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Directed self-assembly of microcomponents enabled by laser-activated bubble latching.

Li Jiang1, David Erickson

  • 1Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, 240 Upson Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.

Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|July 29, 2011
PubMed
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This study presents laser-activated bubble latching for microscale assembly, enabling complex structures with user control. Bubbles reversibly link components, allowing for adaptable rigidity and reconfiguration.

Area of Science:

  • Microscale engineering
  • Materials science
  • Robotics

Background:

  • Directed fluidic assembly and surface tension-driven methods are established techniques for microscale manipulation.
  • Existing methods face limitations in creating complex, irregular structures and offer limited user control over assembly processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce a novel hybrid method for microscale assembly using laser-activated bubble latching.
  • To demonstrate the creation of arbitrarily complex and irregular microscale structures with enhanced user control.
  • To analyze the properties and capabilities of laser-generated bubble latches for reversible component linking.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing laser-induced degradation of tile material to generate bubble latches on demand.
  • Combining directed fluidic assembly principles with surface tension-driven latching mechanisms.

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  • Analyzing bubble growth phases and calculating the shear force capacity of individual bubble latches.

    • Main Results:

    • Demonstrated the creation of complex and irregular microscale structures through bubble latching.
    • Quantified the tensile force support of each bubble latch at approximately 0.33 μN.
    • Showcased the ability to switch assembled objects between rigid and flexible states by exploiting bubble compressibility.
    • Illustrated reconfiguration capabilities via bubble hinging.

    Conclusions:

    • Laser-activated bubble latching offers a versatile and user-controlled approach to microscale assembly.
    • The technique facilitates the creation of intricate structures with tunable mechanical properties.
    • This hybrid method provides a simplified design environment for advanced microscale component integration.