Nanomaterial Assembly Using Blister Laser Transfer and Imaging Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transferring nanomaterials lack precise orientation and positioning capabilities, resulting in suboptimal quality and control over the deposition of 2D nanomaterial structures.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing blister-based laser-induced forward transfer with simultaneous scanning and imaging, allowing for precise alignment and orientation of nanomaterials on a receiver, using a transparent plate with a sacrificial layer and a movable stage for targeted ejection and deposition of nanomaterials, including metals, graphene, and other materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional laser-induced forward transfer is used, then nanomaterial transfer is achieved, but precise orientation and positioning control is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time imaging feedback to monitor the position and orientation of the donor substrate relative to the receiver substrate. The imaging system provides continuous visual feedback that enables dynamic adjustment of transfer parameters, ensuring precise positioning and orientation control during the nanomaterial transfer process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic control of the donor and receiver substrates, allowing real-time adjustment of their relative positions and orientations. The movable stage and imaging system work together to dynamically optimize the alignment between donor and receiver during transfer, enabling precise positioning without requiring overly complex pre-alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If donor and receiver are locked together, then transfer stability is improved, but stacked layers cannot be formed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestacked layers capabilityVSAvoidtransfer stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the locked configuration with dynamic, independently controllable positioning of the donor and receiver substrates. The movable stage allows precise relative movement between substrates while maintaining stable transfer conditions, enabling the formation of stacked layers by sequentially transferring multiple nanomaterial layers with controlled positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If vacuum environment is used, then transfer quality is improved, but device complexity and operational constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition qualityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system acts as an intermediary that enables precise transfer control in ambient environments. By providing real-time visual feedback on the transfer process, the imaging system compensates for the lack of vacuum environment, allowing high-quality deposition to be achieved without requiring complex vacuum systems, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining deposition quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the creation of high-quality, precisely oriented 2D and 3D nanomaterial structures with atomic-scale precision, improving the accuracy and control of nanomaterial deposition across various substrates and environments.

Implementation Method 1

irradiation of the sacrificial layer through the transparent layer by an irradiation beam so that a part of the donor film is transferred from the plate and received by the receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser-induced forward transfer: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

providing a pulsed laser configured to create a metal blister from glass layer and thus to eject the deposited 2D nanomaterial and to transmit thereof to the receiver layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBlister-based laser induced forward transfer: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP4015135A1A method and a device for assembly of a nanomaterial structure
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 FYZIKALNI USTAV AV CR V V I
  • EP4015135A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4015135A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4015135A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and device capable to form a nanomaterial structure (13) on a receiver (14) by transfer of nanomaterial from a donor film. In some embodiment, the transfer can be provided by laser induced forward transfer, more preferably by blister based laser induced forward transfer. The method further comprises a simultaneous scanning of the donor film (12) or the receiver (14) so that, a computer driven means for moving the receiver (14) and the donor film (12) can form high precision nanomaterial structure (13). In a preferred embodiment, the simultaneous scanning can be provided by an imaging laser generating high harmonic waves which are detected by a detector. In yet another embodiment, the receiver (14) and/or donor film (12) can be further scanned by a broadband light source(s). In a preferred embodiment, imaging laser and/or light source(s) are emitting polarized light to determine orientation of the nanoparticle deposited on the receiver (14) and forming the nanomaterial structure (13).