Importance

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Abstract

A method for selectively removing a layer of electrolytically dissoluble metal from a substrate comprising providing a substrate bearing' on a major surface thereof a layer of electrolytically dissoluble metal, said metal layer serving; as a dissoluble electrode; providing at least a first counterelectrode and a second counterelectrode; positioning said counterelectrodes opposite said metal layer and spaced from said metal layer; in a first electrolytic step, interposing an electrolyte between said metal and said first counterelectrode and in electrical contact with said metal layer and said electrode and passing an electric current between said first counterelectrode and said metal layer, wherein said first counterelectrode is maintained cathodic to said metal layer, for a period of time until said metal layer has been removed from a first central region of said surface of said substrate opposite said first counterelectrode; in a second electrolytic step, interposing an electrolyte between said metal and said second counterelectrode and in electrical contact with said metal layer and said electrode, and passing an electric current between said second counterelectrode and said metal layer, wherein said second counterelectrode is maintained cathodic to said metal layer, for a period of time until said metal layer has been removed from said second region of said surface of said substrate.

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First Claim