Microstructuring of conducting polymers

Intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) represent a special class of mater ials with variable properties. Microstructuring of ICPs is possible by eith er pre- or poststructuring or direct microstructuring. The localization of both nucleation as well as the growth is important, especially for systems with a high negative aspect ratio. There are numerous microanalytical techn iques for the characterization of electrochemical functionality, topography , stoichiometry and opto-electronic properties. Advantages and disadvantage s are discussed for various laboratory techniques such as laser induced pol ymerization. Sharpness of ICP microstructures can be improved by combinatio n of two or more localization techniques. The application of ICPs in the th rough-hole plating of printed circuit boards is discussed as an example of the technical production of a multiple microsystem with a high negative asp ect ratio. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.