Low-cost fabrication of printed electronics devices through continuous wave laser-induced forward transfer

Abstract

Laser induced forward transfer (LIFT) is a direct-writing technique that allows printing inks from a liquid film in a similar way to inkjet printing but with fewer limitations concerning ink viscosity and loading particle size. In this work we prove that liquid inks can be printed through LIFT by using continuous wave (CW) instead of pulsed lasers, which allows a substantial reduction in the cost of the printing system. Through the fabrication of a functional circuit on both rigid and flexible substrates (plastic and paper) we provide a proof-of-concept that demonstrates the versatility of the technique for printed electronics applications.