Mask fabrication by nanoimprint lithography using anti-sticking layers

We have studied anti-sticking layers for nanoimprint lithography using different types of polymers, thermoplastic and thermosetting ones. Typically thermosetting polymers have higher mask selectivity in a fluorocarbon dry etch process than the thermoplastic polymers, but replication into these materials is much more complicated. We observe a high tendency for the polymer to adhere to the stamp. To minimize the sticking problem a fluorocarbon coating of the stamp was tested. It was deposited in a radio frequency plasma reactor with C4F8 as a feed gas. The thickness of the coating was several nm. It was characterised by contact angle measurement, XPS and FTIR analysis. Such coatings could successfully reduce sticking effects during an imprint process.