Patent ID: 6165911
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: B29C,H01L,H05K,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of patterning a substantially crystalline solid layer having a substantially crystalline solid surface, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a stamp having a stamping surface defining a first pattern;(b) positioning at least one of said stamping surface and said substantially crystalline solid surface in a first orientation wherein at least a portion of said stamping surface contacts at least a portion of said substantially crystalline solid surface, thereby to compression mould a moulded substantially crystalline solid surface defining a thickness contrast pattern in said substantially crystalline solid layer and;(c) effecting relative movement between said stamping surface and said substantially crystalline solid surface wherein said portion of said stamping surface contacting said portion of said substantially crystalline solid surface, is removed from said portion of said substantially crystalline solid surface, to provide a moulded substantially crystalline solid surface defining a thickness contrast pattern in said substantially crystalline solid layer; and(d) etching through said substantially crystalline solid layer at said moulded substantially crystalline solid surface to remove material from said substantially crystalline solid layer and thereby transfer said thickness contrast pattern into the entire thickness of said substantially crystalline solid layer.