamination of thin films by metal impurities which affect electrical characteristics of the TFT's. A special gravure offset printing technology is proposed, composed of a large thixotropy valued UV ink, and a fine, precision etched glass intaglio. The experimental TFT's, with a designed minimum gate length of 10 /spl mu/m, have comparable electric characteristics to those of conventional poly-Si TFT's.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

INTRODUCTION TO ESSAYS ON PHOTOGRAPHY IN AMERICA

1989 marked the sesquicentennial of the development of photography as an art and a science. It seemed appropriate to mark the occasion by assembling a series of essays on photography's impact on America. Technically, the definition of a photograph is relatively easy: it is a chemically-fixed image, maintaining a pattern of light filtered through a lens, capturing a defined space over a finite of time. But that's something like saying Shakespeare is a pattern of ink on paper.