UV curing imprint lithography for micro-structure in MEMS manufacturing

Imprint lithography has been gaining popularity as a new method to fabricate microelectro mechanical systems. The main advantages of the IL are its extremely low set-up cost, high replicating accuracy and extended fabricating critical dimension. Compare to traditional optical lithography, IL has the advantages of being able to fabricate complex pattern structure with high-aspect ratio. However, the thermal and loading errors can reduce pattern transferring fidelity. In this paper, UV curing method is used in IL process which can avoid the heat distortion of tools. Additionally, a six-step loading process for template pressing into resist film is developed. The performance of this process include: the loading locus is continuous with very high accuracy (10nm), the press releasing control (accuracy up to 1 psi) can reduce and avoid the distortion of template structure and stage supports. This process can achieve a residual layer with thickness of 20nm and avoid the elastic stamp distorted (under 20nm) at the same time. The press force can reach up to 300 psi for 6 cm2 pattern size but the friction force during demould process can be reduced to 30 psi. Experimental results reveal that it is a novel and robust process with high fidelity in micro/nano structures manufacturing