Imprinting Master Absorption Layer for Roll-to-Roll Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll-to-roll imprinting technologies face transfer failures due to unintended curing of light-curing resins caused by light emission through the master base material, which limits the repeated use of the master and efficiency in manufacturing transferred objects.
Innovation Solution
A master with a base material, a pattern layer, and an absorption layer sandwiched between them, where the absorption layer has a higher light absorption coefficient than the pattern layer, formed of non-metallic materials like Si, to absorb propagating light and prevent unintended curing, allowing for repeated cleaning and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a roll-shaped master is used for continuous imprinting, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but unintended curing of the transferred material occurs due to light transmission through the base material
Solution Approach 1:
An absorption layer is introduced as an intermediary between the base material and the pattern layer. This absorption layer specifically absorbs light that transmits through the base material, preventing unintended curing of the transferred material while maintaining the continuous imprinting process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of light transmission (which causes unintended curing) into a beneficial function by using the absorption layer to selectively absorb this transmitted light, thereby preventing transfer failures and enabling reliable repeated use of the master
2Productivity
If the master is cleaned after each transfer, then repeated use is enabled, but the absorption layer may be damaged or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure where the absorption layer is integrated with the pattern layer and base material. This composite construction enhances the overall stability and durability of the absorption layer, allowing it to withstand repeated cleaning processes while maintaining its light-absorbing function
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption layer is positioned specifically between the base material and pattern layer where it is needed most, and its thickness or material properties can be locally optimized to balance light absorption capability with resistance to cleaning processes
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
The solution effectively prevents transfer failures by absorbing light within the master, enabling efficient and repeated transfer of micro concave-convex structures to light-curing resins, maintaining high transfer accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption layer provided to be sandwiched between the base material and the pattern layer, and having a light absorption coefficient larger than a light absorption coefficient of the pattern layer
Data Source
AI summary
To manufacture a transferred object in which a transfer failure is restrained with higher efficiency. Provided is a master including a base material, a pattern layer provided on one surface of the base material, a micro concave-convex structure being formed in the pattern layer, and an absorption layer provided to be sandwiched between the base material and the pattern layer, and having a light absorption coefficient larger than a light absorption coefficient of the pattern layer.