Patent ID: 7687205
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A photolithographic method comprising: positioning a mask defining a plurality of different regions relative to a photoresist coating, wherein a first region of the mask permits light of a first wavelength to pass therethrough while blocking light of second wavelength, and wherein a second region of the mask permits light of the second wavelength to pass therethrough while blocking light of the first wavelength; positioning a micro-lens array to receive light including the first and second wavelengths following propagation through the mask and prior to exposing the photoresist coating; illuminating the mask with light including both the first and second wavelengths such that light of the first and second wavelengths is selectively passed through the first and second regions of the mask, respectively, wherein illuminating the mask comprises illuminating each of the first and second regions of the mask with light having both the first and second wavelengths; replicating a pattern of light defined by the mask with the micro-lens array a plurality of times and focusing each of the patterns of light produced by the micro-lens array upon a different respective portion of the photoresist coating, wherein each pattern of light produced by the micro-lens array and focused upon a respective portion of the photoresist coating is smaller than the mask; exposing the photoresist coating to the light of the first and second wavelengths in a pattern defined by and following propagation through the mask with light of the first wavelength being absorbed less by the photoresist coating and therefore propagating further into the photoresist coating than light of the second wavelength; and removing a portion of the photoresist coating after exposure of the portion to the light having both the first and second wavelengths.