Appeal No. 1998-0754
Application No. 08/652,253
Halliwell relates to a method for maskless deposition of metals onto a workpiece by first
applying a sensitizing solution to the workpiece and then directing a laser beam onto the workpiece to
flash evaporate the sensitizer from the workpiece in areas which are not to be plated. (Abstract, col. 2,
lines 24-36 and claim 1). Having lasered the workpiece surface, the workpiece is then contacted with
an electroless plating solution to deposit a layer of metal in those areas where the sensitizer was not
flashed off. (Abstract, col. 2, lines 36-40 and claim 1). Those areas from which the sensitizer was not
removed by laser energy will not be plated.
(Col. 2, lines 40-42). Halliwell teaches that the workpieces, i.e., substrates, can be any material
known in the art which is normally solid at room temperature, such as polymeric materials,
semiconductor materials, metals or glass. (Col. 3, lines 3-14). Suitable polymers include
polypropylene and polyethylene. (Col. 3, lines 7-11). According to Halliwell, the sensitizer or
activator to be applied to the workpiece “is a conventional one, such as PdCl -SnCl -HCl solution, or
2 2
the like.” (Col. 2, lines 8-9).
2. De Bakker et al., EP 518,422
De Bakker describes a method of selectively providing a pattern of a material other than glass
on a substrate by electroless metallization. De Bakker achieves this objective through the application of
a Pd sol which is stabilized using a water-soluble polymer. (Page 1, lines 1-7 and page 2, lines 41-54).
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