Abstract:
Electrostatic charges are applied to an electrically insulating film with the aid of a pointed or patterned probe wetted with an electrically conductive liquid. The liquid is non-wetting on the film. A source of voltage (20-100V ac or dc) is applied between the probe and one major surface of the film; and relative motion is applied between the probe and the other major surface of the film so that the liquid comes into only non-wetting contact with selected areas of the film. The liquid adheres only to the probe and moves therewith.