I was wondering how they get so thin and perfect mesh on the grids (given that they are so cheap). If you have literature on this, I would be interested to read it too.
Would the same technique of production allow to produce mesh grids of larger area?
Electron beam lithography is one way. Its very repetitive and consistent. You can find many many papers on the subject.
I make grids in the lab, by applying a resin, removing the resin along square channels/grids with the SE beam (the resin evaporates). Finally by applying gold coating, only the grid within the channels remain intact.
You can get a cery goid quality mesh out of it. You can have a look into some published papers by Dr Christophe Pinna for more information.
Electroplating, etching and microprinting (depending on manufacturer), it's what I've heard. Do not ask me about details of technological processes.
Electron lithography looks a bit too expensive way for mass production.