Laser lithography is a versatile technique for the creation of microstructures such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and integrated circuits. It works on the same principles as photolithography but developments in laser technologies have meant that laser-based manufacturing has become increasingly popular. Photoresists Photolithography involves the use of a photosensitive polymer applied to surface with an optically opaque mask covering. When the polymer exposes to light, the sections not covered by the mask will become hard. The masked areas will remain soft and can easily etch away and the process repeats to build up more complex structures. In computer chip manufacture, photolithography has been the technique of choice as a single resist-covered layer of silicon can be easily converted to hundreds of individual chips. It is possible to create incredibly small and intricate patterns, down to a few nanometers in size. Different wavelengths of light can be used for photolithography, with UV radiation being a common choice. Originally, lamps were used as a light source but to make the smallest structures needed for metal-oxide semiconductors lamps have been gradually replaced by lasers. Laser Lithography High-power laser systems, such as CO2 lasers, are excellent tools for precision cutting and machining. The minimum possible feature size that is manufactured in laser lithography is proportional to the wavelength of light. The feature sizes achievable are also dependent on the quality and availability of focusing optics and laser beam quality. There are many technical compromises when choosing optimal wavelengths and laser types of laser lithography. While higher power systems are often desirable for faster machining, thermal load on samples can be a problem and air starts to absorb sub-193 nm wavelengths. Instabilities in beam size and shape can also cause issues during the manufacturing process. Solid state laser systems have proved to be an excellent choice for laser lithography as they have excellent stability and typically turn-key operation. Modern systems can achieve the high output powers necessary for laser lithography in devices robust enough for manufacturing use. Novanta DPSS Systems We offer three diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) with a range of output wavelengths designed for laser lithography applications. The gem series is available with 473, 532 and 660 nm output options with excellent power outputs. By using a combination of hermetic sealing and the PowerLoQ active fast feedback system, the gem can achieve outstanding levels of stability in all output beam characteristics. All three systems have a single traverse mode. Their small, compact footprint makes them easy to integrate into larger manufacturing platforms. Key for laser lithography, the gem series has a low M2 value and a diffraction limited beam, so the minimum possible feature size is limited by the wavelength and not poor focusing or beam conditions. For samples where thermal load may be an issue, the current/power of the system is fully controllable to make complete optimization of the laser lithography process possible. Contact us today if you would like to learn more. About Novanta Who we are is inevitably embedded in what we do, our innovations, and the people that make it happen. Our core strength is delivering market-leading solutions for our customers. The delivery of Novanta solutions continue to maintain deep and long-lasting customer relationships. We do this through our global application sales force, and quality-focused manufacturing expertise. It is thanks to what we accomplished in our past and our continuous work towards innovation, that makes us who we are today. Novanta is a trusted technology partner to medical and industrial OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). Additionally, Novanta holds deep proprietary expertise in photonics, along with vision and precision motion technologies. We engineer mission-critical core components and subsystems that deliver extreme precision and performance. This enables our customers to improve productivity, to achieve breakthrough performance, and to enhance people’s lives. Building a high-performing culture enables us to achieve our growth goals. For Novanta, culture starts with cohesive teams that engage and align around our vision and strategy. Those who live our values and drive performance through the Novanta Growth System. This is a common set of tools and processes for continuous improvement. Our highly engineered component and sub-system solutions, and deep expertise in advanced photonics, vision and precision motion make us the global technology partner of choice for medical and advanced industrial OEMs. Learn more about Novanta by contacting us here. Interested in a career with Novanta? Check out our job listings here.
