Method and apparatus for depositing monomolecular layers on a substrate

Abstract

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for continuously forming and depositing a layer of monomolecular amphiphilic molecules on a substrate. The present invention includes an apparatus and method for transferring and compressing an uncompressed molecular layer from one liquid surface region in a tank to another adjacent liquid surface region by using non-moving or static mechanical components which do not come into direct contact with the monomolecular layer. The present invention includes a method and apparatus which permit the continuous and simultaneous draining and replenishing of the liquid in the tank while maintaining the liquid surface level constant. The continuous replacement of the liquid in the tank with clean liquid reduces the level of contamination of the liquid in the tank. In addition, the level, as well as the type of contamination of the liquid, does not vary significantly with time. This aspect of the present invention reduces the variation in the quality and characteristics of the monolayers that are produced in the tank and are deposited onto the substrate. Also by reducing the need to replace the liquid in the tank periodically, the present invention increases the efficiency of the process.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.