Junfeng Xiao

Fabrication of polymer micro-lens array with pneumatically diaphragm-driven drop-on-demand inkjet technology

The paper reports an effective method to fabricate micro-lens arrays with the ultraviolet-curable polymer, using an original pneumatically diaphragm-driven drop-on-demand inkjet system. An array of plano convex micro-lenses can be formed on the glass substrate due to surface tension and hydrophobic effect. The micro-lens arrays have uniform focusing function, smooth and real planar surface. The fabrication process showed good repeatability as well, fifty micro-lenses randomly selected form 9 × 9 miro-lens array with an average diameter of 333.28μm showed 1.1% variations. Also, the focal length, the surface roughness and optical property of the fabricated micro-lenses are measured, analyzed and proved satisfactory. The technique shows great potential for fabricating polymer micro-lens arrays with high flexibility, simple technological process and low production cost.

Source-like Solution for Radial Imbibition into a Homogeneous Semi-infinite Porous Medium

We describe the imbibition process from a point source into a homogeneous semi-infinite porous material. When body forces are negligible, the advance of the wetting front is driven by capillary pressure and resisted by viscous forces. With the assumption that the wetting front assumes a hemispherical shape, our analytical results show that the absorbed volume flow rate is approximately constant with respect to time, and that the radius of the wetting evolves in time as r ≈ t(1/3). This cube-root law for the long-time dynamics is confirmed by experiments using a packed cell of glass microspheres with average diameter of 42 μm. This result complements the classical one-dimensional imbibition result where the imbibition length l ≈ t(1/2), and studies in axisymmetric porous cones with small opening angles where l ≈ t(1/4) at long times.

Buckling morphology of an elastic beam between two parallel lateral constraints: implication for a snake crawling between walls

A snake crawling on horizontal surfaces between two parallel walls exhibits a unique wave-like shape, which is different from the normal shape of a snake crawling without constraints. We propose that this intriguing system is analogous to a buckled beam under two lateral constraints. A new theoretical model of beam buckling, which is verified by numerical simulation, is firstly developed to account for the special boundary conditions. Under this theoretical model, the effect of geometrical parameters on the deformation shape, such as the distance between walls, length of the snake and radius of the snake, is examined. The buckling beam model is then applied to explain qualitatively the wave-like shape of the snake.

Self-Assembly of Islands on Spherical Substrates by Surface Instability

Through strain-induced morphological instability, protruding patterns of roughly commensurate nanostructures are self-assembled on the surface of spherical core/shell systems. A three-dimensional (3D) phase field model is established for a closed substrate. We investigate both numerically and analytically the kinetics of the morphological evolution, from grooves to separated islands, which are sensitive to substrate curvature, misfit strain, and modulus ratio between the core and shell. The faster growth rate of surface undulation is associated with the core/shell system of a harder substrate, larger radius, or misfit strain. On the basis of a Ag core/SiO2 shell system, the self-assemblies of SiO2 nanoislands were explored experimentally. The numerical and experimental studies herein could guide the fabrication of ordered quantum structures via surface instability on closed and curved substrates.

Manufacturing self-assembled coatings of micro- and nano-particles by controlled evaporation of drops and thin films

The engineered deposition of self-assembled coatings of micro- and nano-particles on solid surfaces has applications in photonic crystals, optoelectronic devices, sensors, waveguides and antireflective coatings. Besides lithographic, etching or vapor deposition methods, these coatings can be self-assembled on small (<O(1mm2) circular surfaces by the deposition and drying of drops on surfaces, or on larger (O(cm2)) rectangular surfaces by pulling an evaporating meniscus, in a process called convective deposition. Both processes involve multiscale phenomena such as transient fluid dynamics with wetted regions, DLVO forces, heat and mass transfer in the deforming geometry of a complex fluid. These competing phenomena control the self-assembly of micro- and nano-particle deposits. A simple phase diagram is presented, that describes the mechanisms governing the transition between different patterns during the evaporation of a drop. A multiphysics modeling of the convective deposition process is also presented, which provides insight on ways to improve the reliability of the deposition process. Finally, an outlook is given on technical applications related to the use of convective deposition techniques in manufacturing.

Fabrication of Microglass Nozzle for Microdroplet Jetting

An ejection aperture nozzle is the essential part for all microdrop generation techniques. The diameter size, the flow channel geometry, and fluid impedance are the key factors affecting the ejection capacity. A novel low-cost fabrication method of microglass nozzle involving four steps is developed in this work. In the first heating step, the glass pipette is melted and pulled. Then, the second heating step is to determine the tip cone angle and modify the flow channel geometry. The desired included angle is usually of 30~45 degrees. Fine grind can determine the exact diameter of the hole. Postheating step is the final process and it can reduce the sharpness of the edges of the hole. Micronozzles with hole diameters varying from 30 to 100 µm are fabricated by the homemade inexpensive and easy-to-operate setup. Hydrophobic treating method of microglass nozzle to ensure stable and accurate injection is also introduced in this work. According to the jetting results of aqueous solution, UV curing adhesive, and solder, the fabricated microglass nozzle can satisfy the need of microdroplet jetting of multimaterials.