i-line Lithography

i-line lithography is a precise process used in manufacturing tiny electronic components, like computer chips. It employs ultraviolet light at a specific wavelength (around 365 nanometers, called the i-line) to transfer intricate patterns onto a silicon wafer. The wafer is coated with a light-sensitive material called photoresist. When exposed to the i-line light through a patterned mask, the photoresist reacts, allowing engineers to etch or deposit materials with microscale accuracy. This technique enables the production of highly detailed and compact electronic features essential for modern technology, balancing efficiency, cost, and resolution.