Method of etching a pattern on a substrate using a scanning probe microscope
US5618760A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1994 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/856
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A scanning probe microscope is used to pattern a layer of resist, and the pattern is transferred to a substrate. First, an underlayer formed of, for example, polyimide and a top layer formed of, for example, amorphous silicon are deposited on the substrate. A pattern is formed on the top layer using the tip of the cantilever in a scanning probe microscope. The pattern may consist of an oxide formed by an electric field at the cantilever tip. The top layer is then etched using the pattern as a mask and using an etchant that is selective against the underlayer. The underlayer is then etched using an etchant that is selective against the top layer and substrate. The substrate is etched with an etchant that removes the top layer but is selective against the underlayer. Finally, the underlayer is removed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.