Laser-Scribed Lossy Microstrip Lines for Radio Frequency Applications

Laser-Induced Forward Transferred Optical Scattering Nanosilica for Transparent Displays

Laser printing has become a promising alternative for large-scale fabrication of functional devices. Here, laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) of nanosilica was successfully achieved using a lower-cost nanosecond laser with a center wavelength of 1064 nm. To enhance the light absorption of silica, a small amount of graphene oxide (GO) was added to the fumed silica. Investigations were conducted to give an insight into the role of GO in the LIFT process. Pattern deposition was achieved with a minimum line width of 221 μm. The scattering can be tuned from ~2.5% to ~17.5% by changing the laser fluence. The patternable transparent display based on laser transferred nanosilica (LTNS) film was also demonstrated, showing its capability to deliver information on multiple levels. This LIFT based technique promotes fast, flexible, and low-cost manufacturing of scattering-based translucent screens or patterns for transparent displays.

Joining Technology Innovations at the Macro, Micro, and Nano Levels

With the growing joining requirements of emergent engineering materials and new applications, conventional welding continues to evolve at all scales spanning from the macro- down to the micro- and nanoscale. This mini review provides a comprehensive summary of the research hot spots in this field, which includes but is not limited to selected papers from the international nanojoining and microjoining conference (NMJ) held in Nara, Japan on 1–4 December 2018. These innovations include the integration of nanotechnology, ultrafast laser, advanced manufacturing, and in situ real-time ultra-precision characterization into joining processes. This special issue may provide a relatively full picture of the state-of-the-art research progress, fundamental understanding, and promising application of modern joining technologies.