Enhanced photo-patterning of polymer dielectrics via imprint lithography
An integrated photolithography and imprint lithography process has been developed to improve the patterning of photosensitive polymers in the fabrication of high aspect-ratio, polymer structures. In the photo-imprint process, a transparent stamp with surface relief structures was brought into contact with a photo-sensitive material. Temperature and pressure were applied to cause the photo-sensitive material to fill the mold, and UV light was then used to irradiate the polymer. The photo-imprint process advance was demonstrated on hollow-core structures. To develop high aspect-ratio, hollow-core pillars, a shallow photo-imprint stamp has been developed to physically displace material from the polymer core. Since the imprint stamp displaces material in the region of the feature, the effective film thickness is reduced compared to the bulk film. The reduction in film height decreased the effect of UV scattering in the core and also facilitated transport of the developer within the core. This photo-imprint lithography process is shown to be able to fabricate hollow core polymer pillars that exceed the optical-only resolution capabilities.
imprint photolithography polynorbornene