Precision in Motion: The Lift-Off Process with C&D Semiconductors

When it comes to precision semiconductor manufacturing, the metal lift-off process plays a crucial role in defining the final structure of microelectronic devices. C&D Semiconductors, a trusted partner of ours, leads the industry with their innovative P9000 and P8000 Lift-Off Systems, two high-performance, fully automated solutions engineered for efficiency and scalability.

What Is the Lift-Off Process?

Lift-off is a key step in semiconductor fabrication used to pattern metals on a wafer. Instead of etching away unwanted material, this technique involves depositing metal over a patterned resist and then lifting off the resist, and any metal on top of it, leaving behind the desired metal pattern on the wafer surface.

C&D’s Advanced Lift-Off Systems

C&D offers two flagship systems for this process:

P9000 Lift-Off System

P8000 Lift-Off System

Both systems are fully automated and cassette-to-cassette, reducing manual handling and minimising contamination while maintaining a compact system footprint.

Key Process Flow:

Low Pressure Soak – A specially programmed spray soaks the wafer, softening the resist and preparing it for lift-off.

High-Pressure Fine Needle Spray – A targeted, high-pressure spray removes the loosened metal with precision.

Programmable Sweep Arm – This arm moves across the wafer in a controlled motion, ensuring uniform lift-off across the entire surface.

This dual-stage process allows for consistent, clean, and reliable results on every wafer.

Modular Flexibility & High Throughput

C&D’s systems are designed for maximum versatility:

The P9000 system supports up to five separate modules in a single cluster, optimising throughput and reducing overall equipment costs.

Customers can customise modules with features like:

Diverting drains for improved waste management.

Reclaim containers for recovering valuable metals.

These enhancements ensure both environmental responsibility and material cost savings, an ideal combination for high-volume, sustainable production.

Watch the Process in Action

To see C&D’s technology up close, see the video below. It provides a clear visual of the lift-off process in real-time, and highlights why C&D is a valued partner in delivering cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing solutions.

With unmatched automation, compact design, and full customisation options, C&D Semiconductors’ P9000 and P8000 systems set a new benchmark for metal lift-off performance. Whether you’re optimising for yield, throughput, or reclaim efficiency, C&D’s solutions deliver precision and value at every step.

Interested in integrating a C&D system into your workflow? Get in touch with our team to learn more.