Lithography

Lithography enables the printing of complex patterns on many different surfaces

Optical and electron beam lithography techniques are used to create nano-patterned electronic devices – with features smaller than the size of a speck of dust.

Screen sample - stained glass window effect
The origins of lithography – where ink is repelled by a grease – can be traced back to the 10th century and screen printing.
Silicon wafer with chips in UV lighting
Electron beam lithography makes it possible to create nanometre structures - smaller than the diameter of a strand of DNA.
An eastern firefly (Photinus pyralis) on the wing, early evening

Nature’s glow sticks

Many sea creatures and insects – including the firefly or glow worm – produce and radiate light through bioluminescence which occurs when chemical compounds mix together. Light is controlled in a particular pattern to attract mates and prey - and avoid predators. Large groups of fireflies can sometimes be seen flashing in unison.

Optical lithography and integrated circuits

Optical lithography (photolithography) involves the use of a photosensitive polymer - a laser or shadow mask can be used to ‘write’ a pattern. It is commonly used to make integrated circuits (ICs).

How are integrated circuits used?

The applications of integrated circuits include:

  • Computers
  • Mobile phones
  • Televisions
  • Memory devices
  • Sensors in cameras
Brain-on-a-chip photograph

Brain-on-a-chip to revolutionise computing power

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ scientists are exploring how neurons – the brain’s information processors – can be harnessed to supercharge computers’ ability to learn while dramatically cutting energy use. The Neu-ChiP project will layer networks of stem cells resembling the human cortex onto microchips and then stimulate the cells by firing changing patterns of light beams at them.

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Related research at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ

A variety of research areas benefit from greater control of light or the use of lithography.

Photograph of Pavel Borisov

How can we build AI that mimics our brains' behaviour?

Dr Pavel Borisov (above) and Professor Sergey Savliev develop brain-like (neuromorphic) electronic networks using photolithography. The goal is to replicate the way our brain deals with information related to vision, hearing, image and word recognition.
Photograph of Fasil Dejene

How can we use lithography to probe quantum devices?

Dr Fasil Dejene uses photo- and electron beam lithography techniques to create nanofabricated quantum devices. This enables investigation of the fundamental interplay between electron transport and other degrees of freedom, in particular for 2D materials such as graphene.
Photograph of Niladri Banerjee

How can we use magnets and superconductors to build energy efficient devices?

Dr Niladri Banerjee studies the interaction of superconducting and magnetic thin films to design nanodevices for energy-efficient information technologies.
Photograph of Kelly Morrison

How can we develop new materials to reduce energy demand?

Professor Kelly Morrison uses photolithography to investigate the electronic and thermal properties of new materials for energy harvesting and spintronic applications.
Researcher examining a slide

How can photolithography be used to harness the computing power of the brain?

Dr Paul Roach uses photolithography to create living neuron networks to investigate the human brain and in drug testing. One goal is to explore whether these living ‘microchips’ can be taught to problem-solve, supercharging a computer’s ability to learn while reducing energy demand.
Paul Hill and Alan Duncan inspecting final platinum-palladium prints in the Studio of Light lab

How can lithography preserve images for at least 1,000 years?

A team of artists and scientists are using historical photographic processes, including the use of noble metals to discover new ways of image making.