MRI: Acquisition of a versatile direct write micro patterning system for research and education

Brigham Young University, Provo UT

Investigators

Abstract

1040344 Austin The Integrated Microfabrication Laboratory (IML) is a 2,500 square foot Class 10 cleanroom on the Brigham Young University (BYU) campus. It is an open access facility that is freely available for use by anyone affiliated with the university. The facility supports externally- and internally-funded research projects, and both undergraduate and graduate hands-on instructional laboratories. Its toolset is focused on micro and nanofabrication processes for device fabrication in areas such as photonics, MEMS microfluidics, and sensors. The available processes include photolithography, thin film deposition, chemical-mechanical planarization, reactive ion etching, and various types of metrology. However, many current research projects require lithography on non-planar substrates, a capability they do not currently have. Other projects require writing in three dimensions, which also cannot be done using existing instrumentation. The goal of this proposal is the acquisition of a maskless, 3-dimensional direct-write microlithography system to address these critical needs. Direct-write lithography is a revolutionary new technique in which substrates are patterned using optical imaging rather than using photomasks. The addition of such an instrument as specified in this proposal would add state-of-the-art maskless lithography capability to the IML and complement existing infrastructure.