Photolithography Tools for Semiconductor Labs to Fabs

Semiconductor photolithography, also known as microfabrication or semiconductor lithography, is a process used in the manufacturing of microchips and other semiconductor devices. The process involves creating patterns on a thin layer of material, typically silicon, through a series of steps that involve the use of light and chemicals.

The process begins with a substrate, typically a silicon wafer, that is coated with a layer of photoresist. Photoresist is a light-sensitive material that becomes soluble when exposed to light of a specific wavelength. A pattern is then created on the photoresist layer by projecting light through a mask that has the desired pattern.

The exposed areas of the photoresist layer are then removed using a chemical solution, leaving behind the patterned photoresist layer. This pattern is then transferred onto the underlying layer of material, typically through a process of etching or deposition, resulting in the creation of the desired circuit or device.

The process of photolithography has become increasingly sophisticated over the years, with the ability to create smaller and more complex patterns on ever-thinner layers of material. It is a critical step in the production of microchips and other semiconductor devices, and plays a key role in the continued advancement of technology.