Patent · US Expired

Moving exposure system and method for maskless lithography system

US6379867B1 · kind B1 · utility

95Cited by
22References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 10, 2000
Grant dateApr 30, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 10, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03F7/70425
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A photolithography system and method for providing a mask image to a subject such as a wafer is provided. The mask images are divided into sub-patterns and sequentially provided to a pixel panel, such as a deformable mirror device or a liquid crystal display. The pixel panel converts each sub-pattern into a plurality of pixel elements. Each of the pixel elements is then simultaneously focused to discrete, non-contiguous portions of the subject through a microlense array. The subject and pixel elements are then moved (e.g., one or both may be moved) and the next sub-pattern in the sequence is provided to the pixel panel. As a result, light can be projected on the subject, according to the pixel elements, to create a contiguous image on the subject.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.