Hybrid release layer for microdevice cartridge
This disclosure is related to integrating pixelated microdevices into a system substrate to develop a functional system such as display, sensors, and other optoelectronic devices. The process may involve having a structure of release layers in the housing and then using different decoupling mechanisms for release. The release layers are not limited to but can be a combination of chemical or optical or mechanical release layers.
1 . A microdevice transfer method for integrating microdevices into a system substrate the method comprising:
having a microdevice in a donor substrate;
providing a housing layer between the microdevice and the donor substrate;
providing a release layer, the release layer adjoining the micro device and housing layer and disposed therebetween;
decoupling the release layer by a chemical, an optical or a mechanical process, prior to transfer of the microdevice into a system backplane; and
transferring the housing layer into a temporary substrate using bonding layers and forming access holes in the housing layer.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein there is more than one release layer.
3 . The method of the claim 2 , wherein the more than one release layer has two different decoupling mechanisms.
4 . The method of the claim 1 , wherein decoupling the release layer prior to transfer of the microdevice into a system backplane includes decoupling a chemical release layer from a sidewall of the microdevice and decoupling a second release layer from a bottom side of the microdevice facing the donor substrate, the second release layer other than a chemical release layer.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the microdevice has contacts facing away from the donor substrate.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein a top surface or a bottom surface of the microdevice has anchors, facing the donor substrate or sidewalls of the microdevice.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the housing layer is etched to expose a bottom surface of the microdevice and the release layer.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the release layer is removed fully or partially.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the microdevice is transferred to a system substrate directly from the donor substrate or it is bonded to another substrate using a bonding layer.
10 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the microdevice is bonded to another substrate using the bonding layer.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein there are at least two types of release layers covering at least part of the bottom surface of the microdevice, the bottom surface facing the donor substrate.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the release layers are a combination of chemical or optical or mechanical release layers.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the chemical release layer covers the sidewalls and the bottom surface and the other types of release layers either mechanical or optical release layer at least covers a part of the bottom surface.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the chemical release layer is only needed to be removed from the sidewall and the part of the bottom surface not covered by the other type of release layers.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the mechanical or optical release layer is released prior to a transfer or during the transfer of microdevices into the system substrate.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the chemical release layer is removed prior to the optical if the optical release layer is removed or changed prior to the microdevice transfer.
17 . The method of claim 12 , wherein there is an opening in a first release layer.