µCP –soft lithography that uses a PDMS stamp to form patterns of SAMs of ink on the surface of a substrate. The steps are PR is patterned. PDMS is poured over the mold, and then peeled off. The thiol solution is applied to the PDMS stamp until the ink diffuses. Then the stamp is applied to a substrate by bringing the stamp into physical contact with the substrate so the thiol solution can be transferred. During the transfer, the carbon chains of the thiol can align with each other to create a SAM.
Left: PDMS mold made
Right: Thiol ink poured, and contact between stamp and substrate made.
Issues with imprint technologies
- Template wear from repeated contact
- Defects from air bubbles