Maskless Aligner (Heidelberg MLA150): Difference between revisions

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(→‎Recipes: link to FEM analysis section, mention "Series" for FEM)
(→‎Documentation: link to new MLA150 FEM page)
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*[https://wiki.nanotech.ucsb.edu/w/images/4/48/MLA150_Substrate_Template_Rules.pdf Substrate Templates] have been updated, reflecting allowed sample sizes for each focus mode.
*[https://wiki.nanotech.ucsb.edu/w/images/4/48/MLA150_Substrate_Template_Rules.pdf Substrate Templates] have been updated, reflecting allowed sample sizes for each focus mode.
*[[MLA150 - Large Image GDS Generation|Large Image Patterning]] - one way to generate a GDS file out of an arbitrary image (eg. JPG, BMP, PNG etc.)
*[[MLA150 - Large Image GDS Generation|Large Image Patterning]] - one way to generate a GDS file out of an arbitrary image (eg. JPG, BMP, PNG etc.)
*[[MLA150 - Focus-Exposure Matrix ("Series" mode)|Calibrating your Process with a Focus-Exposure Matrix (FEM)]]


===[[MLA150 - Troubleshooting|<u>Troubleshooting & Known Bugs</u>]]===
===[[MLA150 - Troubleshooting|<u>Troubleshooting & Known Bugs</u>]]===

Revision as of 19:36, 26 October 2024

Maskless Aligner (Heidelberg MLA150)
MLA150 Heidelberg Bay 6 Photo.jpg
Location Bay 6
Tool Type Lithography
Manufacturer Heidelberg Instruments
Model MLA150
Description Direct-Write (Maskless) I-Line Photolithography

Primary Supervisor Biljana Stamenic
(805) 893-4002
biljana@ece.ucsb.edu

Secondary Supervisor

Lee Sawyer


Materials I-Line Photoresists
Recipes

SignupMonkey: Sign up for this tool


About

The MLA150 allows for arbitrary direct-write patterning of I-Line photoresists from an uploaded CAD drawing/file (GDS, DXF, CIF etc.). The system uses a digital micromirror device ("DMD", an array of MEMS mirrors) for patterning the exposure light-field, to programmatically expose digitized patterns directly onto the sample - no glass photomasks/reticles are required.

Depending on the exposure options and write area, the MLA is able to expose a 100mm wafer in about 30min, and achieves minimum features sizes around 0.5µm, with overlay/alignment accuracy better than 200nm.

The system has a continuous, automatic autofocus, using optical and pneumatic detection of the substrate surface.

The software allows for custom drawings and alignment marks to be exposed onto any feature located on the microscope.

Greyscale lithography allows for photoresist profiles with repeatable slanted or tapered structures, via an 8-bit greyscale bitmap or layer-structured DXF file. See the Greyscale Limitations page for more info.

The high-aspect ratio (variable/long focal length) option enables vertical sidewalls on very thick (~100µm) photoresists.

Schematic of spatial light modulator exposure technique.
Exposure method using a spatial light modulator, continuously moving stage and continuous autofocus. See HIMT for more info.

Detailed Specifications

  • Maximum Writeable Area: 150 x 150mm
  • Substrate size: 9-inch square or 200mm round down to 5-mm pieces
    • Contact staff for pieces < 5 mm.
  • Wafer / substrate thickness: Max. 9mm / Min. 0.1mm
  • Exposure optics:
  • Alignment Accuracy: Global ≤ 500nm; Local ("Field") ≤ 250nm
  • Linewidth variation: ≤100nm (relevant to stitched exposure fields)
  • Minimum Features: ~0.40µm line/space demonstrated with 0.5µm-thick PR. Requires additional effort. ≥1µm is relatively straightforward.
  • Write Grid (Address Unit):
    • High Quality Mode (std.): 40nm
    • Fast Mode: 100nm
  • Additional manufacturer options:
    • High-resolution option (Write Mode 1)
    • Extended Focus Range
    • Variable Focal Depth
    • Optical (laser) Autofocus in addition to std. Pneumatic Autofocus
    • Greyscale Mode
    • (No backside alignment)

Documentation

Operating Procedures

Troubleshooting & Known Bugs

  • See the above page for troubleshooting/recovery info and workarounds to known bugs.
  • Double-side polished transparent substrates can sometimes produce difficulties, due to the exposure light reflecting from the wafer underside. Many users have found ways to make them work properly - contact staff if you need help with this.

Video Trainings

To get authorized on this tool:

  1. please study the training videos below,
  2. "shadow" experienced users in your group, if you have any, and
  3. when you are ready, contact the supervisor for a hands-on check-off.
Important: You must be authorized by a supervisor to use the tool! The video training is only one part of the training. Contact the Supervisor for training procedures.
  • Heidelberg MLA150 Training Video
    • Bookmarks in the video can point you to specific solutions/procedures.
  • UPDATES to the Video Training: please review the addendums below:
    • New software has been installed, the SOP shows the newer menu options.
    • CRITICAL: There are now TWO locations on which you must choose "Optical Autofocus". Failure to do so can result in system damage.
    • Substrate Templates have been updated, which are currently not reflected in the video.
    • Numerous solved issues have been added to the Troubleshooting page.

Design Tools/Info

Recipes

To calibrate your own Litho processes, you will need to:

Litho. recipes for all our photolith. tools can be found on the Photolithography Recipes page.