Do you own a piece of technological equipment? Then in a roundabout way, you own a wafer. Wafers are a key component in the operation of technological appliances from smartphones, to computers, and even cars. When it comes to the creation of wafers, it can be broken down into three main steps. Let’s take a look at the three key steps of wafer manufacturing.
During this process, layers of different materials are introduced onto the wafer surface. There are several different ways this can be done. These layers are typically metals, insulators, or semiconductors. In some cases, a single layer is “deposited”. In other instances, multiple layers are deposited sequentially.
Patterning takes place when a photosensitive layer is applied and then patterned by projecting a mask image onto the layer. The layer is then developed to create a pattern on the wafer. The development process is similar to the old development process of film and pictures.
After the patterning is completed, the pattern on the wafer is then transferred to the layer, or layers, below. This done by a process called pattern transfer. The transfer process is typically executed by etching, although sometimes it can be done by deposition. The etchant minimally attacks the photosensitive material but attacks layers below strongly.
At Wafer World, we pride ourselves on manufacturing only the highest quality wafers. No matter the project, we have the wafers for you and your team. Contact us today to learn more and to place an order.
