Study of laser-induced forward transfer dynamics of a conductive silver ink

Abstract

A study of laser-induced forward transfer technique using a low viscosity silver nanoparticle ink is performed. Images of the process were obtained with sub-microsecond resolution that reveal different transfer dynamics depending on the fluence employed. After the laser pulse interacts with the source material, an ink jet that advances at constant speed that depends on the fluence is observed. Further analysis of the printed droplets with an optical microscope shows an optimal fluence range for which semi-spherical droplets are obtained.