Abstract:
A lithographic process for forming a pattern in relief (20) on a mass (10) of polymeric material comprises the steps of: preparing the mass (10) of polymeric material and a die (12) having a surface region (14) facing towards the mass (10) of polymeric material and which reproduces in negative the pattern in relief (20); heating the die (12) and putting the mass (10) of polymeric material into contact with the die (12) in any temporal sequence, in such a way that the part of the mass (10) of polymeric material in contact with the surface zone (14) is subject to softening; and separating the die (12) from the mass (10) of polymeric material on the surface of which the pattern in relief (20) has been formed. The heating of at least one part of the die (12) is obtained by generation of thermal energy upon dissipation of another form of energy in at leats one region (16) of the die (12).
Abstract:
The invention relates, in particular, to a method for producing subsequent patterns in an underlying layer (120), the method comprising at least a step of producing previous patterns in a printable layer (110) overlying the underlying layer (120), the production of the previous patterns comprising the nanoimprinting of the printable layer (110) and leaving in place a continuous layer formed by the printable layer (110) and covering the underlying layer (120), characterised in that it comprises the following step: at least one step of modifying the underlying layer (120) by ion implantation (421) in the underlying layer (120), the implantation (421) being carried out through the printable layer (110) comprising the subsequent patterns, the implantation (421) parameters being chosen so as to form, in the underlying layer (120), implanted areas (122) and non-implanted areas, the non-implanted areas defining the subsequent patterns and having a geometry that is dependent on the previous patterns.
Abstract:
A method for imparting a pattern to a flowable resist material on a substrate entails providing a resist layer so thin that during a stamp wedging process, the resist never completely fills the space between the substrate and the bottom surface of a stamp between wedge protrusions, leaving gap everywhere therebetween. A gap remains between the resist and the extended surface of the stamp. If the resist layer as deposited is somewhat thicker than the targeted amount, it will simply result in a smaller gap between resist and tool. The presence of a continuous gap assures that no pressure builds under the stamp. Thus, the force on the protrusions i determined only by the pressure above the stamp and is well controlled, resulting in well-controlled hole sizes. The gap prevents resist from being pumped entirely out of any one region, and thus prevents any regions from being uncovered of resist. The stamp can be pulsed in its contact with the substrate, repeatedly deforming the indenting protrusions. Several pulses clears away any scum layer better than does a single press, as measured by an etch test comparison of the degree to which a normal etch for a normal duration etches away substrate material. A method for imparting a pattern to a flowable resist material on a substrate entails providing a resist layer so thin that during a stamp wedging process, the resist never completely fills the space between the substrate and the bottom surface of a stamp between wedge protrusions, leaving a gap everywhere therebetween. A gap remains between the resist and the extended surface of the stamp.
Abstract:
A method of forming a stamped feature (P) on a substrate (S) includes: applying a plurality of stamping tool segments (32, 40a, 40b, 40c, 50, 60, 70, 80, 92) to at least one surface of the substrate. An arrangement (30, 90) for forming a stamped feature (P) on a substrate (S) includes a plurality of stamping tool segments (32, 40a, 40b, 40c, 50, 60, 70, 80, 92) that actuatable individually, in concert in groups of more than one, or combinations thereof.
Abstract:
A mould (110) with a protruding pattern (110a, 110b) is provided that is pressed into a thin polymer film (112, 312) via an imprinting process. Controlled connections between nanowires (118, 318) and microwires (116, 316) and other lithographically-made elements of electronic circuitry are provided. An imprint stamp is configured to form arrays of approximately parallel nanowires which have (1) micro dimensions in the X direction, (2) nano dimensions and nano spacing in the Y direction, and three or more distinct heights (12a, 12b, 12c) in the Z direction. The stamp thus formed can be used to connect specific individual nanowires (118, 318) to specific microscopic regions of microscopic wires (116, 316) or pads. The protruding pattern (110a, 110b) in the mould (110) creates recesses (112a, 112b) in the thin polymer film (112, 312), so the polymer layer acquires the reverse of the pattern on the mould (110). After the mould (110) is removed, the film is processed such that the polymer pattern can be transferred on a metal/semiconductor pattern on the substrate (114, 314).
Abstract:
A mould (110) with a protruding pattern (110a, 110b) is provided that is pressed into a thin polymer film (112, 312) via an imprinting process. Controlled connections between nanowires (118, 318) and microwires (116, 316) and other lithographically-made elements of electronic circuitry are provided. An imprint stamp is configured to form arrays of approximately parallel nanowires which have (1) micro dimensions in the X direction, (2) nano dimensions and nano spacing in the Y direction, and three or more distinct heights (12a, 12b, 12c) in the Z direction. The stamp thus formed can be used to connect specific individual nanowires (118, 318) to specific microscopic regions of microscopic wires (116, 316) or pads. The protruding pattern (110a, 110b) in the mould (110) creates recesses (112a, 112b) in the thin polymer film (112, 312), so the polymer layer acquires the reverse of the pattern on the mould (110). After the mould (110) is removed, the film is processed such that the polymer pattern can be transferred on a metal/semiconductor pattern on the substrate (114, 314).
Abstract:
The invention relates, in particular, to a method for producing subsequent patterns in an underlying layer (120), the method comprising at least a step of producing previous patterns in a printable layer (110) overlying the underlying layer (120), the production of the previous patterns comprising the nanoimprinting of the printable layer (110) and leaving in place a continuous layer formed by the printable layer (110) and covering the underlying layer (120), characterised in that it comprises the following step: at least one step of modifying the underlying layer (120) by ion implantation (421) in the underlying layer (120), the implantation (421) being carried out through the printable layer (110) comprising the subsequent patterns, the implantation (421) parameters being chosen so as to form, in the underlying layer (120), implanted areas (122) and non-implanted areas, the non-implanted areas defining the subsequent patterns and having a geometry that is dependent on the previous patterns.
Abstract:
The invention provides a micro- and nano-structure which have indentation/protrusion structures on a surface of a substrate (1), wherein the protrusions or indentations have at least two layer structure, cross-sections of which are exposed to the outside, and the outermost layer (3; 10) of the layered structure and at least one layer below the outermost layer (3; 10) have different chemical or physical properties from each other.