Direct writing of conductive patterns
AssigneesAT&T Technologies, Inc., AT&T Bell Laboratories
InventorsAlan M. Lyons, Frederick T. Mendenhall, Jr., Murray Robbins, Nathaniel R. Quick, Cletus W. Wilkins, Jr.
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Abstract
Electrically conductive paths are produced on a polymeric substrate by laser writing, i.e., by tracing desired paths on the substrate by a laser beam. The resulting paths comprise electrically conductive carbon as produced by thermal decomposition of substrate surface material; the paths can serve; e.g., as electrical interconnections akin to printed circuitry on a wiring board. Optionally, the conductivity of paths can be enhanced by electroplating a suitable conductor metal or alloy onto the paths.
Claims10
A method for making a conductive pattern on a substrate of which at least a surface portion consists essentially of a polymeric material,
- said method comprising a step of directing a laser beam onto said surface portion and causing relative motion between said beam and said substrate so as to delineate said pattern on said surface portion,
- said motion being controlled so as to cause thermal decomposition of selected portions of said material,
- whereby said selected portions are transformed into an electrically conductive carbon material such that rsistance of conductive paths in said pattern is less than 16 ohms/cm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.