optical lithography

Optical lithography is a process used to create tiny patterns on a semiconductor chip, which are essential for electronic devices. It uses light, typically ultraviolet, to transfer a detailed design from a mask onto a light-sensitive material called a photoresist applied to the chip. When exposed to light, the photoresist changes properties, allowing specific areas to be etched away or protected. This precise patterning enables the manufacturing of complex circuits at a microscopic scale, making modern electronics faster and more powerful. Optical lithography is fundamental to producing integrated circuits in devices like computers, smartphones, and other digital technologies.