Patent ID: 8652393
Filing Date: 2014-02-18
Classification: B29C,B82Y,G03F

Abstract:
1. A method of patterning a substrate with a template, the template having a first relief pattern, and separating the template from the substrate, the method comprising: transferring a second relief pattern to the substrate corresponding to the first relief pattern on the template, the transferring comprising forming the second relief pattern in a formable liquid between the substrate and the template corresponding to the first relief pattern on the template, the formable liquid forming a solidified layer deposited on the substrate; applying a predetermined pressure to the template; applying a separation force normal to the solidified layer to initiate separation of the template from the solidified layer; monitoring a velocity of a separation crack formed between the template and the solidified layer during separation of said template from said solidified layer, wherein the separation crack forms and propagates at least in the x-y horizontal plane defined by the template/substrate interface; reducing the pressure applied to the template during separation; and controlling the magnitude of the applied separation force to maintain a steady separation crack velocity as the template separates from the solidified layer.