These slightly deeper quartz grooves result in light-wave phases that are slightly askew from the light waves that pass through shallower grooves.

FORBES: Trick Of The Light

These slightly deeper quartz grooves result in light-wave phases that are slightly off-kilter from the light waves that pass through shallower grooves.

FORBES: Trick of the Light

To further hone the image, engineers use a technique called optical proximity correction, which uses oddly shaped bars, notches and other distortions that are cut into the chrome template on the quartz plate to trick light waves into making a more precise pattern (see left).

FORBES: Trick Of The Light

To further hone the image, engineers use a technique called optical proximity correction, which uses oddly shaped bars, notches and other distortions that are cut into the chrome template on the quartz plate to trick light waves into making a more precise pattern (see chart).

FORBES: Trick of the Light

This is the same power source for things like quartz watches and kids' light-up sneakers.

FORBES: Breakthroughs

Most photomasks are created by etching away a thin film of light-blocking chrome from the surface of a quartz plate.

FORBES: Trick of the Light