Multi-Layer Release Stack for Precise Light-Induced Component Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for further improvement in the controlled transfer and placement of components using light-induced transfer methods, as existing techniques face challenges in achieving precise and efficient transfer.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a donor substrate with a transparent carrier and a release stack comprising a light-absorbing layer, a melt layer, and an adhesive layer. The light-absorbing layer absorbs light, heating up and conducting heat to the melt layer, which melts and releases the components from the adhesive layer, allowing for controlled transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a light-absorbing layer with high absorption coefficient is used to efficiently absorb light and generate heat, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the risk of overheating and damaging the components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight absorption efficiencyVSAvoidoverheating damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a melt layer as an intermediary between the light-absorbing layer and the adhesive layer. This melt layer absorbs the thermal energy and undergoes phase change from solid to liquid, acting as a heat buffer that protects the adhesive layer and components from direct exposure to excessive heat while still enabling the desired release function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of the melt layer material from solid to liquid state as the core mechanism. The melt layer is designed to melt at a specific temperature range when heated by the light-absorbing layer, causing the adhesive layer to lose its bonding strength and release the components. This phase transition enables controlled release without direct thermal damage to the components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If the melt layer is heated to high temperatures to ensure complete melting and release, then the release effectiveness is improved, but the adhesive layer may decompose and cause gas generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease effectivenessVSAvoidgas generation from decomposition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits the phase transition of the melt layer to create a physical barrier between the heat source and the adhesive layer. When the melt layer transitions from solid to liquid, it fills the space between the light-absorbing layer and adhesive layer, preventing direct thermal contact and thus preventing adhesive decomposition and gas generation while maintaining effective heat transfer for release

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The melt layer serves as a thermal intermediary that mediates the heat transfer from the light-absorbing layer to the adhesive layer. By controlling the melting temperature and thermal properties of the melt layer, the patent enables sufficient heat transfer to achieve complete release while limiting the maximum temperature exposure of the adhesive layer to prevent decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the adhesive layer is made strong to ensure component attachment during handling, then the handling stability is improved, but the release process becomes more difficult and may cause component damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive bonding strengthVSAvoidrelease process difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the phase transition of the melt layer to dynamically modulate the adhesive bonding strength. During handling and transfer, the melt layer remains solid and provides strong support. During release, the melt layer melts and causes the adhesive layer to lose its bonding strength, enabling easy and damage-free release of components without requiring weak adhesive bonds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

4Manufacturing precision

If the light beam is focused to a small spot to achieve precise component selection, then the placement precision is improved, but the heating efficiency and energy concentration may cause localized overheating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent placement precisionVSAvoidlocalized overheating
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The melt layer acts as a thermal intermediary that distributes the localized heat from the focused light beam. When the light-absorbing layer is heated at a specific location, the heat is conducted through the melt layer, which undergoes phase change and distributes the thermal energy, preventing excessive localized temperature buildup while still achieving precise spatial control of the release process

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

This approach enables efficient and controlled transfer of components with minimal damage and without gas generation, allowing for precise placement on an acceptor substrate, thereby improving the overall transfer process.

Implementation Method 1

By providing the light-absorbing layer with a relatively high absorption coefficient the light beam can be efficiently absorbed thereby causing the light-absorbing layer to be heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

By providing the heated light-absorbing layer in thermal contact with the melt layer, the absorbed heat can be conducted to the melt layer so a temperature of the melt layer can rise above its melting temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

By providing the material of the melt layer with a relatively low melting temperature, this material can be easily melted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS12319042B2Multi-layer release stack for light induced transfer of components
Publication Date: 2025.06.03 NEDERLANDSE ORG VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
  • US12319042B2 patent drawing
  • US12319042B2 patent drawing
  • US12319042B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for light induced transfer of components from a donor substrate to an acceptor substrate are described. The donor substrate includes a transparent carrier configured to carry the components facing the acceptor substrate, and a release stack. The release stack includes a light-absorbing layer, a melt layer, and an adhesive layer. The light-absorbing layer has a relatively high absorption coefficient for absorbing the light beam causing heat which is conducted to the melt layer. The light-absorbing layer has a relatively high melting temperature such that the light-absorbing layer can remain solid while the melt layer is melted. The adhesive layer adheres the components to the melt layer while the melt layer is solid and releases adhesion when the melt layer is melted.