Abstract: A microlens chip comprises a variable focus fluidic microlens and actuator. The actuator varies the pressure in a fluidic channel in the microlens chip which is coupled to an aperture opening containing the microlens. Applying an electric field to the actuator creates changes in fluid pressure in the fluidic channel, which in turn changes the radius of curvature (i.e., focal length) of the fluidic microlens.

Abstract: A microlens chip comprises a variable focus fluidic microlens and actuator. The actuator varies the pressure in a fluidic channel in the microlens chip which is coupled to an aperture opening containing the microlens. Applying an electric field to the actuator creates changes in fluid pressure in the fluidic channel, which in turn changes the radius of curvature (i.e., focal length) of the fluidic microlens.

Abstract: A microlens chip comprises a variable focus fluidic microlens and actuator. The actuator varies the pressure in a fluidic channel in the microlens chip which is coupled to an aperture opening containing the microlens. Applying an electric field to the actuator creates changes in fluid pressure in the fluidic channel, which in turn changes the radius of curvature (i.e., focal length) of the fluidic microlens.

Abstract: A method of forming a metallic feature on a substrate, comprising the steps of: providing a stamp having a raised region; depositing catalytic particles on a selected area of the stamp, including the raised region thereof; providing a substrate; applying the stamp to the substrate, such that the raised region of the stamp causes a corresponding indented region in the substrate and at least some of the catalytic particles are transferred to a selected area of the substrate; and plating the selected area of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of plating an aromatic polymer substrate comprises: applying a strippable coating of a non-aromatic polymer to a substrate surface to be plated; selectively illuminating the coated substrate surface with laser light to ablate a selected area of the strippable coating and to activate an underlying region of the substrate surface exposed by the ablation of the strippable coating; contacting the substrate surface with a seeding solution containing polymer-stabilised catalytic seeding particles, so that the seeding particles adhere preferentially to the activated region of the substrate; and electrolessly plating the substrate surface, whereby the seeded areas of the substrate surface are selectively plated.

Abstract: A method of forming a metallic feature on a substrate, comprising the steps of: providing a stamp having a raised region; depositing catalytic particles on a selected area of the stamp, including the raised region thereof; providing a substrate; applying the stamp to the substrate, such that the raised region of the stamp causes a corresponding indented region in the substrate and at least some of the catalytic particles are transferred to a selected area of the substrate; and plating the selected area of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of plating an aromatic polymer substrate comprises: applying a strippable coating of a non-aromatic polymer to a substrate surface to be plated; selectively illuminating the coated substrate surface with laser light to ablate a selected area of the strippable coating and to activate an underlying region of the substrate surface exposed by the ablation of the strippable coating; contacting the substrate surface with a seeding solution containing polymer-stabilized catalytic seeding particles, so that the seeding particles adhere preferentially to the activated region of the substrate; and electrolessly plating the substrate surface, whereby the seeded areas of the substrate surface are selectively plated.