Deposition mask and method for manufacturing electronic device
The deposition mask with controlled opening width and taper angle addresses the issue of pattern dimension deterioration by stabilizing film formation and reducing material accumulation, enhancing precision and durability in OLED microdisplay manufacturing.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025179712
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-10
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
The accumulation of deposition material on the sidewalls of openings in deposition masks leads to deterioration in pattern dimensions of the deposited film, particularly in the manufacturing of OLED microdisplays, where high precision is required.
A deposition mask with openings having a width greater than 3 μm and not greater than 5 μm, and sidewall surfaces inclined such that the opening width narrows from the deposition source side to the substrate side, with a taper angle greater than 50°, is used to control the pattern dimensions and reduce material accumulation.
This configuration allows for stable formation of deposition films with excellent pattern dimensions, reduces cleaning frequency, and extends the life of the deposition mask by minimizing clogging.
Smart Images

Figure 2026012861000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a deposition mask and a method for manufacturing an electronic device. [Background technology]
[0002] For example, a deposition mask is known that is used to paint three RGB colors when manufacturing organic EL displays.
[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which, when forming a plurality of openings in a deposition mask, the openings are formed separately into a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion is inclined, but does not disclose the taper angle.
[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a deposition mask in which the sidewall surfaces of a grid thin film layer made of silicon nitride are formed as inclined surfaces. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-184708 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0044010 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] The inclination of the sidewalls of the opening formed in the semiconductor layer causes deposition material to accumulate on the sidewalls, resulting in a problem of deterioration in the pattern dimensions of the deposited film.
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a deposition mask capable of forming a deposition film having excellent pattern dimensions, and a method for manufacturing an electronic device using the deposition mask. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] The deposition mask of the present embodiment is a deposition mask that is placed between a substrate to be deposited and a deposition source, and that deposits a deposition material from the deposition source onto a surface of the substrate to be deposited through openings. The deposition mask has a first surface facing the substrate to be deposited and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface and facing the deposition source. The deposition mask has a plurality of openings that penetrate between the first surface and the second surface, each opening has a width greater than 3 μm and not greater than 5 μm, and sidewall surfaces of the openings are inclined so that the opening width narrows from the second surface side toward the first surface side, and a taper angle of the openings is greater than 50°. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] According to the present invention, by controlling the opening width and taper angle of the opening in the deposition mask, a deposition film having excellent pattern dimensions can be stably formed. Furthermore, the frequency of cleaning the deposition mask can be reduced, facilitating quality control of the deposition mask. Furthermore, the occurrence of clogging of the opening can be reduced, thereby extending the life of the deposition mask. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a deposition mask according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the vapor deposition mask of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of an opening of the deposition mask of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are cross-sectional views showing a method for manufacturing an electronic device using the vapor deposition mask of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A to 1C are process diagrams illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a vapor deposition mask according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are process diagrams illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a vapor deposition mask according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a deposition mask according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a deposition mask according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a deposition mask according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a deposition mask according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the dimensions and ratios of each drawing are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Furthermore, even when the same parts are shown between the drawings, the dimensional relationships and ratios between them may be different. In particular, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of structures for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and do not specify the technical idea of the present invention. In the following description, elements having the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Furthermore, the lower and upper limits of numerical ranges include error ranges.
[0012] <Background to the Invention> Virtual reality / augmented reality (VR / AR) technology and the VR / AR-related market are growing rapidly. As this growth continues, display panels suitable for the VR / AR field are becoming smaller, with higher pixel counts (PPI), faster response times, and wider color gamuts. Silicon-based organic light-emitting diode (OLED) microdisplay panels are becoming increasingly popular as a driving force behind these technological advances.
[0013] Silicon-based OLED microdisplay technology is expected to achieve further miniaturization and higher PPI. To effectively prepare for AR and VR as high-value-added industries, it is expected to realize ultra-high resolution displays, for example, over 1000 ppi. As a result, there is a growing need for deposition masks for RGB color separation used in the manufacturing process of OLED microdisplays.
[0014] The deposition mask has a plurality of openings corresponding to the deposited film, and the accuracy of the openings in the deposition mask is important for improving the pattern dimensions of the deposited film.
[0015] The deposition mask is placed between the substrate and the deposition source, and the deposition material passes from the deposition source through the openings in the deposition mask and reaches the surface of the substrate. If the deposition material accumulates on the sidewalls of the openings, the opening width becomes narrower than the actual width, making it difficult to form a deposition film with excellent pattern dimensions.
[0016] In Patent Document 1, each opening is formed with a first portion where the opening width gradually decreases and a second portion where the opening width is approximately constant. This shape is said to be able to prevent the deposition material from clogging the opening. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention the relationship between the taper angle and the deposition material accumulation. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 specifies a fairly wide opening width, for example, 100 μm (0.1 mm) or more, and does not consider the deposition of the deposition material in openings with a narrow width of a few μm.
[0017] Patent Document 2 also does not describe or suggest the relationship between the opening width and taper angle and the pattern dimensions.
[0018] Therefore, the present inventors have conducted extensive research and have focused on the opening width and taper angle, and have developed a deposition mask that can increase the pattern dimensions of the deposited film.
[0019] <Outline of the deposition mask 1 according to the present embodiment> Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a deposition mask 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the deposition mask shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of an opening of the deposition mask according to the present embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing an electronic device using the deposition mask according to the present embodiment.
[0020] The deposition mask 1 has a laminated structure of a semiconductor layer 2, an insulating layer 3, and a support substrate 4, and is preferably made of an SOI (Silicon on Insulator) substrate 9.
[0021] The semiconductor layer 2 is preferably a silicon single crystal layer, and is also called an active layer, a membrane, etc. The thickness of the semiconductor layer 2 is not limited, but is about 1 μm to 300 μm.
[0022] 1, the deposition mask 1 has a plurality of opening regions 15 and a surrounding region 16 located around the opening regions 15. The surrounding region 16 has a structure in which a semiconductor layer 2, an insulating layer 3, and a support substrate 4 are stacked. On the other hand, only the semiconductor layer 2 is disposed in the opening regions 15, that is, the insulating layer 3 and the support substrate 4 are removed, and each opening region 15 has a plurality of minute openings 5 formed therein.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of one of the opening regions 15 shown in FIG. 2, the semiconductor layer 2 has a first surface 2a and a second surface 2b that face each other in the thickness direction. An insulating layer 3 and a support substrate 4 are provided on the second surface 2b side.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the first surface 2a is the surface facing the deposition target substrate 10, and the second surface 2b is the back surface facing the deposition source 11.
[0025] 2, a plurality of openings 5 are formed in the semiconductor layer 2, penetrating between the first surface 2a and the second surface 2b. As shown in Fig. 2, the opening width of each opening 5 gradually narrows from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a. Therefore, the sidewall surface 6 of the opening 5 is inclined.
[0026] The planar pattern of the openings 5 (the shape when viewed from directly above the semiconductor layer 2 toward the first surface 2a) is not limited to any particular shape, and examples include a rectangle (including a square), a polygon other than a rectangle, a circle, and an ellipse. All the openings 5 may have the same planar pattern, or some of them may have different patterns. The openings 5 may be arranged regularly, irregularly, or a mixture of regular and irregular patterns.
[0027] Although there are no limitations on the interval between adjacent openings 5, the interval is about 1 μm to 20 μm when viewed from the first surface 2a side.
[0028] The outer peripheral shape of the semiconductor layer 2 is preferably a rectangular or disk-shaped wafer, and the diameter (the length of one side in the case of a rectangle) is not limited, but is preferably about 100 mm to 500 mm. In this way, even if the diameter of the semiconductor layer 2 is large, the openings 5 can be formed uniformly.
[0029] The insulating layer 3 can be exemplified by an oxide layer or a nitride layer, but is preferably an oxide layer, and more specifically, a silicon oxide (SiO2) layer. The insulating layer 3 is also called a BOX layer (Buried Oxide Layer). The thickness of the insulating layer 3 is not limited, but is, for example, about 100 nm to 20 μm.
[0030] 1 is removed from the opening region facing the opening 5 of the semiconductor layer 2, and remains only in the surrounding region of the opening region on the second surface 2b of the semiconductor layer 2. The insulating layer 3 serves as an etching stopper for the semiconductor layer 2, and the presence of the insulating layer 3 enables stable processing.
[0031] 1 is a semiconductor substrate, for example, a silicon substrate. The thickness of the support substrate 4 is not limited, but is, for example, about 100 μm to 1000 μm.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the support substrate 4 can function as the columnar portions 16a and the peripheral frame 16b that surround the peripheral region 16 of the opening region 15 on the second surface 2b of the semiconductor layer 2. Therefore, the semiconductor layer 2 can be kept in a taut state by the support substrate 4, eliminating the need for a tensioning process. The deposition mask 1 of this embodiment can also be closely attached to the deposition substrate 10 using an electrostatic chuck that utilizes electrostatic force. As shown in FIG. 1, the columnar portions 16a are located inside the peripheral frame 16b, and all of them have the same length (height). However, for example, the height of the columnar portions 16a may be lower than that of the peripheral frame. However, by making the heights uniform, greater strength can be maintained.
[0033] 1 and 2, an alignment mark for positioning can be formed in the peripheral region on the first surface 2a side of the semiconductor layer 2. The alignment mark can be formed, for example, in a recessed shape on the first surface 2a, and can be formed to a depth that reaches the insulating layer 3.
[0034] <Detailed Description of Openings 5 in Vapor Deposition Mask 1 in the Present Embodiment> In this embodiment, the opening width W1 and the taper angle θ1 of the opening 5 are defined. [How to calculate opening width W1] As shown in Fig. 2, the opening 5 gradually narrows from the second surface 2b toward the first surface 2a, and the opening width varies depending on the measurement location. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 2, the opening width W1 was determined as the dimension in the planar direction along the first surface 2a, where it is narrowest. The opening width W1 can be determined from an SEM image obtained using eCD-2 manufactured by KLA-Tencor.
[0035] [Calculation method for taper angle θ1 of opening 5] In this embodiment, the taper angle θ1 of the opening 5 is determined as follows. That is, as shown in Fig. 2, a straight line is drawn between the end of the opening width W1 in the surface direction along the first surface 2a and the end of the opening width W2 in the surface direction along the second surface 2b, and the inclination angle between this line and the first surface 2a can be set as the taper angle θ1 of the opening 5. The taper angle θ1 was determined by measuring the length of an SEM image taken using a Hitachi High-Tech Regulus 8220.
[0036] 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing one opening 5 formed in the deposition mask 1, and shows the middle part of the opening 5 in the height direction (thickness direction of the semiconductor layer 2). Note that although reference numerals are mainly attached only to the side wall surface 6 of the opening 5 on the left side in the figure, the cross-sectional shape is symmetrical, and the side wall surface 6 on the right side in the figure has the same configuration.
[0037] 3, the side wall surface 6 of the opening 5 is formed with an uneven shape. That is, on the side wall surface 6, a plurality of convex portions 7 protruding inward of the opening 5 and concave portions 8 located between the convex portions 7 are formed continuously and repeatedly along the height direction of the opening 5.
[0038] In FIG. 3, only two pitches are shown and explained. In FIG. 3, the two convex portions 7 are denoted by the reference numerals 7a and 7b to distinguish them from each other. When viewed from each convex portion 7a, 7b, a half pitch is formed with the concave portion 8 located on the first surface 2a side (upper side in the figure). The two concave portions 8 are also denoted by the reference numerals 8a and 8b to distinguish them from each other. The convex portion 7a and the concave portion 8a form a first half pitch P1, and the convex portion 7b and the concave portion 8b form a second half pitch P2. Note that the pitch refers to the distance between convex portions or the distance between concave portions, and half that distance is defined as the half pitch.
[0039] As shown in Figure 3, an approximate line T1 was drawn connecting the lowest positions (bottoms A) of the recesses 8a and 8b within the measurement range. The bottom A is, for example, the farthest position as seen from the center line O in the width direction of the opening 5. The approximate line T1 can be determined by the least squares method. Note that if an irregular recess 8 is formed within the measurement range (for example, if the bottom A is located at an extremely low position), the approximate line T1 can be drawn excluding that recess 8.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the inclination angle θ4 of the side wall surface 6 can be determined from the inclination angle between the approximate straight line T1 shown in FIG. 3 and the first surface 2a.
[0041] The taper angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ4 are the same or approximate to each other, but depending on the uneven shape of the side wall surface 6 and the pitch, for example, the inclination of the approximate line T1 may change, and the taper angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ4 may deviate from each other. Therefore, the inclination of the side wall surface 6 is determined by measuring the taper angle θ1 of the opening 5.
[0042] [Calculation method for unevenness height difference] In this embodiment, in addition to the opening width W1 and the taper angle θ1, the unevenness height difference can be calculated as follows.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the highest position (apex) B of the convex portion 7a was determined at the first half pitch P1. The apex B was the closest position when viewed from the center line O of the opening 5 in the width direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, a straight line S1 was drawn perpendicular to the approximated line T1 so as to intersect with the apex B. The length of the straight line S1 from the approximated line T1 to the apex B was determined. The length of this straight line S1 was defined as the uneven height difference D1 at the first half pitch P1.
[0044] The unevenness height difference for the second half pitch P2 and other half pitches can be calculated in the same way as for the first half pitch P1. That is, the length of a straight line perpendicular to the approximate line T1 to the apex B of each convex portion is calculated, and this straight line length is used as the unevenness height difference for each pitch. Incidentally, Figure 3 shows the unevenness height difference D2 for the second half pitch P2.
[0045] In this way, multiple irregularity height differences can be determined. When five pitches are measured, five irregularity height differences Dn (n = 1 to 5) are calculated. Then, the average value Ave of these irregularity height differences Dn is calculated.
[0046] Although not limited to this, measurements were taken using an SEM over five pitches of the uneven shape at a midpoint located exactly in the center of the thickness between the first surface 2a and the second surface 2b of the opening 5. While not limited to five pitches, if the number of pitches is too small, parameter noise increases, and if the number of pitches is too large, it may not be possible to ensure that number of pitches depending on the thickness, and parameter calculation becomes time-consuming and complicated. Therefore, it is preferable to use a number of pitches ranging from several to 10 pitches. In this embodiment, measurements are basically taken over five pitches, but if this is difficult, the number of pitches can be changed as appropriate.
[0047] Furthermore, instead of the concept of pitch described above, it is also possible to measure the height at, for example, five points at the center of the thickness in an SEM image. In this case, the points with height can be regarded as convex portions, and the areas between them can be regarded as concave portions.
[0048] Although minute irregularities may be formed on the surfaces of the recesses 8a and 8b (or the bottoms of the protrusions 7a and 7b), these minute irregularities can be ignored. For example, minute irregularities on the order of several nanometers in wavelength or smaller can be cut off, and a waviness curve can be created to determine the tangent and the difference in irregularity height.
[0049] [Calculation method for unevenness angles θ2 and θ3] In this embodiment, when defining the uneven shape of the side wall surface 6, the uneven angle θ2 can be determined in addition to the uneven height difference described above.
[0050] As shown in Fig. 3, the unevenness angle θ2 can be determined as the angle between a straight line L1 connecting the apex B of the convex portion 7a and the lowest bottom A (farthest from the center line O in the width direction of the opening 5) of the concave portion 8a located on the deposition substrate 10 side (upper side in the figure) as viewed from the convex portion 7a, and an approximate line T1. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, the unevenness angle θ3 can be determined as the angle between a straight line L2 connecting the apex B of the convex portion 7a and the lowest bottom A (farthest from the center line O in the width direction of the opening 5) of the concave portion 8b located on the deposition source 11 side (lower side in the figure, see Fig. 4) as viewed from the convex portion 7a, and the approximate line T1.
[0051] Small concave-convex angles θ2 and θ3 mean that the height of the convex ridge portion 7 is low (the depth of the concave portion 8 is shallow) and the waviness of the side wall surface 6 is small.
[0052] <Characteristic Configuration of Aperture Parameters in the Present Embodiment> The deposition mask 1 in this embodiment is (1) The opening width W1 is greater than 3 μm and less than 5 μm, (2) The side wall surface 6 of the opening 5 is inclined so that the opening width narrows from the second surface 2b facing the deposition source 11 side to the first surface 2a facing the deposition substrate 10 side, and the taper angle θ1 of the opening 5 is greater than 50°.
[0053] Thus, in this embodiment, the opening width W1 is set to a range of more than 3 μm and not more than 5 μm. The opening width W1 is preferably 4 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and more preferably 4.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less. This satisfies the needs of the deposition mask 1 including the semiconductor layer 2, and is particularly suitable for use as a deposition mask for RGB color separation used in the manufacturing process of an OLED microdisplay.
[0054] In this embodiment, the sidewall surface 6 of the opening 5 is inclined so that the opening width narrows from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a. This makes it possible to stably form a deposited film 13 having a desired pattern width W3. That is, the size of the deposited film 13 can be easily controlled. Furthermore, when the deposition material 12 deposited on the sidewall surface 6 peels off from the sidewall surface 6, it is less likely to fly toward the deposition substrate 10. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of manufacturing, by inclining the sidewall surface 6 of the opening 5, multiple openings 5 can be efficiently formed in the semiconductor layer 2 by deep etching.
[0055] On the other hand, if the taper angle θ1 is set to approximately 90°, i.e., if the sidewall surface 6 is formed almost vertically, it is believed that the influence of the unevenness height difference Dn of the sidewall surface 6 during deposition will become greater. In particular, in this embodiment, since the opening width W1 is extremely narrow at several μm, it is necessary to minimize the average value Ave and maximum value of the unevenness height difference Dn. There is also a relationship with the thickness of the semiconductor layer 2. In other words, if the thickness of the semiconductor layer 2 increases, it becomes difficult to form the sidewall surface 6 as a vertical surface.
[0056] In this embodiment, in order to obtain excellent deposition results regardless of the uneven shape of the side wall surface 6, the side wall surface 6 is inclined, and the taper angle θ1 of the opening 5 is set to be greater than 50°. The upper limit of the taper angle θ1 is less than 90°, preferably 88° or less, and more preferably 85° or less. The taper angle θ1 has an error of about ±3°.
[0057] In this way, by specifying both the opening width W1 and the taper angle θ1, it becomes possible to make the pattern width of the vapor deposition film formed using the vapor deposition mask 1 80% or more of the opening width W1 of the vapor deposition mask 1.
[0058] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the deposition mask 1 of this embodiment arranged between a substrate 10 to be deposited and a deposition source 11, illustrating one step of a method for manufacturing an electronic device.
[0059] 4, deposition material (deposition particles) 12 from a deposition source 11 passes through the openings 5 in the deposition mask 1 and reaches the surface 10a of the deposition target substrate 10, whereby a deposition film 13 is formed. When the pattern width W3 of the deposition film 13 is measured and the ratio to the opening width W1 is calculated, a combination of the opening width W1 and the taper angle θ1 that results in a pattern width ratio ((pattern width W3 / opening width W1)×100(%)) of 80% or more is defined as the present example, and a combination of the opening width W1 and the taper angle θ1 that results in a pattern width ratio of less than 80% is defined as a comparative example.
[0060] The deposition mask 1 of this embodiment can have inclined sidewall surfaces 6 formed by a manufacturing method described below. A smaller taper angle θ1 facilitates deposition of the deposition material 12 on the sidewall surfaces 6. However, by specifying the taper angle θ1 according to the opening width W1, a range in which the pattern width ratio is 80% or greater was found. The reason for setting the required pattern ratio at 80% or greater is that a value below 80% results in a large deviation from the desired pattern width W3 of the deposition film 13, leading to reduced yields. It also reduces the area that should emit light at the designed position, such as coordinate position accuracy, leading to reduced brightness of the light-emitting element itself, or is a required value for product quality assurance. To improve production efficiency, the pattern width ratio should be 85% or greater, preferably 90% or greater, and more preferably 95% or greater.
[0061] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the opening width W1 is 4 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and the taper angle θ1 is 60° or more. This effectively makes it possible to achieve a pattern width ratio of 80% or more. It is also preferable that the opening width W1 is 4 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and the taper angle θ1 is 70° or more. This makes it possible to achieve an embodiment in which the pattern width ratio exceeds 90%.
[0062] Incidentally, the prior art has not mentioned a combination of the taper angle θ1 of the opening 5 and the opening width W1 that can improve the pattern width ratio when the opening width W1 is narrowed to a few μm.
[0063] Next, the uneven shape of the side wall surface 6 of the opening 5 is not particularly limited in this embodiment, but can be adjusted as follows, for example.
[0064] That is, the average value Ave of the unevenness height difference Dn is preferably 0.200 μm or less, more preferably 0.180 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.170 μm or less. Furthermore, although there is no limitation on the lower limit of the average value Ave of the unevenness height difference Dn, it can be, for example, about 0.003 μm.
[0065] By adjusting the average value Ave of the unevenness height differences Dn within the above range, it is possible to minimize the deposition of the deposition material 12 on the side wall surfaces 6 of the openings 5, and more effectively reduce the number of times the deposition mask 1 is cleaned, thereby extending the life of the deposition mask 1.
[0066] The maximum value of the unevenness height difference Dn is preferably 0.300 μm or less, more preferably 0.250 μm or less, even more preferably 0.200 μm or less, and most preferably 0.100 μm or less. The maximum value of the unevenness height difference Dn is the largest unevenness height difference when the unevenness height difference Dn is calculated for the multiple pitches described in FIG.
[0067] The concave-convex angles θ2 and θ3 described with reference to FIG. 3 are within a range of approximately 0.5° to 50°, preferably 45° or less, more preferably 40° or less, even more preferably 30° or less, even more preferably 20° or less, and even more preferably 10° or less. By reducing the concave-convex angles θ2 and θ3, the protrusion height of the convex ridge portions 7 can be reduced, or the interval between adjacent convex ridge portions 7 can be increased (the range of the concave portions 8 can be increased), thereby suppressing deposition of the deposition material 12 on the side surfaces of the convex ridge portions 7. The most preferable range of the concave-convex angles θ2 and θ3 is approximately 0.5° to 2°. The concave-convex angle θ3 shown in FIG. 3 is preferably smaller than the concave-convex angle θ2. This suppresses deposition of the deposition material 12 on the side wall surfaces 6.
[0068] <Method of manufacturing the deposition mask 1 according to the present embodiment> 5A and 5B are process diagrams showing a first manufacturing method of the deposition mask 1 of the present embodiment. Here, the deposition mask 1 in the manufacturing process shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 described later shows only the vicinity of one opening region 15, as in FIG. 2, but in reality, the multiple opening regions 15 shown in FIG. 1 are formed simultaneously. In FIG. 5A, an SOI substrate 9 is prepared. The SOI substrate 9 has a layered structure of a semiconductor layer 2, an insulating layer 3, and a support substrate 4. The materials and thicknesses of each layer have been explained in FIG. 1, so please refer to that description.
[0069] In the case of the SOI substrate 9, the diameter is not limited, but in this embodiment, it can accommodate up to about 500 mm.
[0070] 5(b), a mask layer 14 is patterned on the surface of the semiconductor layer 2. The mask layer 14 is preferably a resist, and can be patterned by exposure and development. A plurality of through holes 14a are formed in the mask layer 14. These through holes 14a are an opening pattern for forming openings 5 in the semiconductor layer 2, and the width dimension W4 of the through holes 14a is formed to be approximately 2 μm to 6 μm.
[0071] Next, in FIG. 5(c), the semiconductor layer 2 exposed through the through-hole 14a of the mask layer 14 is dry-etched. In this embodiment, the semiconductor layer 2 is deep-etched. It is preferable to use a so-called Bosch process, for example, by repeatedly etching Si with SF6 and forming a polymer film with C4F8 to deeply etch the silicon, alternately protecting the sidewall and etching the bottom. The Bosch process results in an uneven sidewall surface 6 of the opening 5 formed in the semiconductor layer 2.
[0072] At this time, the composition and flow rate of the etching gas, the internal pressure of the etching chamber, the power of the high frequency power supply, etc. are appropriately adjusted so as to form an inverse tapered surface as shown in Figure 5(c). Furthermore, by adjusting these factors, the inclination angle of the inverse tapered surface (the taper angle θ1 of the opening 5) and the height difference Dn between the protrusions and recesses can be controlled.
[0073] For example, the Bosch process was performed using a dry etching system, alternating between SF6 and C4F8 gases. Using the same gas as in the mode used for isotropic dry etching using fluorine radicals with SF6 gas, anisotropic dry etching using fluorine ions was performed by applying a bias to the substrate being etched. The processing conditions were adjusted as follows: SF6 gas at 0-500 sccm, C4F8 gas at 0-300 sccm, platen LF at 0-1500 W, coil RF at 300-1500 W, and chamber pressure at 1-10 Pa.
[0074] By the Bosch process described above, a plurality of openings 5 can be formed by deep digging in the semiconductor layer 2, and at this time, the taper angle θ1 of the sidewall surface 6 of the openings 5 and the height difference between the protrusions and recesses can be adjusted appropriately.
[0075] In this embodiment, in addition to adjusting the conditions in the etching process described above, reducing the unevenness height difference Dn can also be achieved by, for example, performing deep etching of silicon and then smoothing the unevenness height difference Dn by laser hydrogen annealing.
[0076] 5(d), the mask layer 14 is removed, thereby completing the SOI substrate 9 in which a plurality of openings 5 are formed in the semiconductor layer 2.
[0077] 5(e), a protective layer 20 is formed on the surface of the semiconductor layer 2. This makes it possible to appropriately protect the entire surface of the semiconductor layer 2. The protective layer 20 is, for example, a resist film, but is not limited thereto.
[0078] Next, in the step shown in FIG. 5(f), a mask layer 21 is formed on the surface of the support substrate 4, which corresponds to the back surface of the SOI substrate 9. Although not limited thereto, the mask layer 21 is a resist pattern. As shown in FIG. 5(f), the mask layer 21 is not formed in the opening region 15 that faces the opening 5 formed in the semiconductor layer 2 in the thickness direction, but is provided only in the peripheral region 16 (see also FIG. 1). The mask layer 21 may be formed together with the mask layer 14 in the step shown in FIG. 5(b).
[0079] 5(g), the support substrate 4 that is not covered with the mask layer 21 is removed by dry etching, and in the step shown in Fig. 5(h), the insulating layer 3 that is revealed by removing the support substrate 4 is removed by wet etching. At this time, the semiconductor layer 2 is not affected by the wet etching and maintains the shape having the multiple openings 5.
[0080] 5(i), the protective layer 20 and the mask layer 21 are removed, thereby completing the deposition mask 1.
[0081] 6A to 6C are process diagrams showing a second method for manufacturing the deposition mask 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6A, an SOI substrate 9 is prepared. The SOI substrate 9 has a layered structure of a semiconductor layer 2, an insulating layer 3, and a support substrate 4. The materials and thicknesses of each layer have been explained in FIG. 1, so please refer to that explanation.
[0082] In the case of the SOI substrate 9, the diameter is not limited, but in this embodiment, it can accommodate up to about 500 mm.
[0083] 6(b), a mask layer 21 is formed on the surface of the support substrate 4, which corresponds to the back surface of the SOI substrate 9. The mask layer 21 is, but is not limited to, a resist pattern. As in FIG. 5(f), the mask layer 21 is provided only in the peripheral region of the SOI substrate 9.
[0084] Next, in the process shown in Figure 6(c), the support substrate 4 that is not covered by the mask layer 21 is removed by dry etching, and in the process shown in Figure 6(d), the insulating layer 3 that is revealed by removing the support substrate 4 is removed by wet etching.
[0085] 6(e), a mask layer 22 is formed on the back surface of the semiconductor layer 2. Although not limited to this, the mask layer 22 can be formed using a resist pattern. As shown in FIG. 6(e), a plurality of openings 22a are patterned in the mask layer 22 by exposure and development.
[0086] 6(f), the semiconductor layer 2 exposed through the opening 22a is etched. This etching is dry etching, and preferably, an etching gas containing a fluorine compound and oxygen, and optionally a rare gas, is used, although this is not limited thereto.
[0087] The fluorine compound may be, for example, one or more selected from CF4, SF6, NF3, BF3, PF5, and F2, and the rare gas may be one or more selected from helium and argon.
[0088] For example, etching was performed using CF4 gas, O2 gas, and Ar gas in a dry etching apparatus. The processing conditions were adjusted as follows: CF4 gas 10-100 sccm, O2 gas 0-100 sccm, Ar gas 0-200 sccm, IPC power 200-1000 W, RIE power 0-1000 W, and chamber pressure 1-10 Pa.
[0089] In the step of FIG. 6(f), openings 5 whose widths gradually decrease with increasing distance from the mask layer 22 (toward the first surface 2a of the semiconductor layer 2) can be formed in the semiconductor layer 2. This allows the sidewall surfaces 6 of the openings 5 to be formed as inclined surfaces. Then, in the step of FIG. 6(g), the mask layer 22 is removed. This completes the deposition mask 1.
[0090] In both the manufacturing method shown in Figure 5 and the manufacturing method shown in Figure 6, multiple openings 5 can be formed in the semiconductor layer 2, and the side wall surfaces 6 of the openings 5 can be formed as inclined surfaces so that the opening width gradually narrows from the back surface (second surface 2b) of the semiconductor layer 2 facing the deposition source 11 side toward the front surface (first surface 2a) facing the deposition substrate 10 side.
[0091] In this embodiment, although not limited thereto, the opening width W1 and the taper angle θ1 can be adjusted by various gas flow rates, chamber pressure, power of the plasma generation source, and the like.
[0092] <Method of Manufacturing Electronic Device According to the Present Embodiment> 4, the deposition mask 1 is placed between the deposition substrate 10 and the deposition source 11. At this time, the first surface 2a of the semiconductor layer 2 of the deposition mask 1 faces the deposition substrate 10, and the second surface 2b of the semiconductor layer 2 faces the deposition source 11. A plurality of openings 5 are formed in the semiconductor layer 2, and the opening width is narrower on the first surface 2a side than on the second surface 2b side.
[0093] The deposition mask 1 is placed on a holder (not shown) of a deposition device, and an electrostatic chuck can be used to fix the deposition mask 1 and the deposition substrate 10. The deposition mask 1 and the deposition substrate 10 are rotated around the axis of the holder.
[0094] The deposition material (deposition particles) 12 from the deposition source 11 passes through the openings 5 of the deposition mask 1 and reaches the surface 10a of the deposition substrate 10, whereby a deposition film 13 is formed.
[0095] In this embodiment, examples of the electronic device include an OLED microdisplay panel, a liquid crystal panel, and a solar cell, and the present invention is particularly suitable for a method of manufacturing an OLED microdisplay panel as an organic electronic device.
[0096] By using the deposition mask 1 of this embodiment, the pattern width W3 of the deposited film 13 can be ensured to be 80% or more, preferably 90% or more, and more preferably 95% or more of the opening width W1. In this way, the deposited film 13 with excellent pattern dimensions can be formed.
[0097] <Effects of using the deposition mask 1 of this embodiment> In this embodiment, the opening width W1 of the opening 5 of the deposition mask 1 is set to be greater than 3 μm and not greater than 5 μm, and the taper angle θ1 of the opening 5 is set to be greater than 50°, thereby obtaining a high pattern dimension of the deposition film 13.
[0098] In this embodiment, the opening width W1 is set to 4 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and the taper angle θ1 of the opening 5 is set to 60° or more, thereby making it possible to stably form a vapor-deposited film 13 having a pattern width ratio of 80% or more.
[0099] Conventionally, the unevenness formed on the sidewall surface 6 of the opening 5 has been uniformly defined based on roughness that makes it difficult for the deposition material to deposit, but the taper angle θ1 has not been adjusted. However, it has been found that for narrow opening widths W1 of several microns, changes in the taper angle θ1 cause large fluctuations in the pattern width ratio. Therefore, the conventional control method cannot stably form a deposited film 13 with high pattern dimensions for narrow opening widths of several microns.
[0100] In contrast, in this embodiment, by combining two factors, the opening width W1 and the taper angle θ1, it is possible to stably form a deposited film 13 having a pattern width W3 with a pattern width ratio of 80% or more, as described above.
[0101] The deposition mask 1 of the present embodiment can suppress deposition of the deposition material 12, reduce the frequency of cleaning the deposition mask, and facilitate quality control of the deposition mask. In addition, clogging of the openings can be reduced, thereby extending the life of the deposition mask.
[0102] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described, other embodiments may be combinations of the above embodiments and modifications in whole or in part.
[0103] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and may be variously changed, substituted, or modified within the scope of the spirit of the technical idea. Furthermore, if the technical idea can be realized in a different way due to technological advances or other derived technologies, it may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical idea.
[0104] An embodiment of a layer structure different from that of the deposition mask 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. 7, the membrane 31 may be formed on the surface of a frame-shaped silicon substrate 30, and a plurality of openings 32 may be formed in the membrane 31 in the central region where the silicon substrate 30 has been removed, or alternatively, the membrane may have a single-layer structure in which a plurality of openings are formed in a semiconductor substrate (preferably a silicon substrate). The membrane is formed by CVD, and it is preferable to use SiN from the viewpoint of ease of stress control.
[0105] 8 to 10, an SOI substrate 9 is used as in Fig. 1, but in Fig. 8, a SiN layer 33 is formed on the back side (support substrate 4 side, side facing deposition source 11) of the SOI substrate 9, in Fig. 9, a SiN layer 33 is formed on the front side (semiconductor layer 2 side, side facing deposition target substrate 10) of the SOI substrate 9, and in Fig. 10, a SiN layer 33 is formed on both the back side and front side of the SOI substrate 9. In the configuration in which the SiN layer 33 is formed on the front side (semiconductor layer 2 side) of the SOI substrate 9, an opening 5 is formed continuous with the semiconductor layer 2, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10.
[0106] By providing the SiN layer 33, it is easy to control the stress of the deposition mask, and distortion and the like can be suppressed. Also, the SiN layer 33 formed on the front surface side of the SOI substrate 9 is preferably thinner than the SiN layer 33 formed on the back surface side of the SOI substrate 9. Although not limited, the film thickness of the SiN layer 33 formed on the front surface side of the SOI substrate 9 is about 0.05 μm to 0.5 μm, and the film thickness of the SiN layer 33 formed on the back surface side of the SOI substrate 9 is about 0.05 μm to 3 μm. Since the semiconductor layer 2 is thinner than the support substrate 4 and a large number of openings 5 are also formed in the semiconductor layer 2, the SiN layer 33 formed on the front surface side of the SOI substrate 9 is formed thinner than the SiN layer 33 formed on the back surface side of the SOI substrate 9 in order to control stress well in balance between the front surface side and the back surface side.
Example
[0107] Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be described with reference to examples and comparative examples of the present invention. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
[0108] <SOI substrate> For the SOI substrate, a support substrate (625 μm) / insulating layer (0.5 μm) / semiconductor layer (15 μm or 5 μm) was used. The parentheses indicate the thickness. The support substrate was a Si substrate, the semiconductor layer was a Si layer, and the insulating layer was a SiO2 layer. The outer diameter of the SOI substrate was 200 mm. In the experiment, two types of SOI substrates with semiconductor layer thicknesses of 15 μm and 5 μm were prepared.
[0109] <Original master used> In the steps (b) shown in FIG. 5 and the step (e) shown in FIG. 6, an opening pattern was formed in the mask layer (resist layer) by i-line exposure, and the opening width of the original master used when forming this opening pattern was adjusted within the range of 2.0 μm to 6.0 μm.
[0110] <Method for manufacturing evaporation mask> A deposition mask 1 was fabricated using the manufacturing method shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the experiment, the opening width W1 was varied using the master plate described above. The opening width W1 formed in the semiconductor layer 2 and the taper angle θ1 of the sidewall surface 6 were adjusted by adjusting the gas flow rate, chamber pressure, and plasma source power under SF6 and C4F8 switching and non-switching conditions. For example, in the dry etching shown in Figure 5(c), anisotropic dry etching using fluorine ions was performed using SF6 gas, the same gas as used in isotropic dry etching using fluorine radicals, by applying a bias to the substrate to be etched. The processing conditions were adjusted as follows: SF6 gas at 0 to 500 sccm, C4F8 gas at 0 to 300 sccm, platen LF at 0 to 1500 W, coil RF at 300 to 1500 W, and chamber pressure at 1 to 10 Pa.
[0111] In addition, for the dry etching shown in FIG. 6(f), various conditions were adjusted to CF gas at 10 to 100 sccm, O gas at 0 to 100 sccm, Ar gas at 0 to 200 sccm, IPC power at 200 to 1000 W, RIE power at 0 to 1000 W, and chamber pressure at 1 to 10 Pa.
[0112] <Dimensions of the opening 5 formed in the deposition mask 1> In the experiment, the opening width W1, the taper angle θ1 of the sidewall surface 6, the average value Ave of the unevenness height difference Dn, and the maximum value of the unevenness height difference Dn were determined. As shown in Figure 2, the opening width W1 was defined as the width dimension in the surface direction along the first surface 2a of the semiconductor layer 2. The opening width W1 can be determined from an SEM image taken using an eCD-2 manufactured by KLA-Tencor.
[0113] The unevenness height difference Dn and taper angle θ1 were determined from SEM images taken using a Hitachi High-Tech Regulus 8220, using the method explained in Figures 2 and 3. As explained in Figure 3, they were determined by observing five pitches at the center of the thickness of the unevenness formed on the side wall surface 6 at the midpoint of the opening height. For details on how to determine the unevenness height difference Dn and taper angle θ1, please refer to the explanations for Figures 2 and 3.
[0114] <About determining deposition pattern dimensions> Using the multiple deposition masks formed above, a pattern of a deposition film of a green light emitting material Alq3 (tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum) was formed on the glass surface through the deposition masks by vacuum resistance heating deposition.
[0115] The pattern width W3 of the vapor-deposited film was then measured using a laser microscope (model number VK-X210, manufactured by Keyence) to determine the pattern width ratio of the vapor-deposited film to the opening width W1 of the vapor-deposition mask ((W3 / W1) × 100(%)). Experimental examples with a pattern width ratio of less than 70% were marked with ×, experimental examples with a pattern width ratio of 70% to 80% with △, experimental examples with a pattern width ratio of 80% to 90% with ○, and experimental examples with a pattern width ratio of more than 90% with ◎. The experimental results are shown in the following Tables 1 and 2. Note that the "taper angles" shown in Tables 1 and 2 are stated in increments of 10°, but these are representative values, and it was confirmed that all experimental examples fell within a range of ±3° from each representative value. Table 1 shows the experimental results when the semiconductor layer thickness is 15 μm, and Table 2 shows the experimental results when the semiconductor layer thickness is 5 μm.
[0116] [Table 1]
[0117] [Table 2]
[0118] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, experimental examples were numbered 1 to 24, and the opening width W1 was in the range of 3 μm to 5 μm. Experimental examples 1, 5, 13, and 17, in which the opening width W1 was 3 μm or 4 μm and the taper angle θ1 was 50°, had a pattern width ratio of less than 70% and were evaluated as ×. Experimental examples 2 to 4 and 14 to 16, in which the opening width W1 was 3 μm and the taper angle θ1 was 60° to 80°, and experimental examples 9 and 21, in which the opening width W1 was 5 μm and the taper angle θ1 was 50°, all had a pattern width ratio of 70% to 80% and were evaluated as △. Thus, experimental examples with a pattern width ratio evaluation of × or △ are comparative examples. On the other hand, experimental examples Nos. 6 to 8, 10 to 12, 18 to 20, and 22 to 24 were evaluated as ◯ or ⊚ in terms of pattern width ratio, and correspond to examples.
[0119] This experiment revealed that by setting the opening width W1 to be greater than 3 μm and less than 5 μm and the taper angle θ1 to be greater than 50°, deposition of the deposition material 12 on the sidewall surface 6 of the opening 5 can be suppressed, and a deposition film can be formed in which the pattern width W3 relative to the opening width W1 is 80% or more. In this example, the needs of a deposition mask 1 having a semiconductor layer 2 can be met, and in particular, to be preferably used as a deposition mask for RGB color separation used in the manufacturing process of OLED microdisplays, the opening width W1 was set to be greater than 4 μm and less than 5 μm, and the taper angle θ1 was set to be greater than 60°. This allows for the stable formation of a deposition film with a pattern width ratio of 80% or more. Furthermore, by setting the opening width W1 to be greater than 4.5 μm and less than 5 μm and the taper angle θ1 to be greater than 70°, a deposition film with a pattern width ratio of more than 90% can be stably formed.
[0120] The average value Ave of the unevenness height difference Dn is preferably 0.200 μm or less, more preferably 0.180 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.170 μm or less. The lower limit of the average value Ave of the unevenness height difference Dn is set to 0.100 μm or more, and 0.130 μm or more.
[0121] Furthermore, the maximum irregularity height difference Dn is preferably 0.500 μm or less, more preferably 0.450 μm or less, even more preferably 0.400 μm or less, even more preferably 0.350 μm or less, and most preferably 0.300 μm or less. The concave-convex angle θ2 described in FIG. 3 was 11° to 41°. [Explanation of symbols]
[0122] 1: Deposition mask 2: Semiconductor layer 2a: 1st page 2b: 2nd side 3: Insulating layer 4: Support substrate 5:Aperture 6: Side wall 7, 7a, 7b: Convex part 8, 8a, 8b: recess 9: SOI substrate 10: Deposition substrate 11: Vapor deposition source 12: Vapor deposition material 13: Vapor deposition film 14, 21, 22: Mask layers 20 :Protective layer A: Bottom B:Top D1, D2: Height difference between concave and convex O: Center line P1: First half pitch P2: Second half pitch T1: Tangent W1, W2: Opening width W3: Pattern width θ1: Taper angle θ2, θ3: Uneven angle
Claims
1. a deposition mask disposed between a substrate to be deposited and a deposition source, for depositing a deposition material from the deposition source onto a surface of the substrate to be deposited through an opening, the deposition mask comprising: a first surface facing the deposition substrate and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface facing a deposition source, and a plurality of openings are formed through the first surface and the second surface; The opening width is greater than 3 μm and less than or equal to 5 μm, a side wall surface of the opening is inclined so that the opening width narrows from the second surface side toward the first surface side, the taper angle of the opening is greater than 50°; the deposition mask has a configuration in which a membrane having the openings is supported on a support substrate, The support substrate is made of a Si layer and a SiO 2 layer, The membrane comprises SiN. A deposition mask characterized by:
2. The taper angle is 60° or more.
2. The deposition mask according to claim 1.
3. The taper angle is 70° or more.
2. The deposition mask according to claim 1.
4. The opening width is 4 μm or more and 5 μm or less.
2. The deposition mask according to claim 1.
5. The opening width is defined by the opening width on the first surface side.
2. The deposition mask according to claim 1.
6. The support substrate further includes a SiN layer.
2. The deposition mask according to claim 1.
7. The membrane is disposed on the surface of the support substrate, which is the first surface side, the SiN layer forms the back surface of the support substrate, and the SiO 2 the outer peripheral surface between the top surface and the back surface of the Si layer is exposed; 7. The deposition mask according to claim 6.
8. The membrane has a plurality of opening regions each having a plurality of the openings, and a surrounding region located around each opening region; the support substrate includes a peripheral frame that supports the membrane in the peripheral region, and a columnar portion located inside the peripheral frame; The outer peripheral frame and the columnar portion are formed to have the same height.
2. The deposition mask according to claim 1.
9. placing the deposition mask according to claim 1 between a substrate to be deposited and a deposition source; A deposition material is deposited on the surface of the deposition substrate through the opening.
1. A method for manufacturing an electronic device comprising the steps of:
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