MICROMACHINING USING HIGH ENERGY LIGHT IONS

Abstract

Structures of microminiature dimensions are formed by scanning a nearly parallel beam of high energy light ions across the surface of a resist material such as PMMA in a predetermined pattern. The resulting chemical changes in the exposed resist material allows a chemical developer to remove the exposed material while leaving the unexposed material substantially unaffected. In addition because the ions have a well defined range in the material depending on their energy, the resist can be exposed to a predetermined and well defined depth. By this method resist structures of three dimensional complexity can be micromachined. This is achieved by simultaneously scanning the beam and orientating the resist layer in a controlled manner. Further enhancement may be achieved by the use of multiple deposition and exposure of resist layers. These resist microstructures may be further utilised to produce microstructures in other materials by the application of processes such as electroplating and micromoulding.