Laser Printing of Functional Materials

Chapter 4Laser-Induced Forward Transfer of Fluids

Juan M. Fernández-Pradas, Pol Sopeña and Pere Serra

Universitat de Barcelona, Departament de Física Aplicada, IN2UB, Martí i Franquès 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain

4.1 Introduction to the LIFT of Fluids

The laser-induced forward-transfer (LIFT) technique, typically applied to the local deposition of solid materials from thin solid-film precursors, can also be applied to the deposition of liquid droplets from thin liquid films [1]. The setup and the principle of operation are basically the same as explained in the previous chapters (Chapters 1–3); however, the mechanisms of material ejection and deposition are sensibly different because of the handling of fluid materials. In this case, the fluid ...