Nanolayer Transfer via Phase Transition Medium

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transferring nanolayers from one substrate to another are either destructive, lack control, or are limited by the adhesion speed between the transfer medium and the substrate, making them unsuitable for practical applications.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a transfer medium that undergoes a phase transition from liquid or gas to solid, allowing for the detachment of the nanolayer from the first substrate and its application to a second substrate, with the option to dissolve or remove the medium later, using a sacrificial layer or photoresist for stability and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a nanolayer is transferred by breaking the bond to the substrate or dissolving the substrate, then the nanolayer can be freed, but controlled transfer to another substrate is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanolayer transferabilityVSAvoidcontrolled transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transfer medium as an intermediary substance between the nanolayer and the target substrate. This transfer medium enables controlled transfer by mediating the detachment from the first substrate and the attachment to the second substrate, solving the contradiction between ease of transfer and reliability of controlled transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition of the transfer medium (from liquid to solid state) as a controllable parameter change to achieve reliable and controlled nanolayer transfer. By changing the physical state of the transfer medium, the process gains precision and control over the transfer operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If adhesion between stamp and substrate is determined by relative speed, then transfer can occur, but the process is limited in technical applicability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidtechnical applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs phase transition of the transfer medium as a controllable parameter that replaces speed-dependent adhesion. This allows the process to be adapted to various technical applications without being constrained by speed limitations, enhancing both versatility and controllability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of the transfer medium from liquid to solid state as the core mechanism for controlled adhesion and transfer. This phase change provides a reliable and versatile method that is not limited by the relative speed between components, expanding technical applicability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

3Manufacturing precision

If the transfer medium is removed after transfer, then the nanolayer is cleanly transferred, but the process requires additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanolayer transfer qualityVSAvoidprocess steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses phase transition of the transfer medium as a built-in mechanism that facilitates both the transfer process and the removal step. The phase change inherently enables clean detachment and transfer, making the additional removal step an integrated part of the overall controlled process rather than a separate complex operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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

Enables a simple, controlled, and non-destructive transfer of nanolayers, enhancing their manipulation and application in technologies like transmission electron microscopy, with improved mechanical stability and contrast, and adaptability to various substrates.

Implementation Method 1

applying a transfer medium to the nanolayer, the transfer medium being converted from a liquid or gaseous phase to a solid phase in this step or thereafter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP2144711B1Method for transferring a nanolayer
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 CNM TECH
  • EP2144711B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2144711B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for transferring a nanolayer (1) from a first substrate (5, 105) to a second substrate (30, 130), wherein the nanolayer (1) comprises a self-aggregating monolayer having cross-linked phenyl units and/or a monoatomic graphite layer (graphs), and the method comprises the following steps: h. applying a transfer medium (20, 120) onto the nanolayer (1), wherein the transfer medium (20, 120) is converted from a liquid or gaseous phase into a solid phase either in this step, or afterward; i. detaching the transfer medium (20, 120) and the nanolayer (1) from the first substrate (5, 105); and j. applying the transfer medium (20, 120) and the nanolayer (1) onto the second substrate (30, 120); and k. removing the transfer medium (20, 120).