Optimization methods for 3D lithography process utilizing DMD-based maskless grayscale photolithography system

X Ma, Y Kato, Y Hirai, Floris van Kempen, Fred van Keulen, T Tsuchiya, O Tabata

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
590 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Digital Micromirror Device (DMD)-based grayscale lithography is a promising tool for three dimensional (3D) microstructuring of thick-film photoresist since it is a maskless process, provides possibility for the free-form of 3D microstructures, and therefore rapid and cost-effective microfabrication. However, process parameter determination lacks efficient optimization tool, and thus conventional look-up table (indicating the relationship between development depth and exposure dose value under a fixed development time) approach with manual try-and-error adjustment is still gold standard. In this paper, we firstly present a complete “input target-output parameters” single exposure optimization method for 3D microstructuring utilizing DMD-based grayscale lithography. This numerical optimization based on lithography simulation and sensitivity analysis can automatically optimize a combination of three process parameters for target microstructure; exposure dose pattern, a focal position, and development time. Through a series of experiments using a 20 μm thick positive photoresist, validity of the proposed optimization approach has been successfully verified. Secondly, with the purpose of further advancing accuracy and improve the uniformity of precision for the target area, a multiple exposure optimization method is proposed. The simulated results proved that the multiple exposure optimization method is a promising strategy to further improve precision for thicker photoresist structure.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOptical Microlithography XXVIII
EditorsK. Lai, A. Erdmann
Place of PublicationBellingham, WA, USA
PublisherSPIE
Pages1-10
Volume9426
ISBN (Print)978-1-628415285
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
EventOptical Microlithography XXXVII - San Jose, CA, United States
Duration: 24 Feb 201526 Feb 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE
Volume9426
ISSN (Electronic)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceOptical Microlithography XXXVII
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Jose, CA
Period24/02/1526/02/15

Keywords

  • 3D microstructuring
  • 3D photolithography
  • DMD-based grayscale lithography
  • Optimization
  • Lithography simulation
  • Thick photoresist
  • Fast Marching Method

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