Patent ID: 6274294
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: A61F,G03F

Abstract:
A cylindrical photolithography apparatus for exposing a pattern contained on a flexible photomask onto a photoresist-coated cylinder, comprising:at least two adjacent, cylindrical, parallel, rotary support members positioned to receive a portion of the flexible photomask therebetween presenting a loop in the photomask which receives and contacts the photoresist-coated surface of the cylinder,said rotary members rotatably supporting the cylinder with the loop portion of the photomask looped over and engaging the cylinder, said cylinder and the rotary members being simultaneously rotated in response to movement of the photomask;a drive mechanism operable to move the photomask and provide rotation to the cylinder while the latter is supported by the rotary members;at least one underpinning on which said support members and drive mechanism are mounted; andat least one light source positioned to direct light of an appropriate wave length and intensity against the photomask looped around the cylinder to expose a portion of the photoresist on the cylinder.