Abstract:
Methods for molding glass and glass composites, including providing a first structure having a first surface, providing a second structure having a second surface, the second surface being patterned and porous, and disposing between the first and second surfaces an amount of a composition comprising a glass, then heating together the first and second structures and the first amount of the composition sufficiently to soften the first amount of the composition such that the first and second structures, under gravity or an otherwise applied force, move toward each other, such that the pattern of the second surface is formed into the first amount of the composition, then cooling the composition sufficiently to stabilize it, the second structure comprising porous carbon having an open porosity of at least 5% and wherein the amount of the composition is removable from the second surface, without damage to the amount of the composition or to the second surface, such that the second surface is in condition for re-use.
Abstract:
A method is provided for manufacturing microstructures of the type which contain a substrate and an array of protruding microelements with through-holes, which are used in penetrating layers of skin. The microelements are embossed or pressed into an initial substrate structure, which in some embodiments is formed from extruded polymeric material, and in some cases from two layers of polymer that are co-extruded. The through-holes are formed from filled through-cylinders of a second material that is removed after the embossing or pressing step; in other instances, the through-holes are left hollow during the embossing or pressing step.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed towards a method and means for molecularly patterning a surface to promote the patterned attachment of a target adherent. In some preferred embodiments the target adherent is a biological cell, but it can more generally be a biological or chemical species for which attachment at specific sites is desired. The method generally involves using a stamp to microcontact print a first type of molecule on the surface. With the stamp remaining in situ, the process then involves fluidic patterning of a second type of molecule through selected openings defined by selected recesses in the stamp and the surface itself. The second type of molecule should have an adhesion property relative to the target adherent that is complementary to that of the first type of molecule. The stamp is removed only after both the first and second types of molecules have been transferred to the surface.
Abstract:
The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, improved microfluidic systems and methods for fabricating improved microfluidic systems, which contain one or more levels of microfluidic channels. The inventive methods can provide a convenient route to topologically complex and improved microfluidic systems. The microfluidic systems provided according to the invention can include three-dimensionally arrayed networks of fluid flow paths therein including channels that cross over or under other channels of the network without physical intersection at the points of cross over. The microfluidic networks of the invention can be fabricated via replica molding processes, also provided by the invention, utilizing mold masters including surfaces having topological features formed by photolithography. The microfluidic networks of the invention are, in some cases, comprised of a single replica molded layer, and, in other cases, are comprised of two, three, or more replica molded layers that have been assembled to form the overall microfluidic network structure. The present invention also describes various novel applications for using the microfluidic network structures provided by the invention.
Abstract:
A wide-area nano-size imprinting stamp is disclosed. The wide-area nano-size imprinting stamp includes a substrate having a base surface upon which is formed a plurality of micro-features. Each micro-feature includes a plurality of spacers disposed on opposed side surfaces thereof. The spacers extend laterally outward of the opposed side surfaces and the micro-features and the spacers extend outward of the base surface. The micro-features and the spacers are selectively etched to differing heights to define an imprint stamp having an imprint profile. The imprint stamps can be formed on substantially all of a useable area of the substrate and can have complex shapes that vary among the imprint stamps. The imprint stamps can be used as a template for transferring the imprint profile to a mask layer in which the imprint profile will be replicated.
Abstract:
Method for producing a microfluidic device comprising a step in which a stamp made of elastomeric material is used for printing a photo-curable and/or heat-curable liquid disposed on a support.
Abstract:
The invention provides a system and process of patterning structures on a carbon based surface comprising exposing part of the surface to an ion flux, such that material properties of the exposed surface are modified to provide a hard mask effect on the surface. A further step of etching unexposed parts of the surface forms the structures on the surface. The inventors have discovered that by controlling the ion exposure, alteration of the surface structure at the top surface provides a mask pattern, without substantially removing any material from the exposed surface. The mask allows for subsequent ion etching of unexposed areas of the surface leaving the exposed areas raised relative to the unexposed areas thus manufacturing patterns onto the surface. For example, a Ga+ focussed ion beam exposes a pattern onto a diamond surface which produces such a pattern after its exposure to a plasma etch. The invention is particularly suitable for patterning of clear well-defined structures down to nano-scale dimensions.
Abstract:
One object of the present invention is to provide a pattern transferring mold which can provide a starting area of mold release easily and certainly and a pattern transferring apparatus with the same. A pattern transferring mold is disclosed which is used in a pattern transferring apparatus that brings the mold into contact with a photo-curing resin on a substrate and cures the photo-curing resin by light irradiation to transfer a pattern formed on the mold onto the photo-curing resin. The mold comprises a bottom face which contacts the photo-curing resin, the bottom face portion including a first area in which the pattern is formed and a second area formed outside the first area. The mold has a mold-releasing shape in the second area, the mold-releasing shape providing a starting area of mold release from the cured photo-curing resin.
Abstract:
A stamper includes a substrate and a plurality of protrusions of different heights formed on one of the surfaces of the substrate, the protrusions of larger height having a stack structure formed of at least two layers of at least two types of materials, thereby transferring a plurality of patterns at the same time.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a microstructured tool having a microstructured layer having a polymer and a microstructured surface; a nickel layer disposed adjacent the microstructured layer opposite the microstructured surface; and a base layer disposed adjacent the nickel layer opposite the microstructured layer. The microstructured surface may have at least one feature having a maximum depth of up to about 1000 um. Also disclosed herein is a method of making the microstructured tool using laser ablation. The microstructured tool may be used to make articles suitable for use in optical applications.