Laser Ablation of Parylene-C coated Au/Ti Substrates

Undergraduate #130
Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Electrical Engineering
Session: 1
Room: Marriott Balcony A

Sage Brown - Norfolk State University

Our research on laser ablation of parylene-C thin films is done to identify machining parameters for fabrication of customizable flexible circuits for biomedical applications. Parylene-C is a common insulating material used for flexible circuits that detect neural signals. Following Musaev [1], our study uses two techniques to characterize irradiated samples. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy characterization of irradiated samples. The prepared samples are comprised of Au/Ti deposited metal layers on a glass substrate. A uniformly coated parylene-C layer is then layered on top of the metal layer. Results of our analyses will identify key machining parameters for laser ablation of Parylene-C thin films. Film removal creates a pathway for currents to flow through which plays a key role in neural signal detection. Irradiated spots range from 10 to 1000 laser pulses using 248nm UV excimer laser. The investigation also examines the effect of laser fluency, ranging this value between 250 to 600 mJ/cm2. Beyond the initial studies, the team will explore the need to use evacuated or nitrogen-rich environments to limit carbon-deposits on irradiated samples. The end goal is to identify rates for the removal of ablated material based on laser fluency and the number of laser pulses.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): The research is supported through The Southeastern Coalition for Engagement and Exchange in Nanotechnology Education (SCENE) LSRCE, and the PEAQs ? Partnership Education and Advancement of Quantum Nanosystems PREM

Faculty Advisor: Patricia Mead, s.w.brown98831@spartans.nsu.edu

Role: During this research, I was responsible for recording the strength of the laser pules at each point while finding the profile of the beam diameter. Revealing the light of the beam in increments with a power meter behind gave readings of how much power was transmitted. Graphing those readings at each point showed a curve and that curve told what the beam diameter was.