Characterization of organic material micro-structures transferred by laser in nanosecond and picosecond regimes

The laser-induced forward transfer technique has been performed on thin layers of conducting organic materials for applications in plastic micro-electronics. This process is a promising alternative for fabrication of organic electronic components on flexible supports when usual techniques, such like ink-jet printing, cannot be considered. For example, when the organic material has no solubility properties or when complex architectures are needed. Experiments on the influence of pulse duration (nanosecond and picosecond) and wavelength on a large range of fluences have been proceeded using different lasers. An optimization of the process has been carried out by inserting a thin layer of absorbing metallic material between the substrate and the organic film. The advantage of this technique is to preserve organic layers from being damaged by thermal and photochemical effects during the interaction. The morphology and thickness of the deposit have been investigated by optical and scanning electronic microscopy. This experimental study is supplemented by electrical characterization of the deposits. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.