Photolithography

Photolithography is a manufacturing process used primarily in the production of semiconductor devices like computer chips. It involves projecting light through a patterned mask onto a light-sensitive chemical called photoresist, which is applied to a surface. The light alters the photoresist, allowing specific areas to be etched away or treated, creating intricate patterns. This process is repeated multiple times to build up layers of materials, enabling the creation of complex electronic circuits. Essentially, photolithography translates designs into physical structures on a tiny scale, which are crucial for modern electronics.