Abstract: A method of creating a mask on a surface of a substrate is disclosed. The substrate comprises a plurality of spaced heating elements on or proximal to the surface. The method comprises applying a layer of masking material to the surface and employing the heating elements to apply energy to the masking material at selected sites, whereby the applied energy brings about a phase change in the masking material at the selected sites such that it adheres to the surface or can be displaced from the surface to mask or unmask the selected sites respectively. A method of synthesising an array of molecules, an apparatus for selectively masking one or more sites on a surface and a semiconductor chip that uses micro-heaters to modulate a masking layer on areas of the chip surface.

Abstract: A method of creating a mask on a surface of a substrate is disclosed. The substrate comprises a plurality of spaced heating elements on or proximal to the surface. The method comprises applying a layer of masking material to the surface and employing the heating elements to apply energy to a phase change in the masking material at the selected sites such that it adheres to the surface or can be displaced from the surface to mask or unmask the selected sites respectively. A method of synthesising an array of molecules, an apparatus for selectively masking one or more sites on a surface and a semi-conductor chip that uses micro-heaters to modulate a masking layer on areas of the chip surface.

Abstract: A method of creating a mask on a surface of a substrate is disclosed. The substrate comprises a plurality of spaced heating elements on or proximal to the surface. The method comprises applying a layer of masking material to the surface and employing the heating elements to apply energy to a phase change in the masking material at the selected sites such that it adheres to the surface or can be displaced from the surface to mask or unmask the selected sites respectively. A method of synthesising an array of molecules, an apparatus for selectively masking one or more sites on a surface and a semi-conductor chip that uses micro-heaters to modulate a masking layer on areas of the chip surface.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is disclosed which comprises a rotatable member, for example a cylinder (10) ratable about its longitudinal axis (12), drive means (16) for rotating the cylinder, means (22) for feeding liquid to the circumferential (20) surface of the cylinder to form droplets (18) of the liquid thereon, and means (32) for causing droplets to be released selectively from the cylinder (10) as it rotates. The droplets released are projected towards a substrate spaced from the cylinder, and control means are provided to monitor the rotation of the cylinder (10) and for controlling the droplet release means (32) to form a predetermined pattern of droplets on the substrate (44). The apparatus may provide a rapid supply of droplets, making it suitable for high throughout panting applications.