Directed Self-Assembly of Microcomponents Enabled by Laser-Activated Bubble Latching

This article introduces a method for microscale assemble using laser-activated bubble latching. The technique combines the advantages of directed fluidic assemble and surface tensin-driven latching to create arbitrarily complex and irregular structures with unique properties. The bubble latches, generated trough the based degradation of the tile material, are created on the fly, reversible linking components at user-determined location. Different phases of latching bubble growth are anlyzed, and shear force calculations show that each bubble is able to support a tensile force of approximately 0.33 mu N. We demonstrate that by exploiting the compressibility of bubbles, assembled object can be made to switch between rigid and flexible states, facilitating component assemble and transport. Furthermore we show reconfiguration capabilities through the use of bubble hinging. This novel hybrid approach to the assembly of microsclar component offers significant user control while retaining a simplistic design environment.