Pattern-integrated interference lithography: prospects for nano- and microelectronics

Opt Express. 2012 Oct 8;20(21):23643-52. doi: 10.1364/OE.20.023643.

Abstract

In recent years, limitations in optical lithography have challenged the cost-effective manufacture of nano- and microelectronic chips. Spatially regular designs have been introduced to improve manufacturability. However, regular designed layouts typically require an interference step followed by a trim step. These multiple steps increase cost and reduce yield. In the present work, Pattern-Integrated Interference Lithography (PIIL) is introduced to address this problem. PIIL is the integration of interference lithography and superposed pattern mask imaging, combining the interference and the trim into a single-exposure step. Example PIIL implementations and experimental demonstrations are presented. The degrees of freedom associated with the source, pattern mask, and Fourier filter designs are described.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electronics / instrumentation*
  • Interferometry / methods*
  • Molecular Imprinting / methods*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Photography / methods*
  • Surface Properties
  • Systems Integration