The digital micromirror device (DMD) is the key device in maskless lithography. However, because of the machinery manufacturing limit of DMDs, the gap between the micromirrors may destroy the continuity of the graphic. This work presents a simple way to fill the imaging crack by controlling the partial coherence factor σ of the light source. A crack can be regarded as the image of a dark space. By considering the resolving power for such cracks under partially coherent illumination, the images of such dark spaces can be covered, preventing them from being imaged on the substrate. By using mathematical derivations of the light intensity distribution exposed to the substrate, and by utilizing the diffraction effect induced by the finite aperture of the optical projection system, an appropriate σ value can be determined for eliminating the image of the crack in an actual scene. The numerical simulation results demonstrate that this method can ensure the continuity of the graphic at the critical partial coherence factor σc regardless of the shape of the target graphic.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.