US 6,544,698 B1Grant
Maskless 2-D and 3-D pattern generation photolithography
Issue Date:2003-04-08
•57 Claims
•4 Drawing Sheets
Abstract
The present invention is a system and method to create two dimensional and three dimensional structures using a maskless photolithography system that is semi-automated, directly reconfigurable, and does not require masks, templates or stencils to create each of the planes or layers on a multi layer two-dimensional or three dimensional structure. In an embodiment, the invention uses a micromirror array comprising up to several million elements to modulate light onto a substrate that has photoreactive or photoresist compounds applied to the exposed surface. The desired pattern is designed and stored using conventional computer aided drawing techniques and is used to control the positioning of the individual mirrors in the micromirror array to reflect the corresponding desired pattern. Light impinging on the array is reflected to or directed away from the substrate to create light and dark spots on the substrate according to the pattern. In addition, a fixture three dimensions, for mounting of the substrate and allows the substrate to be moved three dimensions, providing alignment in two, coplanar dimensions and the capability to produce three dimensional structures by aligning the substrate in a third dimension perpendicular to the two coplanar dimensions. The system and method is easily reconfigurable and allows rapid prototyping of microscopic and macroscopic devices.
Metadata
Assignee
- University of South Florida
Inventor
- David P. Fries
Application Information
Application Number:US 10/179,083
Filing Date:2002-06-25
Priority Date:2001-06-27
Art Unit:7
Classifications
IPC:
G03F 900
Field of Search:
430 22430 5430 30430296430395430396355 53355 67355 772504922
Patent Drawings (4 sheets)
Description
Cross-Reference to a Related Application
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/301,218, filed Jun. 27, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.
Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to photolithography systems and methods, specifically, to devices and methods for creating 2-D and 3-D patterns on substrates without the use of a mask.
Background Art
[0004] Photolithography systems are known in the art that direct light beams onto a photosensitive surface covered by a mask, etching a desired pattern on the substrate corresponding to the void areas of the mask. Maskless photolithography systems are also known in the art as described in Singh-Gasson, Sangeet et al., Nature Biotechnology17,974-78, 1999. The system described in this article uses an off-axis light source coupled with a digital micromirror array to fabricate DNA chips containing probes for genes or other solid phase combinatorial chemistry to be performed in high-density microarrays.
[0005] A number of patents also exist which relate to maskless photolithography systems, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,870,176; 6,060,224; 6,177,980; and 6,251,550; all of which are incorporated herein by reference. While the previously described maskless photolithography systems address several of the problems associated with mask based photolithography systems, such as distortion and uniformity of images, problems still arise. Notably, in environments requiring rapid prototyping and limited production quantities, the advantages of maskless systems as a result of efficiencies derived from quantities of scale are not realized. Further, prior art references lack the ability to provide rapid prototyping.
[0006] In particular, alignment of patterns with respect to target substrates in maskless systems can be problematic. Various solutions have been proposed to mitigate the effect of alignment problems, including the digital shifting of the projected mask pattern to compensate for misalignment of a substrate. However, this technique requires that the substrate be closely aligned initially and is better suited for high volume production runs which incorporate automatic initial alignment systems. In a rapid prototyping, limited quantity environment, automated means of initial alignment are not cost effective.
[0007] In addition, conventional maskless alignment systems are normally limited to coplanar, two-dimensional alignment. However, there is a need in the art to create three-dimensional patterns on substrates. Creating three-dimensional patterns requires further alignment of the substrates in a third dimension perpendicular to the two coplanar dimensions. In the third dimension, computerized shifting of the mask pattern cannot compensate for misalignments in a direction parallel with an incident light beam. As a result, an ability to align a substrate in a third dimension in a rapid prototyping, reconfigurable environment is needed.
[0008] Another problem with maskless photolithography systems is that the mask pattern image projected is formed by pixels, instead of continuous lines. As a result, gaps may exist between adjacent pixels, which, when projected on a substrate, may allow the area between the pixels to be exposed, resulting in a break in the imaged pattern. For example, if the desired pattern is a circuit, gaps may be inadvertently exposed and formed in a trace, resulting in an electrical gap. The exposure gaps caused by the pixel nature of the micromirror arrays, or pixellation, may cause open circuits or unwanted capacitive effects where trace width or thickness is critical.
[0009] Another problem with current art systems is the phenomenon of “stiction,” wherein the individual mirrors in a micromirror area tend to “stick” in a specific orientation if left in that position for an extended period. Consequently, a higher voltage needs to be applied to the mirror drive to point the mirror in another desired direction. Thus the micromirror array consumes more power than normal and affects the reliability of the mirror.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a method and system for maskless photolithography to provide a more effective way to fabricate custom devices in a low volume production environment. This system needs to combine ease of use, reconfigurability, and the ability to provide coarse manual alignment and automated fine alignment of mask patterns. In addition the system needs to address the exposure gaps inherent in the process due to the pixel nature of the projected mask and provide means for eliminating stiction. In summary, the system needs to provide all the advantages of a maskless photolithography system at a reasonable cost, and include capabilities tailored to direct writing in a rapid prototyping environment.
Summary of the Invention
[0011] In view of the foregoing deficiencies of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a maskless photolithography system for creating 2-D and 3-D patterns on substrates.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide an easy to use, reconfigurable, rapid prototyping maskless photolithography system.
[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a directly coupled optical system for maskless photolithography that ensures efficient transfer of light energy to a substrate for performing photolithography.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a projected image for maskless photolithography that is free from distortion and uniform throughout out the exposure area.
[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a positioning fixture, selectively movable in a three dimensions to accurately position a substrate for maskless photolithography.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a maskless photolithography for creating micro and macro three-dimensional structures.
[0017] To achieve these objects, a system and method are provided to create two dimensional and three dimensional structures using a maskless photolithography system that is directly reconfigurable and does not require masks, templates or stencils to create each of the planes or layers on a multi layer two-dimensional or three dimensional structure. In an embodiment, the invention uses a micromirror array comprising up to several million elements to modulate light onto a substrate that has photoreactive compounds applied to the exposed surface. The desired pattern is designed and stored using conventional computer aided drawing techniques and is used to control the positioning of the individual mirrors in the micromirror array to reflect the corresponding desired pattern. Light impinging on the array is reflected to or directed away from the substrate to create light and dark spots on the substrate according to the pattern. In addition, an alignment fixture, movable in three dimensions, for mounting of the substrate is provided. The alignment fixture allows the affixed substrate to be moved in three dimensions, providing alignment in two, coplanar dimensions and a third dimension perpendicular to the two coplanar dimensions. By providing alignment in the third dimensional direction, the invention advantageously provides the capability to produce three-dimensional structures on a substrate. Further, the positioning information provided to the micromirror array can be modulated to cause the individual mirrors to change their angular position during exposure to reduce the effects of pixelation and stiction.
[0018] The advantages of the invention are numerous. One significant advantage is the ability to use the invention as a reconfigurable, rapid prototyping tool for creating two-dimensional and three dimensional micro and macroscopic objects. Another advantage of the invention is that it provides the ability to reduce prototyping costs and enable devices to be fabricated more quickly with less risk. Yet another advantage of the invention is the ability to utilize different designs and operating conditions on a single device. A further advantage is the ability to use computer network to transfer designs across networks for immediate light exposure of a substrate. Still another advantage of the current invention is a reduction in cost for prototyping activities realized by the elimination of physical masks and the ability to create both positive and negative tone images using the same array. Yet another advantage of the current invention is that pattern generation can be performed optically without having to use expensive vacuum system required by conventional mask based photolithography. A particular advantage of the current invention is the ability to create three-dimensional devices using an alignment stage to selectively expose successive layers in a substrate. By modulating the movement of the micromirror arrays, the negative effects of pixelation and stiction of micromirrors is reduced.
[0019] By providing the ability to individually control the individual micromirrors of the mirror array, any arbitrary micro or macroscopic structure can easily and quickly be created in substrates such as polymers, metals, or ceramics. Patterns such as glasses, microfluidic networks, thin film devices, hybrid material devices, micro electromechanical machines (MEMs), photomasks and combinations of the above mentioned devices can be created using the reconfigurable, application specific photolithography system disclosed.
[0020] All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein, or from which a claim for benefit of priority has been made, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.
[0021] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0022] In order that the manner in which the above recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a maskless photolithography system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a maskless photolithography method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relation between exposure area and minimum feature size according to the current invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a graph showing an exemplary spectral output of the current invention.
[0027] It should be understood that in certain situations for reasons of computational efficiency or ease of maintenance, the ordering and relationships of the blocks of the illustrated flow charts could be rearranged or re-associated by one skilled in the art. While the present invention will be described with reference to the details of the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings, these details are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Detailed Disclosure of the Invention
[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments consistent with the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. First, briefly, the invention is a system and method to create two dimensional and three dimensional structures using a maskless photolithography system comprising a maskless pattern generator that is directly reconfigurable and does not require masks, templates or stencils to create each of the planes or layers on a multi layer two-dimensional or three dimensional structure. In an embodiment, the invention uses a micromirror array comprising up to several million elements to modulate light onto a substrate that has photoreactive or photoresist compounds applied to the exposed surface. The desired pattern is designed and stored using conventional computer aided drawing techniques and is used to control the positioning of the individual mirrors in the micromirror array to reflect the corresponding desired pattern. Light impinging on the array is reflected to or directed away from the substrate to create light and dark spots on the substrate according to the desired pattern. In addition, an alignment fixture for mounting of the substrate allows the substrate to be moved in three dimensions, providing alignment in two, coplanar dimensions and the capability to produce three dimensional structures by aligning the substrate in a third dimension perpendicular to the two coplanar dimensions.
[0029] I. Maskless Photolithography System
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the current invention includes a light source 10, a removable filter 11, a first lens system 12, a micromirror array 14, a computer system 16, a second lens system 18, a substrate 20, mounted on a movable alignment fixture 22, and an optical viewer 24. A layer of photoreactive chemicals 21 is disposed on the substrate 20.
[0031] As shown, light source 10 provides a beam of collimated light, or light beam 26, which can be selectively filtered by inserting or removing filter 11 from light beam 26. Light beam 26 is projected upon first lens system 12 and then onto micromirror array 14, wherein each mirror in the micromirror array corresponds to a pixel of the mask pattern. Micromirror array 14 is controlled by computer system 16 over signal line(s) 15 to reflect light according to a desired mask pattern stored in memory. In addition, computer system 16 can shift the desired mask pattern in two dimensions to align the pattern with the substrate 20 mounted on movable alignment fixture 22. Precise pattern alignments are optionally made electronically by shifting the mask pattern information provided to the micromirror array such that the image reflected to the substrate is translated to correct for misalignment. For example, if the mask pattern needs to be shifted to the right one pixel width to be properly aligned on the substrate, the computer compensates for the misalignment by shifting the mask pattern one pixel width to the right.
[0032] In an embodiment, micromirror array 14 is controlled to modulate the positioning of the mirror to prevent stiction and pixelation. The individual mirrors of micromirror array 14 are driven to vary their angular orientation with respect to on-axis illumination during exposure of a substrate. The light beam 26 incident on the micromirror array is reflected as a patterned light beam 27 by reflecting the desired pixels toward the substrate 20, and reflecting the undesired pixels away from the substrate 20. After being reflected in a desired pattern from micromirror array 14, patterned light beam 27 passes through second lens system 18, and impinges on a layer of photoreactive chemicals 21 applied to substrate 20, thereby creating a pattern on substrate 20 by producing a reaction between the layer of photoreactive chemicals 21 and substrate 20. Alternatively, a photoresist chemical could be applied to substrate 20 to etch areas of substrate 20 not masked off by the mask pattern during an exposure.
[0033] The mask pattern described above is a programmable mask pattern generated with the use of computer aided design and is resident on computer system 16. Accordingly, the mask pattern to be transferred to the layer of photoreactive chemicals 21 and substrate 20 is a selectively programmable mask pattern. Thus, with a programmable mask pattern, any portion of the pattern on the substrate 20 can be manipulated and/or changed as desired for rendering of desired changes as may be needed, furthermore, on a significantly reduced cycle time.
[0034] Micromirror array 14 described above is a micro mirror device known in the art. With the micro mirror device, light is reflected according to a pattern of pixels as controlled according to a prescribed pixel/bit mask pattern received from computer system 16. The light reflecting from the micro mirror device thus contains the desired mask pattern information. A micro mirror device may include any suitable light valve, for example, such as that used in projection television systems and which are commercially available. Light valves are also referred to as deformable mirror devices or digital mirror devices (DMD). One example of a DMD is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,544 and patents referenced therein, in which the light valve consists of an array of tiny movable mirror-like pixels for deflecting a beam of light either to a display screen (ON) or away from the display optics (OFF). The pixels of the light valve device are also capable of being switched very rapidly. Thus, with the use of the light valve, the photolithography system of the present disclosure can implement changes in the mask pattern in a relatively quick manner. The light valve is used to modulate light in accordance with mask pattern information provided by the computer system 16. In addition, the DMD reflects light, thus no appreciable loss in intensity occurs when the patterned light is projected upon the desired subject during the lithographic mask exposure.
[0035] In an embodiment, the positioning of the mirrors in the micromirror array and the time duration of exposure can be modulated while positioned in a desired mask pattern. By dynamically changing the position of the mirrors while exposing a substrate and the time duration of exposure, the effects of pixelation on the exposed substrate and stiction of the mirrors can be reduced. The duty cycle of the modulation command can be selectively modified to achieve an optimum ratio between on axis, direct exposure, and offaxis, indirect exposure. As a result, the micromirrors are constantly moving to prevent stiction, and further allow integration of interpixel exposure areas around directly radiated pixels to provide uniform coverage of the mask pattern to eliminate pixelation. In addition, pixelation can be reduced by defocusing the lens to “blend” adjacent pixels.
[0036] Typically, the micromirrors are quadrilateral in shape and mounted in an array such that they can be individually driven to deflect along a diagonal axis, for a maximum deflection of about 10 degrees away from normal in either direction along the diagonal axis. Light is typically reflected to a target by driving the mirror 10 degrees form normal in one direction to expose a target (“on”), and driven 10 degrees from normal in the opposite direction to reflect light away form the target (“off”). Variations in light intensity projected on a target can be accomplished by binary pulse width modulation of the driving signal. The length of duration at a particular on or off state is governed by the binary code representing various durations of time for light to be on or off.
[0037] Advantageously, the present system allows an image to be shifted electronically to provide fine alignment of the pattern on substrate 20. The mask pattern is digitally shifted according to alignment information in one or more directions for achieving a desired mask alignment on substrate 20. Adjustments in alignment are carried out electronically in the mask bit pattern information provided to the light valve. As a result, fine adjustments in pattern alignment can thus be easily accomplished.
[0038] Movable alignment fixture 22, in conjunction with optical viewer 24, provides the capability to initially align substrate 20 under light beam 26 using mechanical alignment mechanisms (not shown) to align substrate 20 in three dimensions. The mechanical alignment system may include gears, pulleys, belts, chains, rods, screws, hydraulics, pneumatics, piezo motion or combinations thereof as known in the art to support and move an object in three dimensions. While performing alignment procedures, filter 11 is inserted in light beam 26 to filter out the wavelengths of light that react with the layer of photoreactive chemicals 21 on substrate 20. Optical viewer 24, provides a means to monitor the positioning of substrate during manual alignment. While providing alignment in coplanar first and second dimensions, alignment fixture 22 advantageously provides alignment in a direction perpendicular to the coplanar first and second dimensions, allowing fabrication of three dimensional objects. For example, to gain more control over sidewall profiles or to produce complicated structures, multiple layers of substrate 20 can be sequentially exposed by aligning substrate 20 in the third dimension to create three-dimensional features. Coupled with computer controlled alignment of the desired pattern, the invention provides the capability to quickly manually align substrate 20 under light beam 26 and allows computer system 16 to automatically finely tune the alignment before exposing layer of photoreactive chemicals 21 on substrate 20.
[0039] II. Method for Maskless Photolithography
[0040] A method of using the current invention to fabricate designs will now be described. It should be understood that in certain situations for reasons of computational efficiency or ease of maintenance, the ordering and relationships of the blocks of the illustrated flow charts could be rearranged or re-associated by one skilled in the art. Starting from step 50, a desired mask pattern is designed and stored on computer system 16 in step 52. Alternatively, mask pattern designs can be designed on other computer systems and imported into computer system 16. Next, in step 54, a substrate 20 is placed on alignment fixture 22 and coated with a layer of photoreactive chemicals 21 in step 56. Once the substrate is mounted in alignment fixture 22, the filter 11 is placed in the light beam 26 path according to step 58 to filter the light and prevent exposure of the substrate. Next, the computer system 16 can then be instructed to provide the resident mask pattern information to micromirror array 14 as shown in step 60, and the micromirror array 14 responds by orienting each individual mirror to reflect or direct light beam 26 away from substrate 20 according to the desired pattern. Next, alignment of the substrate is enabled by exciting the light source 10 to provide a light beam in step 62, projecting light beam 26 through first lens system 12, and then onto micromirror array 14. In turn, micromirror array 14 reflects light beam 26 through second lens system 18 and onto layer of photoreactive chemicals 21 and substrate 20.
[0041] With the desired pattern projected on substrate 20, alignment fixture 22 can be manually aligned in three dimensions according to step 64 by moving alignment fixture 22 to ensure that substrate 20 is properly located in light beam 26. Proper alignment is verified by viewing the projected pattern on substrate 20 through optical viewer 24. Once substrate 20 is manually aligned, alignment information can optionally be provided to computer system 16 and computer system 16 automatically adjusts the micromirror 14 by shifting the pattern in two dimensions to attain proper alignment in optional step 66. Having aligned substrate 20, the layer of photoreactive chemicals 21 on substrate 20 is exposed in step 70 by removing filter 11 from light beam 26 in step 68 and allowing the light to cause a reaction between layer of photoreactive chemicals 21 and substrate 20 for a required reaction time depending on the photoreactive chemicals used. For example, using standard Novolac™ positive photoresist, an exposure time of 60 seconds is used. In an embodiment, during exposure step 70, the angular position and time duration of the angular positioning of the mirrors in micromirror array 14 is varied according to commands from computer system 16. For example, when masking a 25 micron square feature, angular position and time duration of the angular positioning of the mirrors in micromirror array 14 might be varied so that the mask effectively covers an area of 36 microns square, centered on the desired 25 micron square feature. As a further example, the duty cycle for the angular deflection could be adjusted so that the 25 micron square feature is masked 90% of the total exposure time and the remaining 11 square micron area is covered 10% of the total exposure time. By dynamically modulating the mirrors as described, stiction of the mirrors is reduced. Further, pixelation effects on the substrate are reduced by providing mask pattern coverage of the interpixel areas not exposed to direct, on axis illumination.
[0042] If further exposures are desired in step 72, such as required when creating three-dimensional objects, the above method is repeated by returning to step 52 until the desired object is fabricated. A new digital mask pattern is provided, another photoreactive coat is applied, and the substrate is realigned and re-exposed. Once the desired object has been created, the process ends in step 74.
[0043] III. Exemplary Embodiment
[0044] An example of the current invention using the system and method described above will now be presented. In an embodiment, the current invention is designed to be an integrated, reconfigurable, rapid prototyping maskless photography system. The system provides optics, a light source, and integrated electronic components used to directly generate patterns for the exposure of photoresist and other photoimagable materials. A broad band spectrum, high intensity white light source provides the exposure energy for the process. This light is then filtered and optimized for the exposure process, using a variety of integrated optical components. A direct coupled optical delivery system ensures efficient transfer of the light energy. Using proven optical techniques, the projected image is free of distortion and uniform through out the exposure area. With the optimized optical stream, the image is imposed in the light path, providing the final exposure pattern. This pattern is then transferred to the substrate surface and used to expose the photosensitive material required in the user's fabrication process.
[0045] A personal computer operably connected to a micromirror array to provide mask patterns. The mask patterns are generated in the computer and then transferred to the micromirror array to provide the optical pattern for exposure. The pattern is transferred to a substrate and is observed using an optical microscope. This microscope is needed for pattern alignment to the substrate. Alignment is controlled through the use of a course alignment stage provided by a mechanically movable substrate mounting alignment fixture, combined with a fine, electronic alignment stage. This fine alignment stage is computer controlled and aligns the mask pattern reflected from the micromirror instead of moving the alignment fixture, thereby offering exceptional accuracy and repeatability. Once alignment is complete, substrate exposure occurs. Through the use of a step and repeat method, the entire substrate surface can be exposed and multiple layers can be created using an alignment stage movable in a direction parallel to the light beam.
[0046] In the exemplary embodiment, the light source exhibits a spectral peak at 436 nm as shown in FIG. 3. As a result the invention produces light compatible with g-line photoresist material and other photopolymers that activate in this spectral region. In addition, typical exposure energy density for a 2.5 cm by 2.5 cm exposure area is 225 mj/cm2. However, the energy density can be adjusted as required. By using DMDs designed to withstand higher levels and different wavelengths of UV light, different frequencies can be used, such as UV light having a spectral peak at 365 nm.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows how the minimum feature size varies depending on the desired exposure area. The invention is capable of creating features as small as 5 micrometers (μm) for an exposure area of 6.25 millimeters (mm) by 6.25 mm. As shown on the graph, as the desired minimum feature size increases, the exposure feature size increases linearly. For example, for a minimum feature size of 20 μm, the exposure field is increased to 25 mm by 25 mm.
[0048] In addition, according the invention, three-dimensional patterns can be created using the three dimension alignment capabilities disclosed above. For example, patterning using thick photo resist or multiplayer patterning of individual photoresist layers. These techniques can be use to provide either a photomask for subsequent etching of substrate materials or if the photopolymer is compatible with the chemistry used in the device, the fabricated features can be used as part of the device itself.
[0049] Based on the foregoing specification, the computer system of the disclosed invention may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware or any combination or subset thereof. Any such resulting program, having computer-readable code means, may be embodied or provided within one or more computer-readable media, thereby making a computer program product, i.e., an article of manufacture, according to the invention. The computer readable media may be, for instance, a fixed (hard) drive, diskette, optical disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor memory such as read-only memory (ROM), etc., or any transmitting/receiving medium such as the Internet or other communication network or link. The article of manufacture containing the computer code may be made and/or used by executing the code directly from one medium, by copying the code from one medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over a network.
[0050] One skilled in the art of computer science will easily be able to combine the software created as described with appropriate general purpose or special purpose computer hardware to create a computer system or computer sub-system embodying the method of the invention. An apparatus for making, using or selling the invention may be one or more processing systems including, but not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), memory, storage devices, communication links and devices, servers, I/O devices, or any sub-components of one or more processing systems, including software, firmware, hardware or any combination or subset thereof, which embody the invention. User input may be received from the keyboard, mouse, pen, voice, touch screen, or any other means by which a human can input data into a computer, including through other programs such as application programs.
[0051] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.
Claims
Post-issuance certificates present
The text shown below may not reflect later post-issuance changes.
What is claimed is:
1. A system for maskless photolithography comprising:
a. a computer system for generating mask patterns and alignment instructions;
b. an array of positionable micromirrors, operably connected to and controllable by said computer system, wherein said micromirrors reflect light according to said mask patterns provided by said computer system;
c. an optical system for generating, collimating, and directing a light beam to said micromirror array;
d. an optical system for further collimating the light beam reflected from said mirrors and directing the light beam onto a substrate;
e. a manually controlled alignment fixture for mounting the substrate, wherein said alignment fixture is movable in coplanar first and second dimensions, and in a third dimension direction substantially perpendicular to said first and second coplanar dimensions and substantially parallel to the light beam reflected from said micromirrors; said fixture providing three dimensional alignment of a substrate beneath the light beam, wherein said alignment fixture is moved in three dimensions in response to mechanical alignments directly provided by a user;
f. a computer controlled pattern alignment system, for providing electrical alignment of said patterns in coplanar first and second dimensions, wherein said pattern alignment system adjusts the alignment of said mask patterns in coplanar first and second dimensions by altering the positioning of said micromirrors in response to instructions provided by said computer according to said alignment information, so that said pattern is shifted in at least one coplanar direction;
g. an optical viewer to allow optical monitoring of positioning of the substrate mounted in said alignment fixture by visually verifying that an image projected on the substrate is properly aligned; and
h. an optical filter, removably mounted in the light beam to selectively filter light impinging on the substrate to prevent exposure of the substrate during an alignment procedure.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computer controlled pattern modulation system, for varying the angular position and time duration of angular positioning of said micromirrors when exposing a substrate, said modulation system altering the positioning and time duration of angular positioning of said micromirrors in response to instructions provided by said computer, whereby pixelation and sticktion are reduced.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said optical filter is an ultraviolet (UV) filter.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the substrate is a photoresist coated substrate.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the substrate is a photoreactive coated substrate.
6. A method for maskless photolithography comprising:
a. receiving mask pattern information corresponding to a desired pattern to be created on a substrate;
b. generating mask patterns based on received mask pattern information;
c. providing said mask patterns to an array of positionable micromirrors, operably connected to and controllable by a computer system;
d. generating, collimating, and directing a light beam to said micromirror array;
e. providing selective filtering of the light beam impinging on the substrate to prevent exposure of the substrate during an alignment procedure;
f. positioning said micromirrors to reflect the light beam from said micromirror array according to said mask patterns provided by said computer system;
g. collimating the light beam reflected from said micromirror array and directing the light beam onto a substrate;
h. allowing manual alignment of the substrate under the light beam by moving the substrate in three dimensions, wherein the substrate is moved in coplanar first and second dimensions, and moved in a third dimension direction substantially perpendicular to said first and second coplanar dimensions, and substantially parallel to the light beam reflected from said micromirror array;
i. allowing optical monitoring of positioning of the substrate under the light beam to visually verify that an image projected on the substrate is properly aligned;
j. receiving alignment information corresponding to alignment of a desired mask pattern projected onto a substrate;
k. generating alignment instructions based on received alignment information;
l. providing alignment instructions, based on said alignment information, to said micromirror array to further align said mask patterns in the coplanar first and second dimensions;
m. adjusting said micromirror array according to said alignment instructions by shifting the mask pattern in at least one of the coplanar first and second dimensions;
n. disabling filtering of the light beam;
o. exposing the substrate; and
p. repeating steps (a-o) to create a desired pattern on the substrate.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising varying the angular position and time duration of angular positioning of said micromirrors when exposing a substrate, whereby pixelation and sticktion are reduced.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein said receiving mask pattern information further comprises providing mask pattern information corresponding to a desired pattern to be created on a substrate.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein said providing selective filtering of the light beam further comprises placing an optical filter in the light beam path.
10. The method of claim 6, wherein said allowing manual alignment of the substrate further comprises manually aligning a substrate under the light beam by moving the substrate in three dimensions in response to mechanical alignments provided by a user.
11. The method of claim 6, wherein said allowing optical monitoring further comprises optically monitoring positioning of the substrate under the light beam to visually verify that an image projected on the substrate is properly aligned.
12. The method of claim 6, wherein said disabling filtering further comprises removing said optical filter from the light beam path.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein said optical filter is an ultraviolet (UV) filter.
14. The method of claim 6 wherein the substrate is a photoresist coated substrate and successive layers are etched away from the substrate according to the projected mask pattern.
15. The method of claim 6 wherein the substrate is a photoreactive coated substrate and successive layers are added to the substrate according to the projected mask pattern.
16. A method for maskless photolithography comprising:
a. providing a computer system for generating mask patterns and alignment instructions, wherein said system provides mask patterns to a micromirror array and provides instructions to align patterns in coplanar first and second dimensions, by altering the position of said micromirrors in response to instructions provided by said computer according to alignment information so that the pattern is translated in at least one coplanar direction;
b. providing an array of positionable micromirrors, operably connected to and controllable by said computer system; wherein said micromirrors reflect light according to said mask patterns provided by said computer system;
c. providing an optical system for generating, collimating, and directing a light beam to said array of micromirrors;
d. providing an optical system for further collimating the light beam reflected from said mirrors and directing the light beam onto a substrate;
e. providing a manually controlled alignment fixture for mounting the substrate, wherein said alignment fixture is movable in coplanar first and second dimensions, and in a third dimension direction substantially perpendicular to said first and second coplanar dimensions and substantially parallel to the light beam reflected from said micromirrors; said fixture providing three dimensional alignment of the substrate beneath the light beam, wherein said alignment fixture is moved in three dimensions in response to mechanical alignments directly provided by a user; and
g. providing an optical viewer to allow optical monitoring of positioning of a substrate mounted in said alignment fixture by visually verifying that an image projected on the substrate is properly aligned.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a computer controlled pattern modulation system, for varying the angular position of said micromirrors when exposing a substrate, said modulation system altering the positioning and time duration of angular positioning of said micromirrors in response to instructions provided by said computer, whereby pixelation and sticktion are reduced.
18. A computer system for maskless photolithography comprising:
a. a computing device comprising a display, a central processing unit (CPU), operating system software, memory for storing data, a user interface, and input/output capability for reading and writing data; said computing device operably connected to and operating in conjunction with a maskless photolithography system;
b. computer program code for:
1) receiving mask pattern information corresponding to a desired pattern to be created on a substrate;
2) generating mask patterns based on received mask pattern information;
3) providing said mask patterns to an array of positionable micromirrors, operably connected to and controllable by said computer system;
4) receiving alignment information corresponding to alignment of a desired mask pattern projected onto a substrate;
5) generating alignment instructions based on received alignment information;
6) providing alignment instructions, based on said alignment information, to said micromirror array to further align said mask patterns in the coplanar first and second dimensions:
7) adjusting the micromirror array according to said alignment instructions by shifting the mask pattern in at least one of the coplanar first and second dimensions; and
8) repeating steps (1-7) to create a desired pattern on a substrate being fabricated in a maskless photolithography system;
wherein said computing device operates in conjunction with said maskless photolithography system and executes said computer code to control said micromirror array according to said received pattern information and alignment information.
19. The computer system of claim 18 further comprising a dedicated interface for receiving alignment information.
20. The computer system of claim 18 further comprising a dedicated interface for providing pattern information and alignment commands to a micromirror array.
21. The computer system of claim 18 further comprising computer code for varying the angular position of said micromirrors when exposing a substrate, whereby pixelation and sticktion are reduced.
22. A computer program product recorded on computer readable medium for a maskless photolithography system comprising:
a. computer readable medium for receiving mask pattern information corresponding to a desired pattern to be created on a substrate;
b. computer readable medium for generating mask patterns based on received mask pattern information;
c. computer readable medium for providing said mask patterns to an array of positionable micromirrors, operably connected to and controllable by said computer system;
d. computer readable medium for receiving alignment information corresponding to alignment of a desired mask pattern projected onto the substrate;
e. computer readable medium for generating alignment instructions based on received alignment information;
f. computer readable medium for providing alignment instructions, based on said alignment information, to said micromirror array to further align said mask patterns in the coplanar first and second dimensions:
g. computer readable medium for adjusting the micromirror array according to said alignment instructions by shifting the mask pattern in at least one of the coplanar first and second dimensions; and
h. computer readable medium for repeating steps (a-g) to create a desired pattern on the substrate being fabricated in a maskless photolithography system;
wherein said computer program product provides instructions for a computer system operating in conjunction with said maskless photolithography system to control said micromirror array according to said received pattern information and alignment information.
23. The computer program product claim 22 further comprising computer readable medium for varying the angular position and time duration of angular positioning of said micromirrors when exposing the substrate, whereby pixelation and stiction are reduced.
24. A system for maskless photolithography, comprising:
an alignment fixture for mounting a substrate, wherein said alignment fixture allows alignment of the substrate in coplanar first and second dimensions, and in a third dimension direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second coplanar dimensions;
an array of micromirrors;
a means for directing light onto the array of micromirrors, wherein light incident on each micromirror of the array of micromirrors can be reflected by the each micromirror so as to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture when the each micromirror is at or near a first position and can be reflected by the each micromirror so as to not be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture when the each micromirror is not at or near the first position;
a means for controlling the position of each micromirror of said array of micromirrors individually such that each micromirror is individually positioned to either reflect the light incident on the each micromirror so as to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture or reflect the light incident on the each micromirror so as not to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture, wherein some, all, or none of the light incident on the array of micromirrors is reflected onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture according to a desired mask pattern.
25. The system according to claim 24,
wherein the means for controlling the position of each micromirror of said array of micromirrors is a computer system which receives the desired mask pattern and controls the positions of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors so that some, all, or none of the light incident on the array of micromirrors is reflected onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture according to the desired mask pattern.
26. The system according to claim 25,
wherein the computer system receives a plurality of desired mask patterns and controls the positions of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors according to each of the plurality of desired mask patterns sequentially, wherein the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture is repositioned in the third dimension direction between one or more of the plurality of desired mask patterns.
27. The system according to claim 25, further comprising:
a computer controlled mask pattern alignment system for alignment of the desired mask pattern in the coplanar first and second dimensions wherein the mask pattern
alignment system adjusts the alignment of the desired mask pattern with respect to the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture in the coplanar first and second dimensions by altering the positioning of the micromirrors of the array of micromirrors in response to alignment information provided to the computer controlled mask pattern alignment system.
28. The system according to claim 24,
wherein the means for directing light onto the array of micromirrors comprises a first optical system for generating, collimating, and directing a light beam to the array of micromirrors.
29. The system according to claim 28, further comprising:
a second optical system for collimating the light beam reflected from the array of micromirrors and directing the light beam onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture.
30. The system according to claim 24,
wherein the means for controlling the position of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors dynamically varies the position of one or more of the micromirrors of the array of micromirrors such that pixelation is reduced.
31. The system according to claim 24,
wherein the means for controlling the position of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors dynamically varies the position of one or more of the micromirrors of the array of micromirrors such that sticktion is reduced.
32. The system according to claim 24,
wherein the substrate is a photoresist coated substrate, wherein light reflected by the array of micromirrors onto the photoresist coated substrate exposes a portion of the photoresist.
33. The system according to claim 24,
wherein the substrate is a photoreactive chemical coated substrate, wherein light reflected by the array of micromirrors onto the photoreactive chemical coated substrate causes a reaction between a portion of photoreactive chemicals and the photoreactive chemical coated substrate.
34. A method for maskless photolithography, comprising:
mounting a substrate onto an alignment fixture, wherein said alignment fixture allows alignment of the substrate in coplanar first and second dimensions, and in a third dimension direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second coplanar dimensions;
directing light onto an array of micromirrors, wherein light incident on each micromirror of the array of micromirrors can be reflected by the each micromirror so as to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture when the each micromirror is at or near a first position and can be reflected by the each micromirror so as to not be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture when the each micromirror is not at or near the first position;
controlling the position of each micromirror of said array of micromirrors individually such that each micromirror is individually positioned to either reflect the light incident on the each micromirror so as to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture or reflect the light incident on the each micromirror so as not to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture, wherein some, all, or none of the light incident on the array of micromirrors is reflected onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture according to a desired mask pattern.
35. The method according to claim 34,
wherein controlling the position of each micromirror of said array of micromirrors comprises receiving the desired mask pattern via a computer system and controlling via the computer system the positions of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors so that some, all, or none of the light incident on the array of micromirrors is reflected onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture according to the desired mask pattern.
36. The method according to claim 35,
wherein controlling the position of each micromirror of said array of micromirrors comprises receiving a plurality of desired mask patterns and controls the positions of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors according to each of the plurality of desired mask patterns sequentially, and repositioning the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture in the third dimension direction between controlling via the computer system the positions of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors one or more of the plurality of desired mask patterns.
37. The method according to claim 35, further comprising:
for aligning the desired mask pattern in the coplanar first and second dimensions via a computer controlled mask pattern alignment system,
adjusting the alignment of the desired mask pattern with respect to the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture in the coplanar first and second dimensions by altering the positioning of the micromirrors of the array of micromirrors in response to alignment information provided to the computer controlled mask pattern alignment system.
38. The method according to claim 34,
wherein directing light onto the array of micromirrors comprises generating, collimating, and directing a light beam to the array of micromirrors.
39. The method according to claim 38, further comprising:
collimating the light beam reflected from the array of micromirrors and directing the light beam onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture.
40. The method according to claim 34,
wherein controlling the position of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors comprises dynamically varying the position of one or more of the micromirrors of the array of micromirrors such that pixelation is reduced.
41. The method according to claim 34,
wherein controlling the position of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors comprises dynamically varying the position of one or more of the micromirrors of the array of micromirrors such that sticktion is reduced.
42. The method according to claim 34 further comprising:
coating the substrate with a photoresist, wherein light reflected by the array of micromirrors onto the photoresist coated substrate exposes a portion of the photoresist.
43. The method according with a photoreactive chemical, wherein light reflected by the array of micromirrors onto the photoreactive chemical coated substrate causes a reaction between a portion of photoreactive chemicals and the photoreactive chemical coated substrate.
44. A system for maskless photolithography, comprising:
an alignment fixture for mounting a substrate, wherein said alignment fixture allows alignment of the substrate in coplanar first and second dimensions, and in a third dimension direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second coplanar dimensions;
an array of micromirrors;
a means for directing light onto the array of micromirrors, wherein light incident on each micromirror of the array of micromirrors can be reflected by the each micromirror so as to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture when the each micromirror is at or near a first position and can be reflected by the each micromirrors so as to not be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture when the each micromirror is not at or near the first position;
a means for controlling the position of each micromirror of said array of micromirrors individually such that each micromirror is individually positioned to either reflect the light incident on the each micromirror so as to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture or reflect the light incident on the each micromirror so as not to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture, wherein some, all, or none of the light incident on the array of micromirrors is reflected onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture according to a desired mask pattern;
wherein the means for controlling the position of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors dynamically varies the position of one or more of the micromirrors of the array of micromirrors such that pixelation and sticktion are reduced.
45. The system according to claim 44,
wherein the means for controlling the position of each micromirror of said array of micromirrors is a computer system which receives the desired mask pattern and controls the positions of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors so that some, all, or none of the light incident on the array of micromirrors is reflected onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture according to the desired mask pattern.
46. The system according to claim 45, further comprising:
a computer controlled mask pattern alignment system for alignment of the desired mask pattern in a coplanar first and second dimensions wherein the mask pattern;
alignment system adjusts the alignment of the desired mask pattern with respect to the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture in the coplanar first and second dimensions by altering the positioning of the micromirrors of the array of micromirrors in response to alignment information provided to the computer controlled mask pattern alignment system.
47. The system according to claim 44,
wherein the means for directing light onto the array of micromirrors comprises a first optical system for generating, collimating, and directing a light beam to the array of micromirrors.
48. The system according to claim 47, further comprising:
a second optical system for collimating the light beam reflected from the array of micromirrors and directing the light beam onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture.
49. The system according to claim 44,
wherein the substrate is a photoresist coated substrate, wherein light reflected by the array of micromirrors onto the photoresist coated substrate exposes a portion of the photoresist.
50. The system according to claim 44,
wherein the substrate is a photoreactive chemical coated substrate, wherein light reflected by the array of micromirrors onto the photoreactive chemical coated substrate causes a reaction between a portion of photoreactive chemicals and the photoreactive chemical coated substrate.
51. A method for maskless photolithography, comprising:
mounting a substrate onto an alignment fixture,
directing light onto an array of micromirrors, wherein light incident on each micromirror of the array of micromirrors can be reflected by the each micromirror so as to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture when the each micromirror is at or near a first position and can be reflected by the each micromirror so as to not be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture when the each micromirror is not at or near the first position;
controlling the position of each micromirror of said array of micromirrors individually such that each micromirror is individually positioned to either reflect the light incident on the each micromirror so as to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture or reflect the light incident on the each micromirror so as not to be incident on the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture, wherein some, all, or none of the light incident on the array of micromirrors is reflected onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture according to a desired mask pattern,
wherein controlling the position of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors comprises dynamically varying the position of one or more of the micromirrors of the array of the array of micromirrors such that pixelation and sticktion are reduced.
52. The method according to claim 51,
wherein controlling the position of each micromirror of said array of micromirrors comprises receiving the desired mask pattern via a computer system and controlling via the computer system the positions of each micromirror of the array of micromirrors so that some, all, or none of the light incident on the array of micromirrors is reflected onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture according to the desired mask pattern.
53. The method according to claim 52, further comprising:
for aligning the desired mask pattern in a coplanar first and second dimensions via a computer controlled mask pattern alignment system,
adjusting the alignment of the desired mask pattern with respect to the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture in the coplanar first and second dimensions by altering the positioning of the micromirrors of the array of micromirrors in response to alignment information provided to the computer controlled mask pattern alignment system.
54. The method according to claim 51,
wherein directing light onto the array of micromirrors comprises generating, collimating, and directing a light beam to the array of micromirrors.
55. The method according to claim 54, further comprising:
collimating the light beam reflected from the array of micromirrors and directing the light beam onto the substrate mounted in the alignment fixture.
56. The method according to claim 51 further comprising:
coating the substrate with a photoresist, wherein light reflected by the array of micromirrors onto the photoresist coated substrate exposes a portion of the photoresist.
57. The method according to claim 51,
coating the substrate with a photoreactive chemical, wherein light reflected by the array of micromirrors onto the photoreactive chemical coated substrate causes a reaction between a portion of photoreactive chemicals and the photoreactive chemical coated substrate.
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