Abstract:
A nano imprint apparatus comprising: a nano imprint template; and a deformation correction unit arranged on the nano imprint template to correct deformation of the nano imprint template.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0012022, filed on Feb. 9, 2010, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present inventive concept relates to a nano imprint apparatus and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the same, and more particularly, to a nano imprint apparatus that corrects deformation of a nano imprint template, and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the same. 
         [0003]    Research is actively being conducted on next generation nano imprint lithography processes. However, practical solutions for techniques to correct deformation of a nano imprint template have not been suggested. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The inventive concept provides a nano imprint apparatus that corrects deformation of a nano imprint template. 
         [0005]    The inventive concept provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the nano imprint apparatus that corrects deformation of a nano imprint template. 
         [0006]    According to an aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a nano imprint apparatus comprising a nano imprint template and a deformation correction unit. The deformation correction unit is arranged on the nano imprint template to correct deformation of the nano imprint template. The deformation correction unit may be a transparent deformation correction unit formed on an upper portion of the nano imprint template. 
         [0007]    The transparent deformation correction unit may comprise a transparent electrode portion that comprises indium tin oxide (ITO). 
         [0008]    The transparent electrode portion may comprise a plurality of transparent electrodes that are arranged in an array format. Each of the plurality of transparent electrodes independently may receive a voltage, and the applied voltage may be controlled to change the volume of the nano imprint template. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a nano imprint apparatus comprising a nano imprint template and a deformation correction unit. The deformation correction unit is arranged on the nano imprint template to correct deformation of the nano imprint template. The deformation correction unit may be formed at a side portion of the nano imprint template. 
         [0010]    The deformation correction unit may comprise a material whose volume is changeable when a voltage is applied. The material whose volume is changeable may comprise a piezo material. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a method comprising forming a hard mask layer on a substrate, loading a nano imprint apparatus on the hard mask layer, the nano imprint apparatus comprising a nano imprint template and a deformation correction unit arranged on the nano imprint template to correct deformation of the nano imprint template, changing the volume of the nano imprint apparatus by using the deformation correction unit, pressing the nano imprint template against the hard mask layer, irradiating light onto the hard mask layer by passing the light through the nano imprint template, and forming a hard mask layer pattern by removing the nano imprint template from the hard mask layer and removing part of the hard mask layer. The deformation correction unit may comprise a transparent deformation correction unit that is formed on an upper portion of the nano imprint template. 
         [0012]    The deformation correction unit may comprise a transparent electrode portion that comprises a plurality of transparent electrodes arranged in an array format and comprising indium tin oxide (ITO) and, in the changing of the volume of the nano imprint apparatus, a voltage may be independently applied to each of the plurality of transparent electrodes 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a method comprising forming a hard mask layer on a substrate, loading a nano imprint apparatus on the hard mask layer, the nano imprint apparatus comprising a nano imprint template and a deformation correction unit arranged on the nano imprint template to correct deformation of the nano imprint template, changing the volume of the nano imprint apparatus by using the deformation correction unit, pressing the nano imprint template against the hard mask layer, irradiating light onto the hard mask layer by passing the light through the nano imprint template, and forming a hard mask layer pattern by removing the nano imprint template from the hard mask layer and removing part of the hard mask layer. The deformation correction unit may be formed at a side portion of the nano imprint apparatus. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIGS. 1-3  are cross-sectional views for explaining a method of fabricating a semiconductor device by using a nano imprint apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a plan view illustrating an upper surface of a deformation correction unit attached to the nano imprint template of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 5-7  are cross-sectional views for explaining a method of fabricating a semiconductor device by using a nano imprint apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a plan view illustrating a deformation correction unit formed at a side portion of the nano imprint template of  FIG. 5-7 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a plan view illustrating a deformation correction unit formed at a side portion of the nano imprint template of  FIG. 5-7 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-a′ of  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates a crystal arrangement of a piezo material constituting the deformation correction unit of  FIG. 8-9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to the embodiments illustrated hereinafter, and the embodiments herein are rather introduced to provide easy and complete understanding of the scope and spirit of exemplary embodiments. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. 
         [0023]    It will be understood that when an element, such as a layer, a region, or a substrate, is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
         [0024]    It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of exemplary embodiments. 
         [0025]    Spatially relative terms, such as “above,” “upper,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “above” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
         [0026]    In the present specification, the term “layer” is used to denote a part of a structure generated by deposited objects. Thus, the term “layer” may not be interpreted to have a meaning that is limited by the thicknesses of the objects. 
       First Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0027]      FIGS. 1-3  are cross-sectional views for explaining a method of fabricating a semiconductor device by using a nano imprint apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the nano imprint apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a nano imprint template  40  and a deformation correction unit  50 . The deformation correction unit  50  receives power via a power supply line  60 . The deformation correction unit  50  for correcting deformation of the nano imprint template  40  may be formed on an upper portion of the nano imprint template  40  by using an optically transparent material. The transparent deformation correction unit  50  may comprise a transparent electrode portion including indium tin oxide (ITO). 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a plan view illustrating an upper surface of the deformation correction unit  50  attached to the nano imprint template  40 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the deformation correction unit  50  is attached on the nano imprint template  40  and comprises a transparent electrode portion in which a plurality of transparent electrodes are arranged in an array format. In this case, the transparent electrodes may be configured to independently receive power. 
         [0029]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , a hard mask layer  30  is formed on a substrate  20 . The substrate  20  may be placed on a chuck  10 . The hard mask layer  30  may include, for example, a polymer. The nano imprint apparatus including the nano imprint template  40  and the deformation correction unit  50  formed on the nano imprint template  40  is loaded on the hard mask layer  30 . 
         [0030]    The deformation correction unit  50  makes the nano imprint template  40  expand or contract. When the deformation correction unit  50  is configured to comprise a transparent electrode portion including ITO, it is possible to control the expansion and contraction of the nano imprint template  40  through electrical and/or thermal adjustment by applying a voltage to the transparent electrode portion. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the nano imprint template  40  is pressed against the hard mask layer  30 . A first hard mask layer pattern  32  located between protruding portions of the nano imprint template  40  is formed when the hard mask layer  30  is pressed by the nano imprint template  40 , and a remaining portion of the hard mask layer  30  is a second hard mask layer pattern  31 . After the pressing process, light L is irradiated onto the hard mask layer  30  by passing through the deformation correction unit  50  and the nano imprint template  40 . In particular, since the deformation correction unit  50  is transparent, the arrangement of the deformation correction unit  50  on the nano imprint template  40  is no hindrance to the irradiation of the light L. 
         [0032]    After the light L is irradiated onto the hard mask layer  30 , the nano imprint template  40  is removed from the hard mask layer  30 , the second hard mask layer pattern  31  is removed, and thus a hard mask layer pattern in which only the first hard mask layer pattern  32  remains is formed. 
       Second Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0033]      FIGS. 5-7  are cross-sectional views for explaining a method of fabricating a semiconductor device by using a nano imprint apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the nano imprint apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment includes the nano imprint template  40  and a deformation correction unit  60 . The deformation correction unit  60  for correcting deformation of the nano imprint template  40  may be formed at a side portion of the nano imprint template  40 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a plan view illustrating the deformation correction unit  60  formed at the side portion of the nano imprint template  40 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the deformation correction unit  60  is attached directly to the side portion of the nano imprint template  40 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 9  is a plan view illustrating a deformation correction unit  60 ′ formed at the side portion of the nano imprint template  40 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept.  FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-a′ of  FIG. 9 . Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the deformation correction unit  60 ′ fixed at a frame  70  is arranged at the side portion of the nano imprint template  40 . 
         [0036]    Referring back to  FIG. 5 , the deformation correction unit  60  may be configured to include a material that may expand or contract when a voltage is applied, preferably, a piezo material. 
         [0037]      FIG. 11  illustrates crystal arrangement of a piezo material constituting the deformation correction unit  60 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , a first particle  100  and a second particle  200  are arranged to configure a face centered cubic (FCC). The second particle  200  is located at the center of each surface of a cubic. The first particle  100  is located at each corner of the cubic. A third particle  300  is located at the center of the cubic. For example, the first particle  100  may be Pb 2+  or La 3+ , the second particle  200  may be O 2− , and the third particle  300  may be Zr 4+ , Ti 4+ , Mg 2+ , or Nb 3+ . The piezo material is a material whose mechanical properties are changed when an external voltage is applied. That is, in terms of a crystal structure, as the second particle  200  is moved along a directional axis of an electric field that is applied, the volume of a material expands or contracts. 
         [0038]    Referring back to  FIG. 5 , the hard mask layer  30  is formed on the substrate  20 . The substrate  20  may be placed on the chuck  10 . The hard mask layer  30  may include, for example, a polymer. The nano imprint apparatus including the nano imprint template  60  and the deformation correction unit  50  formed at the side portion of the nano imprint template  40  is loaded on the hard mask layer  30 . 
         [0039]    The deformation correction unit  60  makes the nano imprint template  40  expand or contract. When the deformation correction unit  60  is configured to include a plurality of piezo materials, deformation of the nano imprint template  40  may be corrected at various positions through an expansion and contraction phenomenon by independently applying a voltage to each of the piezo materials. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the nano imprint template  40  is pressed against the hard mask layer  30 . The first hard mask layer pattern  32  located between the protruding portions of the nano imprint template  40  is formed when the hard mask layer  30  is pressed by the nano imprint template  40 , and a remaining portion of the hard mask layer  30  is the second hard mask layer pattern  31 . After the pressing process, light L is irradiated onto the hard mask layer  30  by passing through the nano imprint template  40 . In particular, since the deformation correction unit  60  is formed at the side portion of the nano imprint template  40 , even when the deformation correction unit  60  is not transparent, no hindrance occurs in the irradiation of the light L. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , after the light L is irradiated onto the hard mask layer  30 , the nano imprint template  40  is removed form the hard mask layer  30 . Then, the second hard mask layer pattern  31  is removed, and thus a hard mask layer pattern in which only the first hard mask layer pattern  32  remains is formed. 
         [0042]    As described above, according to the nano imprint apparatus according to the present inventive concept, deformation of a nano imprint template may be easily corrected. 
         [0043]    Also, according to the method of fabricating a semiconductor device, a semiconductor device may be fabricated by easily correcting deformation of a nano imprint template. 
         [0044]    While the inventive concept has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.