A New Method of Fixing High-Aspect-Ratio Microstructures by Gel.

In the microfabrication processes, it is necessary to examine the quality of the structures to ensure the whole process runs smoothly. However, the examination process of pattern defects is interrupted during the fabrication of high-aspect-ratio microstructures. The inevitable pattern defects arise from capillary forces which occur during the liquid drying process. In this paper, a new method that enables us to fix the microstructures with gel to restrict deformations before the rinsed liquid drying process has been proposed. It is effective to avoid the capillary forces by preventing the formation of the liquid level. The process parameters, types of gel, gel time and observation time were discussed and the flatness and thickness of the gel layer could be controlled. A series of high-aspect-ratio microstructures were fixed in good condition by gel.