A flexible paper-based microdischarge array device for maskless patterning on nonflat surfaces

This letter presents a simple and economical paper-based device that is able to generate an array of stable Ar microdischarges. This is a dielectric-barrier-discharge device that exhibits filamentary-type features. The device is sustained by an ac voltage with a 550-V amplitude and 10-kHz frequency. Optical emission spectra show that Ar lines dominate the emission, with a trace amount of CH and C2 emissions. Despite slight damage, the electrode lifetime exceeds 20 min. Results demonstrate that this device is flexible and is able to achieve maskless patterning of hydrophilic patterns on flat and curved glass surfaces. ? 1992-2012 IEEE.