Fabrication
Microprocessors are built in layers on a silicon wafer through various processes using chemicals, gases, and light.
Although several microprocessors are built on a single wafer, our demonstration will build only a small piece of a microprocessor.
Let's take a closer look...
On the wafer, the first layer of silicon dioxide is grown by exposing it to extreme heat and gas. This growth is similar to the way rust grows on metal when exposed to water. The silicon dioxide on the wafer, however, grows much faster and is too thin to be seen by the naked eye.
The wafer is then coated with a substance called photoresist. Photoresist becomes soluble when exposed to ultraviolet light.
