Methods of etching articles via microcontact printing
First Claim
1. A method of etching an article having a surface, comprising:
- contacting a first, nonplanar portion of the surface with a stamp to transfer to the first, nonplanar portion a self-assembled monolayer of a molecular species in a first pattern, the self-assembled monolayer being contiguous with an exposed portion of the surface in a second pattern; and
contacting the article with an etchant that reacts chemically with the article thereby degrading a portion of the article in a pattern dictated by the pattern of the self-assembled monolayer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Improved methods of forming a patterned self-assembled monolayer on a surface and derivative articles are provided. According to one method, an elastomeric stamp is deformed during and/or prior to using the stamp to print a self-assembled molecular monolayer on a surface. According to another method, during monolayer printing the surface is contacted with a liquid that is immiscible with the molecular monolayer-forming species to effect controlled reactive spreading of the monolayer on the surface. Methods of printing self-assembled molecular monolayers on nonplanar surfaces and derivative articles are provided, as are methods of etching surfaces patterned with self-assembled monolayers, including methods of etching silicon. Optical elements including flexible diffraction gratings, mirrors, and lenses are provided, as are methods for forming optical devices and other articles using lithographic molding. A method for controlling the shape of a liquid on the surface of an article is provided, involving applying the liquid to a self-assembled monolayer on the surface, and controlling the electrical potential of the surface.
492 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method of etching an article having a surface, comprising:
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contacting a first, nonplanar portion of the surface with a stamp to transfer to the first, nonplanar portion a self-assembled monolayer of a molecular species in a first pattern, the self-assembled monolayer being contiguous with an exposed portion of the surface in a second pattern; and contacting the article with an etchant that reacts chemically with the article thereby degrading a portion of the article in a pattern dictated by the pattern of the self-assembled monolayer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method comprising:
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providing a nonplanar article with a layer of a material on a surface thereof; forming, on a first portion of a surface of the material, a self-assembled monolayer of a molecular species in a first pattern, the self-assembled monolayer being contiguous with an exposed portion of the surface in a second pattern; and contacting a portion of the surface of the material with a first etchant that reacts chemically with the material thereby degrading a portion of the material in a pattern dictated by the pattern of the self-assembled monolayer. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification