Precision Metrology

Replication and Measurement of Submicron Features - Indium Coated Press-O-Film

"Metallized" Press-O-Film can be used in a range of scientific and industrial applications to obtain accurate, easily made, permanent surface replicas easily studied with precision optical instruments. Metallization, to increase the replica's reflectivity, consists of pre-coating the foam surface with a thin (0.08 µm) layer of Indium.

In the flexographic printing industry metallized replica tape is used with interferometric optical profilers to check the wear on printing rolls. It is preferable to measure a replica, rather than the original, because of the cost, complexity and delicacy of these instruments. Replica tape makes it possible to bring the surface to the measuring device.

  • For measurement of profiles up to about 5 µm = 0.2 mil, we recommend "Medium" grade metallized tape.
  • For measurement of profiles up to about 25 µm = 1 mil we recommend "Coarse" grade metallized tape.
  • For measurement of profiles up to about 100 µm = 4 mil we recommend "X-Coarse" grade metallized tape.

The price of a metallized roll (50 impressions) of any metallized grade is $59 (plus shipping and import duty, if any). Optional mounting slides are available for $0.50 each.

Below are representative measurements (made with WYKO / Veeco profilers):

  1. Original and replica of a very small profile feature
    (50 nm = 0.05 µm = 2 microinch = 100 atoms "plateaus")

    Fig 1 50 nm plateaus.jpg (74415 bytes)
    Fig 2 Replicated 50 nm plateaus.jpg (70710 bytes)

  2. Original and replica of a medium profile feature
    (sine wave surface, height approx = 2 µm = 80 microinch)

    Fig 3 Double Sine Surface.jpg (47823 bytes)

  3. Original and replica of a coarse profile feature
    (grooved surface, 90 µm = 3.6 mil)

    Fig 4 90 um grooved surface.jpg (65800 bytes)
    Fig 5 Replicated 90 um grooves.jpg (64982 bytes)