Abstract: A method of measuring a minimum pressure for gas bubble generation (MPGBG) value of a capillary tube is disclosed. The capillary tube has an inlet and an output portion including an outlet. The inlet is connected to a regulated pneumatic system, configured to supply a gas to the inlet under pressure. The output portion is immersed in a liquid. The gas is supplied to the inlet under a range of pressures including a higher pressure range and a lower pressure range. In the higher pressure range, gas bubbles are generated in the liquid from the outlet. In the lower pressure range, no gas bubbles are generated in the liquid from the outlet. A value of the minimum pressure for gas bubble generation (MPGBG) for the liquid is determined. Other methods include a method of measuring and storing MPGBG values of capillary tubes, methods of selecting at least one capillary tube from a plurality of capillary tubes, and a method of cutting a capillary tube to a desired MPGBG value.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a metallic nanoparticle composition along a trajectory on a substrate is disclosed. The composition is dispensed from a nozzle through its outlet. The outlet is characterized by an outlet size. First, an initial pressure is applied to the composition in the nozzle to cause the composition to flow from the outlet. The nozzle is positioned at a height such that the composition does not flow onto the substrate. Second, the nozzle is lowered toward the substrate such that a fluid bridge forms between the outlet and the substrate and an adjusted pressure is applied to the composition in the nozzle. The adjusted pressure is lower than needed for the composition to continue to flow from the outlet. Third, the fluid is dispensed from the nozzle. A dispensing pressure is applied to the fluid while the nozzle is laterally displaced along the trajectory on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a numerical model is disclosed. The numerical model correlates estimated capillary tube output diameter values to minimum pressure for gas bubble generation (MPGBG) values. An MPGBG value of each capillary tube in the reference group is measured for a liquid. An output diameter of each of the capillary tubes is measured by a microscope apparatus. A numerical model that correlates estimated capillary tube output diameter values to MPGBG values for the liquid is calculated. A method of estimating an output diameter of a capillary tube includes the following steps. An MPGBG value of the capillary tube for a liquid is measured, and the measured MPGBG value is input into the numerical model to estimate the capillary tube output diameter value.