METHOD OF RETAINING A SUBSTRATE TO A WAFER CHUCK

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] The U. S . Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided by the terms of N66001-01-1-8964 and N66001- 02 -C-8011 awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Proj ects Agency (DARPA) .

BACKGROTXND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The field of the invention relates generally to nano- fabrication of structures . More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method of retaining a substrate to a wafer chuck for use in imprint lithography processes . Nano-fabrication involves the fabrication of very small structures , e . g . , having features on the order of nano-meters or smaller . One area in which nano-fabrication has had a sizeable impact is in the processing of integrated circuits - As the semiconductor processing industry continues to strive for larger production yields while increasing the circuits per unit area formed on a substrate , nano- fabrication becomes increasingly important . Nano-fabrication provides greater process control while allowing increased reduction of the minimum feature dimension of the structures formed. Other areas of development in which nano-fabrication has been employed include biotechnology, optical technology, mechanical systems and the like .

[0003] An exemplary nano—fabrication technique is commonly referred to as imprint lithography. Exemplary imprint lithographic processes are described in detail in numerous publications , such as United States published patent application 2004/0065976 filed as United States patent application 10/264 , 960 , entitled, "Method and a Mold to Arrange Features on a Substrate to Replicate Features having Minimal Dimensional Variability" ; United States published patent application 2004/0065252 filed, as United States patent application 10/264 , 926 , entitled "Method of Forming a Layer on a Substrate to Facilitate Fabrication of Metr-ology Standards" ; and United States published patent application 2004/0046271 filed as United States patent application 10/235 , 314 , entitled "Functional Patterning

Material for Imprint Lithography Processe s , " all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present imvention .

The fundamental imprint lithography technzLque disclosed in each of trie aforementioned United States published patent applications includes formation of a relief pattern in a polymerizable layer and transferring a pattern corresponding to ttie relief pattern into an underlying substrate . To that end, a temjplate is employed spaced- apart from the substrate with a formable Hiquid present between the template and the substrate . The liquid is solidified to form a solidified layer that has a pattern recorded therein that is conforming to a shape of the surface of ttαe template in contact with trie liquid. The template is separated from the solidified layer such that the template and the substrate are sjpaced-apart . The substrate and the solidified layer are then subjected to processes to transfer, into the substrate , a relief image that corresponds to the pattern in trαe solidified layer . During separation there is a probability that the substrate, pattern record in the soliclified layer and/or the solidified layer may be damaged due to the manner in which the substrate is retain upon a wafer chuck employed to support the same . It is desirable to provide an improved method of retaining a substrate upon a wafer chuck .

SIfMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is directed towards a method of retaining a substrate to a wafer chuck. The method features accelerating a portion of the substrate toward the wafer chuck, generating a velocity of travel of the sub>strate toward the wafer cti-uck; and reducing the velocity before th_e substrate reaches the wafer chuck. In this manner, the force of impact of the portion with th.e wafer chuck is greatly reduced, which is believed to reduce the pr-obability that the structural integrity of the substrate, and layers on the substrate and/or the wafer c2iuck are damaged . These embodiments and others are described more fully below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THK DRAWINGS

[0 O05] Fig . 1 is a cross-sectional vi ew of a template in contact with an imprinting layer, disposed upon a substrate in accordance with the prior art ;

[0006] Fig . 2 is a cross-sectional vie-w of a template undergoing separation from an imprinting layer, dispos ed upon a substrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0007] Fig . 3 is a cross-sectional vie^w of a template undergoing separation from an imprinting layer, disposed upon a substrate, in accordance with a second embodiment of the ^present invention,-

[0008] Fig . 4 is a cross-sectional vie-w of a template mounted to a template holder in accordance with the present invention;

[0009] Fig . 5 is a top down view of a -wafer chuck demonstrating a first embodiment of differing vacuum sections that may be provided in accordance with the present invention;

[0010] Fig . 6 is a top down view of a wafer chuck demonstrating a second, embodiment of differing vacuum sections that may be provided in accordance with the present invention; [0011] Fig . 7 is a top down view of a wafer chuck demonstrating a third embodiment of differing vacuum sect±ons that may be provided in accordance with the present invention;

[0012] Fig . 8 is a side view of the waffer chuck and substrate shown in Fig . 3 being subj ect to a release scheme in accordance with an alternate embodiment ;

[0013] Fig . 9 is a top down view of one embodiment of the wafer chuck shown in Fig . 2 ;

[0014] Fig . 10 is a cross-sectional view of the wafer chuck shown in Fig . 9 taken along lines 10-10 ; [0015] Fig . 11 is a cross-sectional view of a wafer chuck shown in Fig . 10 having a substrate disposed thereon;

[0016] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the wafer chuck, shown in Fig . 2 , having a substrate disposed thereon; [0017] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a template in contact with an imprinting layer, disposed αpon a substrate , wherein the substrate is subj ected to a pushing forc e ;

[0018] Fig . 14 is a simplified top down, plan view showing a template having a plurality of air nozzles arranged locally to exert a pushing force;

[0019] Fig . 15 is a simplified top down plan view showing a template having a plurality of air nozzles arranged as an array to exert a pushing force ;

[0020] Fig . 16 is a simplified top down plan view showing a template having a plurality of trenches disposed therein to

facilitate release of air located between a template and an imprinting layer;

[0021] Fig . 17 is a side view of a template shown in Fig . 16;

[0022] Fig . 18 is a simplified top plan down view showing a template having a plurality of holes disposed therein to facilitate release of air located between a template and an imprinting layer; and

[0023] Fig . 19 is a side down view of the template shown in Fig . 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring to Fig . 1, a template 10 is shown in contact with an imprinting layer 12. Typically, template 10 may be comprised of fused silica and imprinting layer 12 may be formed from any material known in the art . Exemplary compositions for imprinting material 12 are disclosed in United States patent application number 10/763 , 885 , filed January 24 , 2003 , entitled Materials and Methods for Imprint Lithography, which, is incorporated by reference . Imprinting layer 12 may be positioned on a substrate 14 , with substrate 14 having a thicknes s ^λ t ' associated therewith. Substrate 14 may be formed from virtually any material including silicon, fused silica, metal or compound materials typically associated with the manufacture of integrated circuits . Template 10 comprises a surface 16 having a plurality of features disposed thereon, with the plurality of features comprising a plurality of protrusions 18 and recessions 20. The plurality of protrusions 18 and recessions 20 form a pattern to be transferrred into imprinting layer 12 , forming a relief image therein. More specifically, template 10 contacts imprinting layer 12 such that the material of imprinting layer 12 ingresses into and fills the plurality of recessions 20 to form imprinting layer 12 with a contiguous structure across surface 16 of template 10 , wherein typically the atmosphere surrounding template 10 and imprinting layer 12 may be saturated with helium. Template 10 may be connected to an imprint head 11. The imprint head 11 may be adapted to move along the X- , X- , and/or Z-axes, thereby generating separation force F _s by moving template 10 along the Z-axis away from substrate 14. To that end, substrate 14 typically remains in a fixed position with respect to the Z -axis while imprint head 11 undergoes movement .

[0025] Imprinting layer 12 may be formed from a photo-sensitive material such that when exposed to an actinic component , the same is polymerized and cross-linked to form a. solidified material . The actinic component may include ultraviolet wavelengths , thermal energy, electromagnetic energy, visible light and the like . The actinic component employed is known to one skilled in the art and typically depends on the material from which imprinting layer 12 is formed. [0026] Solidification of imprinting layer 12 occurs after template 10 makes contact therewith and the imprinting layer 12 fills the plurality of recessions 20. Thereafter, template 10 is separated from imprinting layer 12. In this manner, the relief image is recorded into imprinting layer 12 with a pattern corresponding to the pattern of template 10. [0027] Separation of template 10 from solidified imprinting layer 12 is achieved by application of a force F ₃ , to template 10. The separation force F _s , is of sufficient magnitude to overcome adhesion forces between template 10 and solidified imprinting layer 12 and the resistance of substrate 14 to strain (deformation) . It is believed that deformation of a portion of substrate 14 facilitates separation of template 10 from solidified imprinting layer 12. Wafer chuck 22 may retain substrate 14 during separation using any number of well known straining forces , F _c , e .g . , electrostatic forces , magnetic forces , vacuum forces and the like . As a result , the direction of separation force F ₃ is typically opposite to that of the direction of the straining force F ₀ . Typically, wafer chuck 22 is supported by a stage 23 that facilitates movement along X, Y and/or Z axes . An exemplary imprint lithography system is sold under the tradename IMPRIO™ 100 available from Molecular Imprints , Inc . of Austin, Texas .

[0028] As shown in Fig . 1 , a magn±tude of the strain (deformation) of substrate 14 is a function of the separation force

F _s applied and typically results in the formation of strained region

24 in which substrate 14 is spaced from wafer chuck 22 a distance d . Strained region 24 is typically generated proximate to a region of imprinting layer 12 in contact with template 10 , referred to as the processing region . [0029] However, it is desired to minimize the magnitude of the separation force F ₃ necessary to achieve separation of template 10 and solidified imprinting layer 12. For example , minimizing the

magnitude of the separation force F ₃ facilitates alignment processes so that template 10 and substrate 14 may be properly aligned, as well as allow an increased ratio of template patterning area versus total template area . Additionally, minimizing the separation force F ₃ necessary to achieve separation of template 10 and solidified imprinb ing layer 12 reduces the probability of structural comprise of templat e 10 , substrate 14 , and solidified imprinting material 12. Furthermore , deformation of substrate 14 creates potential energy in strained, region 24 that is transformed into kinetic energy upon separat ion of template 10 from solidified imprinting layer 12. Specifi cally, after separation of template 10 from solidified imprint ing layer 12 , the separation force F ₃ upon substrate 14 approaches zero . The straining force F _c and the elasticity of the material from which substrate 14 is formed causes strained region 24 to acce lerate toward chuck 22 , such that strained region 24 typically collide s with wafer chuck 22. It is believed that the collision of strained region 24 with wafer chuck 22 has the deleterious effect of compromising the structural integrity of substrate 14 and the solidified imprinting layer 12 formed thereon. This makes problematic , inter alia, alignment between substrate 14 and template 10.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 2 , the present invention attenuates , if not prevents , the aforementioned deleterious effects associated with separation of template 10 from solidified imprinting layer 12. This is achieved by reducing, for a given substrate 14 , template 10 , and solidified imprinting layer 12 , the magnitude of the separation force F ₃ neces sary to achieve separation between template 10 and solidified imprinting layer 12. To that end, wafer chuck 122 is configured to control a magnitude of the strain (deformation) to which substrate 14 is subjected, particularly during separation . Wafer chuck 122 generates a straining force F _c from a plurality of independently generated forces F ₁ and F ₂ . This facilitates providing a straining force F _c that may vary in direction and magnitude across substrate 14. Forr example, the magnitude of variable force s F ₂ may be substantially less than the magnitude of chucking forces Fi . As a result, when template 10 is subj ected to a separation force F ₃ , chucking- forces F ₁ may be associated with a non-strained region 26 of substrate 14 , and variable forces F ₂ may be associated with strained region 24 of substrate 14.

[0031] In this example, forces P ₁ and F ₂ are both, along directions substantially opposite to the direction of the separation force P ₈ . Separation force F _s may be generated by movement of an imprinting head 11 to which template is connected, as discussed above with respect to Fig . 1. Additionally, wafer chuck 122 , shown in Fig . 2 , may be supported by a stage 23 , as discussed above with respect to Fig. 1. It should be noted, however, that separation force F ₃ may be generated, by keeping the position of template 10 fixed with respect to the Z -axis and moving substrate 14 along the Z-axis away from template 10 employing stage 23. Alternatively, the separation force FS may result from the combination of moving template 10 and substrat e 14 in opposite directions along the K axis . For purposes of the present discussion, however, the invention is discussed with respect to moving imprint head 11 so that template 10 moves along the Z axis away from substrate 14 , while substrate remains fixed with respect to the Z axis .

[0032] It should be noted that the magnitude of forces F ₁ and F ₂ may have virtually any value desired, so long as portions of substrate 14 outside of strained region 24 is retained, upon wafer chuck 122 when the same is subj ected to separation force F ₃ . For example, variable forces F ₂ may have a magnitude approaching zero . As a result of the magnitude of variable forces F ₂ being substantially less than the magnitude of chucking forces F ₁ , the magnitude of the separation force F ₃ required to separate template 10 from sol±dified imprinting layer 12 may be reduced. More specificslly, the magnitude of variable forces F ₂ are established to facilitate strain (deformation) of a portion of substrate 14 in superimposition with template 14 in response to separation force F ₃ , referred to as strained region 24. [0033] Referring to Fig . 3 , alternatively, straining force F _c may be varied across substrate 14 such that the direction of variable forces F ₂ may be opposite to the direction of chucking forces F ₁ and commensurate with the direction of separation force F ₃ . The magnitude of the variable forces F ₂ may be the same, greater or less than a magnitude of chucking forces F ₁ . In this manner, localized deformation of substrate 14 is facilitated by variable forces F ₂ pushing strained region 24 away from wafer chuck 122. This may or may not b>e independent of the presence of separation force F ₃ . [0034] As mentioned above , in the present example chucking forces F ₁ function to hold substrate 14 upon wafer chuck 122 when

subj ected, to separation force F ₃ . As a result of the direction of the variable forces F ₂ being substantially the same as the direction of the separation force F ₃ , the magnitude of the separation forces F ₉ required to separate template 10 from solidified imprinting layer 12 may be recluced.

[0035] Furthermore, as a result of variable forces F ₂ being in a direction substantially the same as the direction of separation force F ₃ , the variable forces F ₂ may reduce the impact , if not avoid collision, of strained region 24 with template 3.0. More specificaL Iy, second variable forces F ₂ reduce tlie velocity, and thus, the kinetic energy of strained region 24 as the same propagates towards wafer chuck 122 , after separation of template 10 from solidifiecL imprinting layer 12. In this manner, strained region 24 comes to rest against wafer chuck 122 without uixduly compromising the structural integrity of the same .

[0036] After separation of template 10 from solidified imprinting" layer 12 , the magnitude and direction, of variable forces F ₂ may be changed. For example, variable forces F ₂ may be provided to have the same magnitude and direction as chucking forces F ₁ . Further, tlie change in magnitude and direction of variable forces F ₂ may vary 1 ±nearly during a period of time such tlαat the magnitude of variable forces F ₂ having a direction opposite to chucking forces F ₁ approaches zero . Upon reaching zero variable forces F ₂ change direction and are slowly increased to be commensurate with the magnitude and direction of chucking forces F ₁ . As a result, substrate 3.4 may be subjected to a gradient of variable forces F ₂ that slowl;y decelerate strained region 24 and gradually increase to fixedly secure substrate 14 to wafer chuck 122. Therefore, an abrupt deceleration of substrate 14 in response to contact with wafer chuck 122 , i . e . , a collision, may be avoided while minimizing the force of impact with, wafer chuck 122.

[0037] Before separation of template 10 from solidified imprinting layer 12 , the direction of the variable forces F ₂ may be substantially the opposite as the direction of separation force F ₃ , as described above with respect to Fig . 2. However, upon separation of template 10 from solidified imprinting layer 12 , the direction of variable forces F ₂ may be substantially the same as the direction of separation force F ₃ , as described above with respect to Fig . 3. [0038] Referring to Figs . 1 and 4 , to further facilitate the separation of template 10 from imprinting layer 12 , template 10 may

be subj ected to a bowing force F _B . More specifically, bowing force F _B may be applied along a center region 28 of template IO and along a direction opposite to that of the direction of the separation force F ₃ , shown in Fig. l _ The bowing force F _B may be applied in conjunction with, o_r independent of, varying the magnitude and the direction of the stnraining forces F _c , as discussed above . To that end, template 10 may be attached to a template chuck as disclosed in United States patent application number 10/999 , 898 , filed. November 30 , 2004 , assigned to the assignee of the present patent application and having Cherala et al . identified as inventors , which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0039] The template chuck includes a body 31 having a centralized throughway 33 , one side of which is sealed by a fused silicate plate 35 and a gasket 36. Surrounding throughway 33 is a recess 37 and gaskets 38. Properly positioning template 10 upon body 31 seals throughway 33 forming a chamber, as well as seal ing of recess forming a second chamber surrounding the centralized chamber . The centralized chamber and the second chamber may each be provided with a desired pressurization vis-a-vis passageways 40 and. 41 , respectively. By evacuating the second chamber and pressurizing the central chamber, bowing force F _B may be applied to template 10 without removing the same from body 31.

[0040] Referrixxg to Figs . 1, 5 and 6, to vary the magnitude and the direction of the straining force F _c across substrate 14 , the aforementioned wafer- chuck 122 may be employed. Furthermore, the following embodiment s may be employed in step and repeat processes , wherein an exemplary" step and repeat process is disclosed in United States published pat ent application number 2004/0008334 filed as United patent application number 10/194 , 414 , assigned to assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference .

[0041] To that end, wafer chuck 122 may be configured, to provide a plurality of discrete vacuum sections 30 _A -30 _z . For purposes of the present invention, each of the plurality of vacuum sections 30 _A -30 _z is defined as providing one or more chucking forces of common magnitude and direction . , e . g . , there may be one straining- force, F _c , associated with one of discrete vacuum sections 30 _A -30 _z or multiple chucking forces , each of which are substantially identical in direction and magnitude . The number, size and shape of vacuum sections 30 _A -30 _Z may "vary dependent upon several factors . Additionally, the size and shape of any one of the plurality of

vacuum sections 30 _A ~30 _z may differr from the remaining vacuum sections of the plurality of vacuum sections 30 _A -30 _z . For example, the si ze and/or shape of one or more of the vacuum sections may be commensurate with the size and/oir shape of the region 24. As a result, each of the plurality of -vacuum sections 30 _A -30 ₂ may be provided with one of a number of shapes , including any polygonal shape , such as the square shape a s shown, as well as circular shapes shown as 130 or annular shapes shown as 230 , in Fig . 6. Additionally, vacuum sections may include any one or more of irregular shapes 330 , shown in Fig . 7.

[0042] Referring to Figs . S- π , although it is possible that each of the plurality of vacuum sections defined on a common wafer chuck 122 have a common shape and size, it is not necessary. Thus wafer chuck 222 may define irregular vacuum sections 330 , along with a hexagonal vacuum section 430 , a rectangular vacuum section 530 , a. circular vacuum section 130 , and an annular vacuum section 230. [0043] Referring to Figs . 2 , 5 , 7 and 8 , each of the plurality of vacuum sections 30 _A -30 _z may be individually addressed so that differing chucking forces may be associated with the plurality off vacuum sections 30 _A -30 _z . In this manner, the locus of the desired, chucking forces , e .g . , F ₁ and _/ or F ₂ , may be established with great precision. It is desired, however, to vary the straining forces F _c associated with the plurality of vacuum sections 30 _A -30 _Z so that substrate 14 may be along an axis that extends across the entire area of substrate 14. To that end, adj acent rows of said plurality of: vacuum sections 30 _A -30 _z define a straining force differential δF _C . For example, vacuum sections 30 _D , 3 O ₁ , 3O ₀ , 30 _D , 30 _z , 3 Oj, 30 _P , 30 _v may generate variable force F ₂ , that i s lower than chucking force F ₁ , generated by the remaining vacuum sections , 30 _A , 30 _B , 30 _c , 30 _E , 30 _{F /} 30 _G , 30 _H , 30 _K , 30 _L , 30 _M , 3 O _N , 30 _Q , 3 O _R , 30 _S , 30 _T , 30 _W , 3 O _X , and 30 _Y . This would enable substrate 14 to bend about axis A, which is facilitated by the force different ial δF _C being defined between a first row consisting of vacuum sec tions 30 _D , 30i , 3 O ₀ , 3O ₁ , and 30 _z , and a second row consisting of vacuum sections 30 _c , 30 _H , 3 O _N , 30 _T and 30 _Y . [0044] Referring to Figs . 9 a_nd 10 , to provide wafer chucks 122 and/or 222 with the aforementioned vacuum characteristics , wafer chuck 122 and 222 are integrally f ormed from stainless steel or aluminum with a plurality of spaced-apart pins 32 and 33 , defining a plurality of channels 36 therebetween. Although shown as having a. circular cross-section, each of the plurality of pins 32 and 33 may

have virtually any cross —sectional shape desired, including polygonal shapes and typically have a pitch of 3 millimeters . One or more of the plurality of pins are hollow defining a throughway 34 that extends from a passageway 35 , terminating in an opening facing substrate 14 , as shown irα Fig . 11. These are shown as pins 32 , with, throughway typically having a diameter of approximately 1 millimeter- to prevent bowing of the portion of substrate 124 in superimposition therewith. [0045] Although eacti of pins 32 is shown in fluid communication with a common passageway 35 , this is not necessary. Rather, throughway 34 of each of the plurality of pins 32 may be individually addressable such that the volume and direction of fluid passing therethrough per unit time is independent of the fluid flow through throughways 34 associated! with the remaining pins 32. This may be achieved by placing one or more of pins 32 in fluid communication with a passageway that differs from the passageways in fluid communication with the remaining pins 32. In a further embodiment , throughways 34 may comprise a stepped structure . The plurality of pins 34 may be surrounded by a land 37 upon which substrate 14 rests . Channels 36 are typically in fluid communication with a common passageway 39 via aperture 40.

[0046] Referring to Figs . 10 and 11 , substrate 14 is retained on wafer chuck 122 by straiixing force F _c generated by fluid flow through channels 36 and/or throug-liways 34. To that end, passageway 35 is in. fluid communication with a pressure control system 41 and passageway 39 is in fluid communicat ion with a pressure control system 43. Botli of pressure control systems 41 and 43 are operated under control of processor 45 that is in d.a.ta communication therewith. To that end, processor may include computer readable code operated on by the processor to carrying out the fluid flows mentioned with respect to

Figs . 2-11. Upon being disposed upon wafer chuck 122 , one surface 47 of substrate 14 , facing wafer chuck 122 , rests against pins 32 and 33. In the presence of tlie straining force F _c , and the absence of separation force F ₃ , an end of throughways 34 facing substrate 14 is substantially sealed, hermetically, by surface 47 resting against pins 32 and 33. No fluid flows between throughways 34 and channels 36 as a result of the seal by surface 47.

[0047] Upon application of separation force F ₃ , a portion of surface 47 in superimposition with solidified imprinting layer 12 becomes separated from pins 32 and/or 33. To facilitate this

separation by reducing a magnitude of separat ion force F _s required to achieve the same, pins 32 are disposed the area of wafer chuck 122. The fluid flowing through through/ways 34 is selected so that variable force F ₂ is less than chucking force F ₁ . Typically, chucking force F ₁ is generated by operating pnressure control system 43 at full vacuum. When variable force F ₂ is operated in a pressure state, it is of sufficient magnitude to generate a pressure of approximately 200 kilo Pascals (kPa) in the volume disposed between strained region 24 and wafer chuck 122. This is usually creates approximately 10 microns of movement of substαrate 14 at strained region 24. As a result of the seal being brolken, throughways 34 are placed into fluid communication with passageway 39 via channels 36 and apertures 40. This further reduces the magnitude of straining forces F _c in superimposition with strained region 24 , thereby reducing the separation force F _s required to separate template 10 from imprinting layer because strain/deformatdLon of substrate 14 in region 24 is facilitated.

[0048] Referring to Fig. 12 , in an alternate embodiment , wafer chuck 322 may provide the aforementioned vacuiαm characteristics , without use of pins 32 and 33. To that end, a. surface 49 of wafer chuck 322 includes a plurality of apertures 5O and 52 that may be configured to have a flow of fluid therethroucjh, the magnitude and direction of which may be independent of the fϊlow of fluid through the remaining apertures 50 and 52. Apertures typically have a 3 millimeter pitch and a diameter of 2 millimeters , sufficient to reduce the probability of bowing of the portion of substrate 14 in superimposition therewith.

[0049] In the present example , apertures 50 are in fluid communication with a common passageway 53 and apertures 52 are in fluid communication with a common passageway 55. The straining force F _c generated by fluid flows through one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart apertures 50 and 52. Before separation, the portion of the plurality of spaced-apart apertures 50 and. 52 may have fluid passing therethrough at a first flow rate, 0 s eem or greater . Were separation force F ₃ present, fluid may pass th-cough apertures 50 and 52 at a flow rate that differs from the first ±low rate . Specifically, the flow rate of fluid passing tlhrough apertures 50 and 52 may vary in response to the presence of separation force F _s . Typically the aforementioned change in flow rate is localized to apertures 50 and 52 in superimposition with st=trained region 24. The

change in flow rate is typically sufficient to reduce the magnitude of the straining force P _c . As such, the change in flow rate typically affects the fluid passing though only one of apertures 52 or apertures 50. For example, the flow rate through apertures 52 , in superimposition with strained region 24 , would change so that the straining force F _c generated thereby is reduced . The flow rate through apertures 50 remains substantially constant . [0050] Referring to Fig. 2 , to further assist in separation of template 10 from imprinting layer 12 , the imprinting layer may be composed of material that produces a gaseous by-product when exposed to predetermined wavelengths as disclosed in United States patent number 6 , 218 , 316 which is incorporated by reference herein. The gaseous by-product can produce localized pressure at the interface between imprinting layer 12 and mold the flat surface . The localized pressure can facilitate separation of template 10 from imprinting layer 12. The wavelength of radiation that facilitates generation of the gaseous by-product may include such wavelengths as 157 nm, 248 nm, 257 nm and 308 nm, or a combination therreof . After generation of the gaseous by-product, it is desired to exp>editiously commence separation of template 10 so as to minimize damage to imprinting layer 12. Further, the gaseous by-product Located between template 10 and imprinting layer 12 may leak out from, between template 10 and imprinting layer 12 , which is undesirable . Furthermore , the separation of template 10 from imprinting la.yer 12 should be orthogonal to imprinting layer 12 to minimiz e distortions of the imprinting layer 12.

[0051] Referring to Fig . 13 to further assist in separation of template 10 from imprinting layer 12 , a push. Ing force F _p may be employed between template 10 and substrate I A . Specifically, the pushing force F _p may be applied proximate to substrate 14 in areas of substrate 14 not in superimposition with tenrplate 10. The pushing force F _p facilitates in separation of template 10 by moving substrate 14 away from template 10. To that end, pushd-ng force F _P is directed along a direction opposite to separation force F _s ; thereby the magnitude of the separation force F ₃ requiredl to achieve separation may be reduced. The pushing force F _p may be applied by a plurality of air nozzles 62 arranged locally, as shown in Fig . 14 , or as an array 162 , as shown in Fig . 15. The gas eτnpHoyed within the plurality of air nozzles includes , but is not limited to, nitrogen (N ₂ ) . The pushing force F _p may be applied independent or in

conjunction with varying the straining force F _c , as discussed above with respect to Figs . 2 -12.

[0052] Referring to Figs . 2 , 16, ancL 17 to further assist in separation of template 10 from imprinting- layer 12 , template 10 may comprises a plurality of trenches 38 to cLecrease the vacuum sealing effect between template 10 and imprinting- layer 12. Trenches 66 facilitate release of air positioned between template 10 and imprinting layer 12 when template 10 and imprinting layer 12 are in contact , thus decreasing the vacuum sealLng effect between template 10 and imprinting layer 12. As a result, the magnitude of the separation force F ₃ may be reduced, which is desired. [0053] Referring to Figs . 18 and 19, in a further embodiment , template 10 may comprise a plurality of h.oles 68 , wherein the plurality of holes 68 function analogously to trenches 66 , such that holes 68 function to decrease the vacuum sealing effect between template 10 and imprinting layer 12.

[0054] The embodiments of the presen-fc invention described above are exemplary. Many changes and modifications may be made to the disclosure recited above , while remaining within the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention should, therefore , be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents .