Organic-based devices for circuit board testing

In this paper we describe progress in research and development efforts leading toward the creation of nanoscale sensors to implement an unique method for a "sea-of-needles" approach for testing printed circuit boards. According to our concept the sensors and sensor probes of the test system, fabricated using organic chemistry methods and materials including conductive polymers and carbon nanotubes, enable us to incredibly shrink their sizes to nanoscale dimensions. The organic sensors are then incorporated into a test fixture using a combination of inkjet printing, lithography and controlled nanotube deposition techniques. This allows the test equipment itself to be applied directly to the circuit board, eliminating the need for today's bulky test equipment. The paper presents a description of our recent research advances pertaining to the development of nanoscale electronic and chemical sensors that form key components of the envisioned test system.