3D Lithography using X-ray Exposure Devices Integrated with Electrostatic and Electrothermal Actuators

We present a novel 3D fabrication method with single X-ray process utilizing an X-ray mask in which a micro-actuator is integrated. An X-ray absorber is electroplated on the shuttle mass driven by the integrated micro-actuator during deep X-ray exposures. 3D microstructures are revealed by development kinetics and modulated in-depth dose distribution in resist, usually PMMA. Fabrication of X-ray masks with integrated electrothermal xy-stage and electrostatic actuator is presented along with discussions on PMMA development characteristics. Both devices use $20-\mu\textrm{m}$-thick overhanging single crystal Si as a structural material and fabricated using deep reactive ion etching of silicon-on-insulator wafer, phosphorous diffusion, gold electroplating, and bulk micromachining process. In electrostatic devices, $10-\mu\textrm{m}-thick$ gold absorber on $1mm{\times}1mm$ Si shuttle mass is supported by $10-\mu\textrm{m}-wide$, 1-mm-long suspension beams and oscillated by comb electrodes during X-ray exposures. In electrothermal devices, gold absorber on 1.42 mm diameter shuttle mass is oscillated in x and y directions sequentially by thermal expansion caused by joule heating of the corresponding bent beam actuators. The fundamental frequency and amplitude of the electrostatic devices are around 3.6 kHz and $20\mu\textrm{m}$, respectively, for a dc bias of 100 V and an ac bias of 20 VP-P (peak-peak). Displacements in x and y directions of the electrothermal devices are both around $20{\;}\mu\textrm{m}$at 742 mW input power. S-shaped and conical shaped PMMA microstructures are demonstrated through X-ray experiments with the fabricated devices.