Laser-Induced Forward Transfer Techniques and Applications

Abstract Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) is a noncontact direct-write technique that enables the deposition of small volumes of material into user-defined, high-resolution patterns with a wide range of structural and functional materials. This chapter reviews the LIFT technique from its original development to the different approaches proposed to overcome some of its limitations. The physics and characterization methods associated with these processes are also presented. The last sections give a broad overview of the different applications and materials that have been addressed using these techniques; which cover simple metals and oxides to complex ceramics, polymers, biomolecules, and even living cells.