Modern printing technologies in micro- and nanoelectronics

The trends in microminiaturization in printing are considered and some features of dispersed systems in nano sized scale as well as their applications discussed. Nanoparticles, nanostructures, nanocomposites are regarded as dispersed formations with unique properties due to quantum-sized and surface effects. The summary of photolithography in macro- and microelectronics is given, underlining the disadvantages of it in fabrication of electronic devices due to the light wavelength limits. The detailed analysis of nanotechnology in photography and printing is made, including micro- and nanocontact printing, or imprinting lithography, for what the short history of Graphic Arts development is overviewed as for applications of dispersed materials. Some perspectives of digital micro- and nanoprinting in nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, security printing, active and “intelligent” packaging are outlined, pointing out the importance of nanocomposites of metal oxides and halides for printed luminescent tags for smart food packaging. Nanosized ZnO was considered as a promising substance for printed application to active and “intelligent” packaging as well as nanophotonic devices. The experiments were carried out in order to determine the influence of the state of a packaged product on the properties of ZnO nanofilms. The results open the possibility to combine the properties of the films in development of devices for nanophotonics and smart packaging.