What is Lithography?

What is Lithography?

Lithography is a printing process that involves transferring an image or pattern from a flat surface to another medium. The term lithography originates from the Greek words “lithos” (meaning stone) and “graphia” (meaning writing). Historically, lithography was used for printing artworks, maps, and books. In modern contexts, lithography plays a crucial role in semiconductor manufacturing and other high-tech industries.

Types of Lithography:

1. Traditional Lithography:

• Process: In traditional lithography, an image is drawn with a greasy substance on a smooth limestone surface. The stone is then treated with a chemical solution that makes the greasy parts attract ink and the non-greasy parts repel ink. When paper is pressed onto the stone, the inked image is transferred to the paper.
• Applications: Historically used for creating artworks, maps, and posters.

1. Photolithography:

• Process: Photolithography, often simply referred to as lithography in the context of semiconductor manufacturing, involves using light to transfer a geometric pattern from a photomask to a light-sensitive chemical (photoresist) on a substrate (typically a silicon wafer).
• Steps:
  1. Preparation: The substrate is coated with a photoresist.
  2. Exposure: A photomask with the desired pattern is placed over the substrate. The assembly is then exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, which changes the chemical properties of the photoresist in the exposed areas.
  3. Development: The substrate is developed, washing away either the exposed or unexposed areas of the photoresist, depending on whether a positive or negative photoresist is used.
  4. Etching: The exposed parts of the substrate are etched away, transferring the pattern from the photomask to the substrate.
  5. Photoresist Removal: The remaining photoresist is stripped away, leaving the patterned substrate.
• Applications: Essential in manufacturing integrated circuits (ICs) and microchips. Used extensively in the semiconductor industry for producing the intricate and miniaturized components of modern electronic devices.

Advanced Lithography Techniques:

1. Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) Lithography:

• Wavelength: Uses UV light with wavelengths around 193 nm and 248 nm.
• Applications: Suitable for fabricating features down to around 10 nm.

1. Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography:

• Wavelength: Uses light with a wavelength of 13.5 nm.
• Applications: Enables the production of smaller and more complex patterns, critical for advanced semiconductor nodes (e.g., 7 nm, 5 nm, and below).

1. Electron Beam Lithography (EBL):

• Process: Uses focused beams of electrons to create patterns. It is not limited by the diffraction of light, allowing for very fine features.
• Applications: Used in research and development, and for making masks and prototypes.

1. Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL):

• Process: Involves mechanically pressing a mold with nanoscale features into a material.
• Applications: Used for creating nanostructures and in applications where traditional lithography might be too expensive or complex.

Summary

Lithography, in its various forms, is a foundational process for both historical printing and modern technology manufacturing. Traditional lithography was crucial in the arts and printing industries, while photolithography and its advanced forms are essential for producing the microchips and electronic components that power today’s digital world.

Sources:

• Britannica – Lithography
• ASML – Photolithography
• Wikipedia – Photolithography