Patent ID: 9036133
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: G03B,G03F

Abstract:
1. A lithographic method is provided for printing a desired periodic or quasi-periodic pattern of features into a photosensitive layer, which method includes: a) providing a mask bearing a periodic or quasi-periodic mask pattern of features; b) providing a substrate bearing the photosensitive layer; c) arranging the substrate parallel to and with a separation from the mask; d) generating light with a central wavelength and a spectral bandwidth; e) illuminating each point of said mask pattern with said light at a plurality of angles of incidence to deliver a selected angular distribution of illumination energy density such that the light of each wavelength at each angle of incidence transmitted by the mask forms a range of lateral intensity distributions between Talbot planes, and one of maintaining and changing the separation during the illumination such that the light at each angle of incidence exposes the photosensitive layer to an intensity distribution comprising main and secondary peaks formed from an integration of substantially the entire range of lateral intensity distributions, the superposition of which over the plurality of angles prints the desired pattern; wherein the plurality of angles and mask pattern are selected in conjunction with the separation so that the main peaks formed at the photosensitive layer by light at any one of the angles of incidence are aligned with the main or secondary peaks formed by light at any of the other angles of incidence.