Abstract: A method of immersing an electrode in an electroplating solution while under vacuum, to substantially eliminate air and/or other gas from microscopic holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. A method of electroplating an electrode in an electroplating solution including the application of a vacuum to the electrode while it is immersed in the electroplating solution to thereby substantially eliminate air and/or other gas from microscopic holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. The electroplating liquid may be applied to only one side of the electrode (“the wet side”) in which case, sufficient time is allowed to pass for the immersion liquid to fill the microscopic through-holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. An enhancement of this mode is to force liquid through the microscopic holes from the wet side. A highly penetrating solvent may be used as an immersion liquid.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 8, 2013
Date of Patent:
May 20, 2014
Assignee:
The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Naval Research Laboratory
Inventors:
F. Keith Perkins, Perry Skeath, Lee James Johnson, John R Peele, William Bassett