Electrochemical-deposition system, apparatus, and method using optically-controlled deposition electrodes

An electrochemical-deposition apparatus, comprising:

• an electrode array comprising deposition electrodes;
• a photoconductor electrically coupled with at least one of the deposition electrodes;
• an electrically conductive layer electrically coupled with the photoconductor and positioned so that the photoconductor is electrically interposed between the at least one deposition electrode and the electrically conductive layer;
• an electromagnetic-radiation emitter configured to generate electromagnetic radiation and positioned so that, when generated, at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation illuminates the photoconductor;
• an electric-power source configured to supply electric power to the electrically conductive layer;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• direct the electric power to be supplied from the electric-power source to the electrically conductive layer;
• and
• direct the electromagnetic-radiation emitter to generate the electromagnetic radiation when the electric power is supplied to the electrically conductive layer so that an electric current is enabled from the electrically conductive layer, through the photoconductor, and through the at least one deposition electrode.