Patterning microconductor using nanosecond laser ablation of metal nanoparticle film

Abstract

Ablation of metal nanoparticle film using frequency doubled Nd:YAG nanosecond laser is explored to apply for trimming drop on demand (DOD) inkjet printed electrical micro-conductor for flexible electronics. While elevated rim structure due to expulsion of molten pool is observed in sintered nanoparticle film, the ablation of unsintered nanoparticle film results in a Gaussian-shaped ablation profile, so that a clean precise patterning is possible. In addition, the ablation fluence threshold of unsintered metal nanoparticle Film is at least ten times lower than that of a corresponding metal film. Therefore, by using nanosecond laser ablation, inkjet printed metal nanoparticles compatible for flexible polymer can be patterned efficiently with a high resolution.