Laser-Induced Vaporized Ring for High-Viscosity Material Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming techniques, such as inkjet and thermal printing systems, face challenges with high-viscosity inks due to nozzle clogging and difficulty in controlling the landing position of high-viscosity materials, and existing LIFT methods struggle with accuracy and throughput when dealing with large gaps between substrates.
Innovation Solution
A light irradiation method that generates a vaporized region with pressure higher than the outside pressure along the outer circumference of the light absorbing material, using a laser beam to create a 'bubble ring' that propels the material accurately over larger gaps without scattering, employing a nanosecond pulse fiber laser and optical elements like axicon lenses and diffractive optical elements to shape the beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If existing LIFT methods are used to transfer material over large gaps, then the gap distance can be increased, but the landing position accuracy deteriorates and material scattering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a vaporized region with specific pressure characteristics at a localized position between the donor substrate and acceptor substrate. The vaporized region is generated only in the specific gap region where material transfer is needed, providing localized propulsion force that maintains landing accuracy even over large gaps. This localized vaporization approach prevents material scattering while enabling long-distance transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the pressure within the vaporized region to be higher than outside pressure. By adjusting laser irradiation parameters (energy, duration, focal position), the system dynamically changes the physical state of the material and the pressure distribution in the gap region. This parameter control enables accurate material placement over varying gap distances without scattering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high-viscosity inks are used in image forming apparatuses, then material functionality is improved, but nozzle clogging occurs and landing position control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inkjet ejection system with a laser-induced vaporization system. Instead of using mechanical nozzles to propel high-viscosity materials, the system uses laser energy to create vaporized regions that generate pressure-driven material transfer. This substitution eliminates nozzle clogging issues entirely while maintaining precise landing position control through optical positioning and pressure management.
3Length of stationary object
If laser energy is increased to transfer material over larger gaps, then transfer distance is improved, but material scattering increases and landing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the laser energy delivery into controlled pulses that create discrete vaporized regions. Rather than using continuous high-energy irradiation that causes scattering, the system uses segmented pulsed laser delivery to create multiple localized vaporization zones along the transfer path. This segmented approach propels material incrementally over large gaps while maintaining tight control over landing accuracy at each stage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method achieves high landing position accuracy and stability for light absorbing materials over gaps of 500 micrometers or greater, enabling precise and efficient deposition of high-viscosity materials with improved throughput and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a light absorbing material for absorbing light with a light beam having a wavelength absorbable by the light absorbing material, thereby generating a vaporized region with a pressure higher than an outside pressure along an outer circumference of a region of the light absorbing material irradiated with the light beam
Implementation Method 2
a light absorbing material for absorbing light with a light beam having a wavelength absorbable by the light absorbing material
Implementation Method 3
applying to the light absorbing material, energy that enables the light absorbing material to fly, by a pressure in the vaporized region higher than or equal to an outside pressure
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~2A
AI summary
Provided is light irradiation method for irradiating a light absorbing material with light beam having wavelength absorbable by light absorbing material, including applying to light absorbing material, energy that enables light absorbing material to fly, by pressure in a vaporized region higher than or equal to outside pressure, wherein vaporized region is present at interface between a transparent body and light absorbing material in a manner to surround an optical axis. Also provided is flying body generating method including irradiating a surface of a base material opposite to a surface over which light absorbing material is disposed with laser beam to fly light absorbing material in an emitting direction of laser beam, wherein vaporized region having pressure higher than or equal to outside pressure is generated along outer circumference of a region irradiated with laser beam at interface between base material and light absorbing material.