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E-Beam Lithography Anti-Charging Agents

Discharge

DisCharge is an anti-charging agent used in electron-beam lithography for preventing charge accumulation on electrically insulated substrates. DisCharge is water based and easily removed with water or IPA. DisCharge H2O is available in standard (1X), 2X and 4X formulations with film thickness doubling and sheet decreasing proportionally to the incremental increase in concentration.

Electron Beam Lithography Charge? DisChem’s DisCharge is Here to Help!

Do you struggle with charge accumulation that disrupts the accuracy of your beam? At DisChem, we understand these frustrations and are here to help. Our advanced solutions tackle these issues head-on, ensuring you achieve precision and efficiency in your lithography projects.

Meet DisCharge: Your Solution to Charge Accumulation

One of our standout products is DisCharge, a spin-on anti-charging agent specifically designed for electron beam lithography. This innovative solution helps reduce charge accumulation on insulating substrates, which is a common problem in EBL processes. By addressing this issue, DisCharge ensures better positional accuracy and improved lithographic outcomes.

Why Use an E Beam Lithography Charge Dissipation Agent?

Have you ever noticed that your lithographic patterns suffer from poor fidelity or unexpected distortions? This is often due to charge accumulation on insulating substrates like fused silica, glass slides, and PDMS. Our E Beam Lithography Charge Dissipation Agent, DisCharge, is designed to mitigate these problems. It works seamlessly with positive resists such as PMMA, ZEP520A, CSAR 62, and mr-PosEBR, ensuring that charge accumulation does not compromise your work.

The Benefits of Using DisCharge

  • Enhanced Positional Accuracy : By reducing charge accumulation, DisCharge improves the precision of your electron beam.
  • Improved Pattern Fidelity :Achieve the exact patterns you design, free from distortions caused by charge buildup.
  • Versatile Application :DisCharge is effective on various substrates and compatible with multiple resist types.

Evidence of Effectiveness

The effectiveness of DisCharge as an EBL Charge Dissipation Agent is backed by solid evidence. In experiments conducted with different resists and substrates, DisCharge consistently prevented charge accumulation, resulting in better pattern fidelity and substrate integrity. Whether working with PMMA, ZEP520A, or CSAR 62, DisCharge ensures that your electron beam lithography processes deliver the high-quality results you need.

Real-World Results

  • 300 nm PMMA 950 A4 on PDMS : Without DisCharge, charge accumulation caused cracks in the PDMS. With DisCharge, no charge accumulation was observed, and the structure appeared as expected.
  • 300 nm mr-PosEBR on Glass Slide :Without DisCharge, poor shape fidelity was evident. With DisCharge, the patterns were accurate and as expected.
  • 200 nm ZEP520A on Glass Slide :DisCharge prevented charge accumulation, ensuring the desired pattern fidelity and resist crosslinking at high doses.

EBL Charge Dissipation

DisCharge has been extensively tested and proven to be effective at the Singh Center for Nanotechnology Quattrone Nanofabrication Facility. Researchers Gerald G. Lopez, Ph.D., and Glen de Villafranca have documented the remarkable performance of DisCharge, in reducing charge accumulation during EBL processes. Their studies show significant improvements in pattern accuracy and substrate integrity when using DisCharge.

Evidence of Effectiveness

The effectiveness of DisCharge as an EBL Charge Dissipation Agent is backed by solid evidence. In experiments conducted with different resists and substrates, DisCharge consistently prevented charge accumulation, resulting in better pattern fidelity and substrate integrity. Whether working with PMMA, ZEP520A, or CSAR 62, DisCharge ensures that your electron beam lithography processes deliver the high-quality results you need.

How Does DisCharge Work?

  • Application : Spin coat DisCharge onto your substrate as per the resist protocol. No pre-bake is required.
  • Exposure :Mount the sample in your EBL tool and ensure the grounding clip is properly touching the sample surface. Proceed with your pattern exposure.
  • Removal :After exposure, DisCharge can be easily removed using various methods such as spin rinse, sink rinse, or solvent rinse.

DisCharge: Spin-On Anti-Charging Agent for Electron Beam Lithography

Our DisCharge product has been thoroughly tested at the Singh Center for Nanotechnology, where it demonstrated its ability to reduce charge accumulation on insulating substrates. This reduction in charge buildup leads to improved positional accuracy of the electron beam and better overall lithographic performance. DisCharge has been shown to be effective on substrates like fused silica, glass slides, and PDMS, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications.

Still Need Help!

At DisChem, we are dedicated to providing solutions that enhance your lithography processes. DisCharge, our advanced Electron Beam Lithography Charge dissipation agent, addresses the critical issue of charge accumulation, ensuring better pattern accuracy and substrate integrity. With DisCharge, you can achieve the precision and efficiency your projects demand.

Ready to improve your lithography results? Contact us today to learn more about DisCharge and our other innovative products. Let’s tackle your lithography challenges together.

FAQs – DisCharge H₂O Electron Beam Lithography Charge Dissipation Agent | DisChem Inc.

1. What is DisCharge H₂O, and how does it help electron beam lithography?

DisCharge H₂O is a water-based anti-charging agent formulated for electron beam lithography. It prevents charge accumulation on electrically insulating substrates, ensuring accurate beam placement, limiting pattern distortion, and improving overall lithographic performance on non-conductive surfaces.

During EBL, insulating substrates such as glass or fused silica accumulate static charge, which can deflect the electron beam and distort patterns. DisCharge H₂O dissipates excess charge, improving positional accuracy and preserving the intended nanoscale features in the final resist pattern.
DisCharge H₂O forms a thin, conductive film on the substrate that safely dissipates accumulating electrons during exposure. It integrates into spin-coating workflows without vacuum deposition and can be rinsed off with water or IPA after exposure.
DisCharge H₂O is effective on common insulating substrates such as glass, fused silica, PDMS, polymers, and oxides. These materials often suffer from charging effects during EBL, and DisCharge H₂O helps stabilize the beam to produce reliable, high-quality results.
Yes. DisCharge H₂O is compatible with widely used EBL resists including PMMA, ZEP520A, CSAR 62, and other positive or negative tone resists. It disperses charge without interfering with resist sensitivity or development performance.
DisCharge H₂O is typically applied by spin coating onto the substrate before resist application. After exposure, it is easily removed via spin-rinse, sink-rinse, or solvent rinse, leaving the substrate ready for further processing.
Unlike metal or polymer coatings, DisCharge H₂O is water-based, easy to apply and remove, and does not require vacuum deposition. It provides effective charge dissipation while maintaining resist adhesion and feature integrity.
By dissipating static charge, DisCharge H₂O prevents beam deflection and other charging artifacts that can blur, distort, or shift patterns, resulting in sharper edges, improved placement accuracy, and consistent nanoscale feature resolution.
DisCharge H₂O is offered in standard (1X), 2X, and 4X formulations. Higher concentrations produce thicker conductive films with increased charge dissipation, while lower concentrations provide minimal coating thickness when preferred for process control.

Using DisCharge H₂O can reduce charge-induced defects and pattern failures, leading to fewer reworks and higher yield. Effective charge control improves repeatability and consistency across research and industrial EBL workflows.

A charge dissipation or anti-charge agent is a chemical coating applied to insulating substrates during electron beam lithography. It prevents the accumulation of static charge that can deflect the beam, ensuring precise pattern exposure, improved resolution, and faithful feature reproduction on non-conductive surfaces.
Insulating substrates such as glass, polymers, or oxides cannot conduct electrons away during exposure. This leads to charge buildup, which distorts beam placement. Anti-charge agents neutralize or dissipate excess charge, delivering stable exposure, accurate nanoscale features, and fewer patterning artifacts.
DisChem’s anti-charge agent forms a thin conductive layer that safely dissipates static charge during electron beam exposure. This stabilizes the electron beam path, enhances feature accuracy, and reduces pattern distortion, defects, and rework across microlithography and nanofabrication workflows.
DisChem’s charge dissipation solutions are effective on a wide range of insulating materials, including glass, fused silica, polymers, silicon dioxide, and other non-conductive layers. These agents significantly reduce charging effects that degrade pattern quality in electron beam lithography.
Yes. DisChem’s anti-charge agents are compatible with many common resists, including PMMA, ZEP, SU-8, and other positive or negative-tone chemistries. They work without interfering with resist sensitivity, development, or etch performance, preserving pattern integrity.
Water-based anti-charge agents, like those developed by DisChem, are easier to apply, remove, and handle compared to vacuum metal coatings or specialty polymer films. They dissipate charge effectively without requiring complex deposition equipment or leaving residues that affect downstream processing.
Anti-charge agents can be applied by spin coating, immersion, or spray, followed by a light rinse or dry. DisChem’s charge dissipation solutions integrate seamlessly into standard lithography steps before resist coating, improving ease of use and process compatibility.
By preventing electron beam distortion and charging artifacts, DisChem’s anti-charge agents reduce pattern defects, improve placement accuracy, and lower the need for rework. This leads to increased throughput, reduced waste, and higher yield across advanced lithographic manufacturing.
Many of DisChem’s charge dissipation solutions are designed to be water-based and non-hazardous, reducing reliance on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous coatings. This supports safer handling, reduced environmental impact, and more sustainable manufacturing practices.
For detailed specifications, application protocols, and technical support for DisChem’s charge dissipation agents, contact DisChem Inc. directly via their website or sales team. Expert guidance helps optimize use for specific electron beam and lithography processes.

Anti-charging agents prevent static charge buildup on insulating substrates during electron beam exposure. Without charge dissipation, accumulated electrons can distort the beam path, leading to pattern displacement, reduced resolution, and inconsistent feature sizes in high-precision e-beam lithography processes.

Insulating materials such as glass, fused silica, and polymers cannot dissipate excess electrons during exposure. This trapped charge deflects the electron beam, causing image drift, pattern distortion, and loss of critical dimension control during electron beam lithography.

DisCharge is DisChem’s proprietary anti-charging agent designed to form a thin conductive layer on substrates. This layer safely dissipates excess electrons during exposure, helping maintain beam stability, accurate pattern placement, and improved lithography results on non-conductive surfaces.

Unlike metal coatings, DisCharge is water based and easily removable. It integrates into standard spin coating workflows, does not require vacuum deposition, and can be rinsed away after exposure without damaging the resist or underlying substrate.

DisCharge is compatible with commonly used electron beam resists including PMMA, ZEP, CSAR, and other positive and negative tone resists. Proper application ensures charge dissipation without interfering with resist adhesion, exposure sensitivity, or development performance.

DisCharge is applied by spin coating over the resist or substrate following recommended protocols. After e-beam exposure, it can be easily removed using deionized water or isopropyl alcohol prior to resist development.

When used correctly, DisCharge does not interfere with resist development or pattern formation. Instead, it improves feature quality by minimizing beam deflection, resulting in sharper edges, better alignment accuracy, and improved pattern fidelity at nanoscale dimensions.
DisChem offers DisCharge in multiple concentrations to accommodate different process requirements. Higher concentrations provide increased conductivity for challenging substrates, while lower concentrations support thinner films for applications requiring minimal coating thickness.
Anti-charging agents are especially beneficial for insulating substrates such as glass, fused silica, quartz, polymers, and oxides. These materials are prone to charge accumulation during e-beam exposure and often require additional charge dissipation for reliable patterning.
By dissipating excess electrons, DisCharge stabilizes the electron beam during exposure. This reduces pattern drift and placement errors, allowing the beam to follow its intended path and produce accurate, repeatable nanoscale features across the substrate.
Yes. Reducing charge-induced defects leads to fewer failed exposures and reworks. Improved beam stability and pattern fidelity contribute to higher yield, better repeatability, and more consistent results in both research and production lithography environments.
DisCharge is designed for flexibility and reliability, making it suitable for academic research labs, prototyping facilities, and industrial manufacturing environments where consistent e-beam lithography performance is required across multiple runs and applications.
No. DisCharge integrates seamlessly into existing spin coating and rinse steps. It does not require additional equipment or specialized removal processes, making it a simple and effective solution for managing charge accumulation in e-beam lithography.
DisCharge offers easier removal, cleaner processing, and strong compatibility with common resists. Unlike some conductive polymers, it minimizes residue risk while providing effective charge dissipation without introducing additional contamination or processing complications.

Yes. DisCharge is formulated to be gentle on sensitive substrates. Its water-based chemistry and mild removal process reduce the risk of surface damage, making it suitable for fragile materials and precision nanofabrication workflows.

1. What problem do anti-charging agents solve in e-beam lithography?

Anti-charging agents prevent static charge buildup on insulating substrates during electron beam exposure. Without charge dissipation, accumulated electrons can distort the beam path, leading to pattern displacement, reduced resolution, and inconsistent feature sizes in high-precision e-beam lithography processes.

Insulating materials such as glass, fused silica, and polymers cannot dissipate excess electrons during exposure. This trapped charge deflects the electron beam, causing image drift, pattern distortion, and loss of critical dimension control during electron beam lithography.

DisCharge is DisChem’s proprietary anti-charging agent designed to form a thin conductive layer on substrates. This layer safely dissipates excess electrons during exposure, helping maintain beam stability, accurate pattern placement, and improved lithography results on non-conductive surfaces.

Unlike metal coatings, DisCharge is water based and easily removable. It integrates into standard spin coating workflows, does not require vacuum deposition, and can be rinsed away after exposure without damaging the resist or underlying substrate.

DisCharge is compatible with commonly used electron beam resists including PMMA, ZEP, CSAR, and other positive and negative tone resists. Proper application ensures charge dissipation without interfering with resist adhesion, exposure sensitivity, or development performance.

DisCharge is applied by spin coating over the resist or substrate following recommended protocols. After e-beam exposure, it can be easily removed using deionized water or isopropyl alcohol prior to resist development.

When used correctly, DisCharge does not interfere with resist development or pattern formation. Instead, it improves feature quality by minimizing beam deflection, resulting in sharper edges, better alignment accuracy, and improved pattern fidelity at nanoscale dimensions.

DisChem offers DisCharge in multiple concentrations to accommodate different process requirements. Higher concentrations provide increased conductivity for challenging substrates, while lower concentrations support thinner films for applications requiring minimal coating thickness.

Anti-charging agents are especially beneficial for insulating substrates such as glass, fused silica, quartz, polymers, and oxides. These materials are prone to charge accumulation during e-beam exposure and often require additional charge dissipation for reliable patterning.

By dissipating excess electrons, DisCharge stabilizes the electron beam during exposure. This reduces pattern drift and placement errors, allowing the beam to follow its intended path and produce accurate, repeatable nanoscale features across the substrate.

Yes. Reducing charge-induced defects leads to fewer failed exposures and reworks. Improved beam stability and pattern fidelity contribute to higher yield, better repeatability, and more consistent results in both research and production lithography environments.

DisCharge is designed for flexibility and reliability, making it suitable for academic research labs, prototyping facilities, and industrial manufacturing environments where consistent e-beam lithography performance is required across multiple runs and applications.

No. DisCharge integrates seamlessly into existing spin coating and rinse steps. It does not require additional equipment or specialized removal processes, making it a simple and effective solution for managing charge accumulation in e-beam lithography.

DisCharge offers easier removal, cleaner processing, and strong compatibility with common resists. Unlike some conductive polymers, it minimizes residue risk while providing effective charge dissipation without introducing additional contamination or processing complications.

Yes. DisCharge is formulated to be gentle on sensitive substrates. Its water-based chemistry and mild removal process reduce the risk of surface damage, making it suitable for fragile materials and precision nanofabrication workflows.

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