Thin film capillary process and apparatus
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for the formation of micirofluidic capillaries, comprising:
- depositing a photoresist layer on a surface of a substrate, carrying out photolithography procedures to form images on the photoresist layer, etching the photoresist layer to form at least one channel therein, etching the substrate to form at least one channel therein, removing the photoresist layer, depositing a first layer over the substrate and to line the surfaces of the at least one channel formed therein, depositing a second layer over the first layer carrying out photolithography procedures on the second layer, removing the second layer and first layer from the substrate except in the at least one channel region, planarizing the substrate by reflowing the second layer material located in the channel, polishing the substrate to form a flat surface thereon, depositing a third layer on the substrate surface and over the at least one channel, removing the remaining second layer material in the at least one channel located beneath the third layer to form at least one channel in the substrate lined with said first layer material.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Method and system of forming microfluidic capillaries in a variety of substrate materials. A first layer of a material such as silicon dioxide is applied to a channel etched in substrate. A second, sacrificial layer of a material such as a polymer is deposited on the first layer. A third layer which may be of the same material as the first layer is placed on the second layer. The sacrificial layer is removed to form a smooth walled capillary in the substrate.
90 Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A method for the formation of micirofluidic capillaries, comprising:
-
depositing a photoresist layer on a surface of a substrate, carrying out photolithography procedures to form images on the photoresist layer, etching the photoresist layer to form at least one channel therein, etching the substrate to form at least one channel therein, removing the photoresist layer, depositing a first layer over the substrate and to line the surfaces of the at least one channel formed therein, depositing a second layer over the first layer carrying out photolithography procedures on the second layer, removing the second layer and first layer from the substrate except in the at least one channel region, planarizing the substrate by reflowing the second layer material located in the channel, polishing the substrate to form a flat surface thereon, depositing a third layer on the substrate surface and over the at least one channel, removing the remaining second layer material in the at least one channel located beneath the third layer to form at least one channel in the substrate lined with said first layer material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification