title: Self-assembled single-crystal silicon circuits on plastic.
abstract: We demonstrate the use of self-assembly for the integration of freestanding micrometer-scale components, including single-crystal, silicon field-effect transistors (FETs) and diffusion resistors, onto flexible plastic substrates. Preferential self-assembly of multiple microcomponent types onto a common platform is achieved through complementary shape recognition and aided by capillary, fluidic, and gravitational forces. We outline a microfabrication process that yields single-crystal, silicon FETs in a freestanding, powder-like collection for use with self-assembly. Demonstrations of self-assembled FETs on plastic include logic inverters and measured electron mobility of 592 cm2/V-s. Finally, we extend the self-assembly process to substrates each containing 10,000 binding sites and realize 97% self-assembly yield within 25 min for 100-microm-sized elements. High-yield self-assembly of micrometer-scale functional devices as outlined here provides a powerful approach for production of macroelectronic systems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, The Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Room AE100R, Campus Box 352500, Seattle, WA 98195-2500, USA.
authors.forename: Sean A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Stauth
authors.forename: Babak A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Parviz