Nanoparticle-based microelectromechanical systems fabricated on plastic.

In this undergraduate research project with Prof Joe Jacobson, Brian and Eric designed a robotic platform for producing micron scale features using gold nanoparticle “inks” and PDMS “stamps” cast over fabricated template substrates. Brian’s primary focus was the control software for the robotic platform that included moving a stage, dispensing liquid while the substrate moves, using a drawdown bar to produce a uniform film thickness, heat it to drive off solvent, and cure the gold nanoparticles into a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device suitable for changing reflectivity based on an applied charge.

Eric J. Wilhelm, Brian T. Neltner, Joseph M. Jacobson; Nanoparticle-based microelectromechanical systems fabricated on plastic. Appl. Phys. Lett. 27 December 2004; 85 (26): 6424–6426. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1842356