Polymer-coated compliant receivers for intact laser-induced forward transfer of thin films: experimental results and modelling

• Published in: Applied physics. A, Materials science & processing Vol. 116; no. 4; pp. 1939 - 1950
• Main Authors: Feinaeugle, Matthias, Horak, Peter, Sones, Collin L., Lippert, Thomas, Eason, Rob W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.09.2014
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Condensed Matter Physics; Machines; Manufacturing; Nanotechnology; Optical and Electronic Materials; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Processes; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Bismuth Telluride; Compliant Layer; Triazene Polymer; Flyer Velocity; PDMS
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-014-8360-0
• ISSN: 0947-8396

In this study, we investigate both experimentally and numerically laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) of thin films to determine the role of a thin polymer layer coating the receiver with the aim of modifying the rate of deceleration and reduction of material stress preventing intact material transfer. A numerical model of the impact phase during LIFT shows that such a layer reduces the modelled stress. The evolution of stress within the transferred deposit and the substrate as a function of the thickness of the polymer layer, the transfer velocity and the elastic properties of the polymer are evaluated. The functionality of the polymer layer is verified experimentally by LIFT printing intact 1- μ m-thick bismuth telluride films and polymeric light-emitting diode pads onto a layer of 12- μ m-thick polydimethylsiloxane and 50-nm-thick poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) blended with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), respectively. Furthermore, it is demonstrated experimentally that the introduction of such a compliant layer improves adhesion between the deposit and its substrate.