Re: Ways of creating micron sized dots on surfaces

Rallyjo wrote:
> 
> Hi!
> 
> I am looking for a technique by which i can apply micron/sub-micron
> sized dots on flat surfaces. Can i sputter fine dots of some metal say
> Aluminum on the surface of a substrate? Else, is it possible to etch
> fine dots over a Al coated substrate by spraying some etchant over
> it??
> 
> If you are aware of any technique, please let me know.
> Thanks.

Fabrication of integrated circuits and their wiring by
photolithography is commercial to 90 nm architecure.   1000 nm
patterning is a piece of cake.  

One could envision an ultrasonic fogger with good output form
solution.  The mist falls and evaporates before impinging on the
surface below.  1 micron particle deposition in bulk seems very doable
and reasonably control on the cheap.  React the deposition to make
your metal (or have it be palladium and electrolessly plate).  

Lay down a two-component polymer solution that spontaneously unmixes
into your pattern when the solvent evaporates, and remove one
component (reactive etch or dissolve).

The Lexmark Z65N Color Inkjet 15/21PPM 4800X1200 DPI does 189
dots/mm.  That's wthin a factor of 5 for the footprint - and can
probably hit the mark if you let the droplet evaporate on the way to
the surface.
http://www.creativepro.com/story/news/17498.html?origin=story

Sub-micron particles are made in bulk (kilograms) by feeding wire into
an electric arc while blowing highly turbulent inert gas through.  Let
the particulate fog settle.

-- 
Uncle Al
http://www.mazepath.com/uncleal/
 (Toxic URL! Unsafe for children and most mammals)
"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"  The Net!