Apple Inc.

Other

Luxvue Technology Corporation

Stephen Paul Bathurst

Andreas Bibl

Paul Argus Parks

John A Higginson

Nile Alexander Light

Dariusz Golda

Jeffrey Birkmeyer

Robert B Martin

Stephen R Deming

Patrick J Czarnota

John H Higginson

Tsan Y Chan

Hsin-Hua Hu

Hyeun-Su Kim

Jon A Williams

Shenshen Zhao

An optical verification method and mass transfer system described. In an embodiments, a mass transfer sequence may be accompanied by optical imaging and inspection to detect pick and place errors. The optical imaging and inspection techniques may be performed in-situ.

Optical verification system and methods of verifying micro device transfer

Structures and methods to actively control the shape of a micro pickup array (MPA) during micro device transfer are described. In an embodiment, a strain is applied to the MPA counteractive to strain arising during micro device transfer operations. For example, strain may be applied by a piezoelectric actuator element bonded to a back side of the base substrate to control a curvature of base substrate, and by extension the MPA.

Apparatus and method for active shape control of a micro pick up array

An electrostatic cleaning device, mass transfer tool, and method of operation are disclosed. In an embodiment an electrostatic cleaning device includes a cleaning electrode area including a first electrode pattern, a first trace line connected to the first electrode pattern, and a dielectric layer covering the cleaning electrode and the first trace line. In an embodiment, a mass transfer tool includes a translatable transfer head assembly that is translatable over a carrier substrate stage, a receiving substrate stage, and an electrostatic cleaning stage.

Electrostatic cleaning device

Systems and methods for transferring a micro device or an array of micro devices to or from a substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a remote center robot allows on-the-fly alignment between a micro pick up array and a target substrate. The remote center robot may include a plurality of symmetric linkages that move independently and share a remote rotational center. In an embodiment, the remote rotational center may be positioned at a surface of the micro pick up array to prevent damage to the array of micro devices during transfer.

Mass transfer tool manipulator assembly with remote center of compliance

Systems and methods for aligning a transfer head assembly with a substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment a pivot mount is used for generating a feedback signal in a closed-loop motion control system. In an embodiment, the pivot mount includes a plurality of spring arms, with each spring arm including a switch-back along an axial length of the spring arm such that a pair of first and second lengths of the spring arm are immediately adjacent the switch-back and are parallel to each other. A first strain sensing element is located at the first length, and a second strain sensing element is located at the second length.

Micro pick up array pivot mount

Systems and methods for transferring a micro device from a carrier substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment, a mass transfer tool manipulator assembly allows active alignment between an array of electrostatic transfer heads on a micro pick up array and an array of micro devices on a carrier substrate. Displacement of a compliant element of the mass transfer tool manipulator assembly may be sensed to control alignment between the array of electrostatic transfer heads and the array of micro devices.

Mass transfer tool manipulator assembly

A compliant electrostatic transfer head and method of forming a compliant electrostatic transfer head are described. In an embodiment, a compliant electrostatic transfer head includes a base substrate, a cavity template layer on the base substrate, a first confinement layer between the base substrate and the cavity template layer, and a patterned device layer on the cavity template layer. The patterned device layer includes an electrode that is deflectable toward a cavity in the cavity template layer. In an embodiment, a second confinement layer is between the cavity template layer and the patterned device layer.

Compliant electrostatic transfer head with defined cavity

Systems and methods for aligning a transfer head assembly with a substrate are disclosed. In an embodiment a pivot mount is used for generating a feedback signal in a closed-loop motion control system. In an embodiment, the pivot mount includes primary spring arms and secondary spring arms extending between a pivot platform and a base of the pivot mount. The secondary spring arms are characterized by a lower stiffness than the primary spring arms, and strain sensing elements are located along the secondary spring arms.

Micro pick up array pivot mount design for strain amplification

Micro pick up array pivot mount with integrated strain sensing elements

A compliant electrostatic transfer head and method of forming a compliant electrostatic transfer head are described. In an embodiment, a compliant electrostatic transfer head includes a cavity in a base substrate, a spring support layer on the base substrate, and a patterned device layer on the spring support layer. The spring support layer includes a spring support layer beam profile that extends over and is deflectable toward the cavity, and the patterned device layer includes an electrode beam profile that is supported by the spring support layer beam profile and extends over and is deflectable toward the cavity.

Compliant electrostatic transfer head with spring support layer

A stabilization structure includes a stabilization layer on a carrier substrate. The stabilization layer includes an array of staging cavities. An array of micro devices are within the array of staging cavities. Each micro device is laterally attached to a shear release post laterally extending from a sidewall of a staging cavity. A pressure is applied to the array of micro devices from the array of transfer heads to shear the array of micro devices off the shear release posts. The sheared off micro devices are picked up from the carrier substrate using the array of transfer heads.

Growing community of inventors

Lafayette, CA, United States of America

Stephen Paul Bathurst