Physical Self-Assembly of Microstructures by Anisotropic Buckling

Physically self-assembled microstructures can be realized by utilizing the stress relief process in buckling that usually leads to the formation of random wrinkles. This physical self-assembly occurs when the wrinkle formation is guided by a periodic pattern on an elastomeric mold that is simply placed on the surface of a bilayer of metal on polymer, which is then heated above its glass-transition temperature (see Figure and inside cover).