Some Theoretical Aspects of the Lithographic Process.

A brief search of lithographic literature will soon convince one that there is a need for more fundamental work. At present, strictly speaking, there is no sound theoretical basis for the process itself. It is the purpose of this paper to examine some rudimentary concepts intrinsic to the process. Lithography is, of course, a separation of an oily phase (ink) from an aqueous phase. The process itself is limited by the degree to which these phases remain independent. This degree of independency is governed, in the main, by behavior that can be approximately described in terms of classical thermodynamical theory. Along with this recourse to thermodynamical theory it has been found useful to consider the lithographic process, per se, in terms of probability concepts. Thus, in this paper, we are attempting to define the ink/water separation in the most economical terms possible. This, in the hope, that is a mathematical yardstick can be so provided we can further our theoretical and practical studies with a minimum of difficulty.