Patent ID: 8347696
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: B81B,B81C,B82Y,G01Q,G03F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an elongated microchannel, comprising the steps of: forming a first thin film on a side of a substrate; forming a fugitive second thin film on the first thin film such that the second thin film defines a precursor of the elongated microchannel and a plurality of extensions connected to and extending transversely relative to the precursor along a length thereof; forming a third thin film on the first thin film and the fugitive second thin film such that the second thin film resides between the first thin film and the third thin film; forming a respective access site in a region of the third thin film residing on a respective extension and penetrating to the fugitive second thin film; and selectively removing the fugitive second thin film forming the precursor from between the first thin film and the third thin film using an etching medium introduced through the access sites, thereby forming a microchannel between the first thin film and the third thin film.