9526755 Neckers The PI's program focuses on laser initiated photopolymerization and technologies thereby enabled. The overall goal of the work is to understand all steps of the complex processes from the light absorption and disposition of the excited states formed initially from photoinitiators and coinitiators through the chain of reactions leading to solid photopolymer. The immediate plans are to develop photochemistries which can be used at optimal photospeeds at longer wavelengths (>600 nm with emphasis on systems which function at >670 nm). To develop initiator systems soluble in silicon acrylate and fluorocarbon acrylate monomers. To understand the structures of the crosslinked polymers formed in photopolymerizations and to relate this to photoinitiator chemistry/photophysics. To continue synthetic studies in non-oxygen containing silane monomers, to develop photomethods for forming solid photopolymers from silane monomers and prepolymers; and to engage in the synthesis/development of initiators which function in non- acrylate, silane monomer systems. %%% This research should aid in laying the foundation for manufacturing of next-generation microelectronic circuits through development of new photosensitive resist materials and catalysts. ***
