Question

Discuss the process of optical lithography

Answer 1

The name optical lithography comes from the early application where the exposing energy was visible light. While those wavelengths can still be used, the push to reduce the size of feature sizes has lead to the use of shorter wavelengths to increase resolution. Ultraviolet (UV) and deep ultraviolet (DUV) sources are now used. Such sources include excimer lasers which operate at wavelengths of 248 nm, 193 nm, and less. Visible wavelengths end in the red at about 400 nm. At these shorter wavelengths, particularly 193 nm, optical materials and even air absorb the energy very well and there are still many problems to be overcome when using this wavelength.