Lithography: How Chemistry Makes Tiny Computer Chips

Type: Presentation

Description:
Semiconductor chips are becoming increasingly smaller with a greater computation power. Lithography is a chemical/physical process that creates small patterns on chips by depositing materials through physical masks. In our everyday lives, screen printing of graphic artworks on canvases or t-shirts utilizes a similar concept. Using a hands-on activity, we will teach participants the basics of lithography. Using inexpensive materials, such as hydrophobic sands or Play-Doh, they will draw shapes and spray dye solutions through them to print the image on the canvas. We will also bring magnifiers to show the participants actual micropatterns generated from the lab.