Patent ID: 7323657
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: B23K,B81C,G01Q,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a microstructure device using a near field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) laser micromachining system including an NSOM and a micro-machining laser, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a microstructure device preform including an existing feature having a predetermined shape on a top surface; b) scanning a probe tip of the NSOM over a portion of the top surface of the microstructure device preform such that a plurality of scan lines cross the existing feature; c) determining scanned locations of the existing feature in at least two of the plurality of scan lines; d) determining an orientation of the existing feature of the top surface of the microstructure device preform based on the scanned locations and the predetermined shape of the existing feature; e) determining at least one expected machining location in at least one subsequent scan line of the plurality of scan lines corresponding to a fine feature portion of the top surface of the microstructure device preform based on the predetermined shape of the existing feature and the orientation of the existing feature determined in step (d); and f) pulsing the micro-machining laser as the NSOM probe is scanned through the at least one expected machining location during the at least one subsequent scan line to machine the fine feature portion of the top surface of the microstructure device preform and form at least one fine feature on the top surface of the microstructure device preform, completing the microstructure device.