Abstract:
A photolithographic substrate mask patterning method which enables the reduction of changes in critical dimensions which occur in prior art etching of organic photoresist and the underlying organic i-line bottom anti-reflection layer (BARL) on a non-planar substrate. Based on the minor difference in the total carbon and oxygen content between the organic photoresist and the organic BARL, a differential in polarization is achieved using a pure N2 plasma for ion etching at certain selected conditions and a selectivity is achieved between the etch rate of the organic photoresist as compared to the etch rate of the organic BARL.
Abstract:
Pattern forming and transferring processes using radiation sensitive materials based upon mixtures of polyoxometalates and organic compounds. The processes involve establishing a layer of such radiation sensitive material on one or more layers of underlying materials. A pattern is formed in the layer of radiation sensitive material by exposing selected areas of the layer to radiation. The pattern may then be transferred into the underlying layers of material. Methods for developing patterns in layers of radiation sensitive materials, so as to hinder leaching of etch resistant substances included in the radiation sensitive materials, are also provided.
Abstract:
A process, and the delineation of typical materials to be used in that process, which enables the use of a precision radiation source to produce a microcircuit resist image accurate to a few micrometers or even fractions of a micrometer. In addition, the process provides for the dry development of this image, thus insuring the ability to create a finished resist structure exhibiting the same accuracy in dimensions. Specifically, there is provided a process in which a positive or negative resist polymer is irradiated using a precision radiation source such as an electron beam, masked ion beam, or focused ion beam to generate organic free radicals. After irradiation, the reactive resist polymer is exposed to oxygen or air to create peroxides or hydroperoxides. The peroxides or hydroperoxides are later thermally decomposed to generate organic free radicals which can be reacted with a silicon-containing organic molecule which contains at least one vinyl or other functional group capable of reacting with the organic free radical. The resulting copolymer resist then includes a latent image containing silicon, which can be dry developed using plasma or reactive ion etching techniques. In another embodiment of this process, an intermediary non-silicon-containing organic molecule is grafted to the active sites on the resist polymer. The organic molecule is then reacted with a silicon-containing compound, so that it becomes a grafting intermediary between the initial polymeric resist and the silicon-containing compound.
Abstract:
A method of producing a relief image printing element from a photocurable printing blank. The method includes the steps of a) providing a photocurable printing blank, the photocurable printing blank comprising (i) a backing or support layer; and (ii) one or more photocurable layers disposed on the backing or support layer. The one or more photocurable layers comprise a photocurable composition comprising (1) a binder; (2) one or more monomers; (3) a photoinitiator; and (4) an additive. The one or more photocurable layers are selectively imaged by exposing the layers to actinic radiation to selectively crosslink and cure portions of the one or more photocurable layers, and then developed to remove uncured portions of the one or more photocurable layers and reveal the relief image therein. The relief image comprises a plurality of relief printing dots, including relief printing dots that have a rounded top and relief printing dots that have a flat top.
Abstract:
An apparatus for thermally processing a relief image printing element and a method of using the same are described. The printing element comprises at least one photopolymer layer and is selectively exposed to actinic radiation to crosslink portions of the at least one photopolymer layer. The apparatus comprises: (a) means for supporting the printing element; (b) heating means for melting or softening non-crosslinked portions of the at least one photopolymer layer; (c) at least one rotatable roll that is capable of bringing a blotting material into contact with the at least one photopolymer layer to remove the melted or softened non-crosslinked portions of the at least one photopolymer layer,; and (d) an element arranged adjacent to the at least one rotatable roll for removing non-crosslinked photopolymer remaining on a surface of the at least one rotatable roll after step c). The apparatus may alternatively be operated without a blotting material.
Abstract:
A method for forming a graphite-based structure comprises patterning a substrate thereby forming a plurality of elements, each respective element in the plurality of elements separated from an adjacent element by a corresponding trench in a plurality of trenches on the substrate. A first element in the plurality of elements has a first surface. A first trench in the plurality of trenches separates the first element from an adjacent element in the plurality of elements, and the first trench has a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are separated by a first side wall of the first element. The method further comprises creating a graphene initiating layer on the first side wall of the first element. The method also comprises generating graphene using the graphene initiating layer thereby forming the graphite-based structure.