Patent ID: 7229544

Claim:
A process for forming a multilayer three-dimensional structure, comprising: (a) forming a layer of at least one material on a substrate that may include one or more previously deposited layers of one or more materials; (b) repeating the forming of (a) one or more times to form at least one subsequent layer on at least one previously formed layer to build up a three-dimensional structure from a plurality layers; wherein the forming of at least one layer, comprises: (1) supplying a substrate on which one or more successive depositions of one or more materials may have occurred; (2) supplying a multi-cell mask, wherein each cell is separated from other cells by a material, wherein the cells of the mask comprise independently controllable electrodes, and wherein a pattern of dielectric material extends beyond the cell electrodes for contacting the substrate and for forming electrochemical process pockets when such contact is made; (3) bringing the multi-cell mask and the substrate into contact such that electrochemical process pockets are formed having a desired registration with respect to any previous depositions and providing a desired electrolyte solution such that the solution is provided within the electrochemical process pockets; and (4) applying a desired electrical activation to at least one desired cell electrode, to the substrate, and to any other desired electrode or electrodes, such that a desired material is selectively deposited onto the substrate.