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.

In addition to this paper, Brian invented a “hot stamp” procedure to produce extremely high aspect ratio features (final image) out of patterned gold nanoparticles. This process gently heated the gold ink while the PDMS stamp was still engaged, driving excess solvent into the PDMS stamp to dry out the particles and partially sinter them prior to final heat treatment steps.

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