Maskless lithography for large area patterning of three-dimensional microstructures with application on a light guiding plate

Yong Sin Syu, Yu Bin Huang, Ming Ze Jiang, Chun Ying Wu, Yung Chun Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents a maskless lithography system that can perform three-dimensional (3D) ultraviolet (UV) patterning on a photoresist (PR) layer. After PR developing processes, patterned 3D PR microstructures over a large area are obtained. This maskless lithography system utilizes an UV light source, a digital micromirror device (DMD), and an image projection lens to project a digital UV image on the PR layer. The projected UV image is then mechanically scanned over the PR layer. An UV patterning scheme based on the idea of obliquely scanning and step strobe lighting (OS3L) is developed to precisely control the spatial distribution of projected UV dose, such that desired 3D PR microstructures can be obtained after PR development. Two types of concave microstructures with truncated conical and nuzzle-shaped cross-sectional profiles are experimentally obtained over a patterning area of 160 ×115 mm2. These patterned microstructures are then used for replicating nickel molds and for mass-production of light-guiding plates used in back-lighting and display industry. Potential improvements and advancements of the proposed 3D maskless lithography technique for future applications will be addressed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12232-12248
Number of pages17
JournalOptics Express
Volume31
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023 Apr 10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Maskless lithography for large area patterning of three-dimensional microstructures with application on a light guiding plate'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this