This paper describes the spontaneous formation of patterns of aligned buckl
es in a thin film of gold deposited on the surface of an elastomer [poly(di
methylsiloxane), PDMS]. The surface of the elastomer is patterned photochem
ically into areas differing in stiffness and coefficient of thermal expansi
on. The gold is deposited while the surface of the patterned elastomer is w
arm (T similar to 100 degrees C). On cooling, shrinkage in the elastomer pl
aces the gold film under compressive stress. The buckles relieve this compr
essive stress. The distribution of stresses and buckle patterns is describe
d during the pre- and postbuckling regimes using solutions from calculation
s describing a model comprising a thin stiff plate resting on a thick elast
ic foundation.