Lithographic projection photo-mask, useful e.g. in structuring semiconductor wafers to form integrated circuits, includes absorber in purging gas volume above substrate to inhibit crystal formation

    公开(公告)号:DE102005052046A1

    公开(公告)日:2007-05-03

    申请号:DE102005052046

    申请日:2005-10-31

    Abstract: A lithographic projection photo-mask (5) comprises: (a) a transparent substrate (10) with a pattern (14) of structural elements (16); (b) a frame (18), on the substrate outside the pattern; (c) a protective film (20) above the substrate, forming an enclosed volume filled with purging gas; and (d) an arrangement (32) of absorber within the enclosed volume, to remove harmful materials from the gas and inhibit crystal formation on the mask. A photo-mask (5) for lithographic projection comprises: (a) a transparent substrate (10), provided on its front with a pattern (14) of absorbing, partially absorbing or phase-shifting structural elements (16); (b) a frame (18), located on the front side of the substrate outside the pattern; (c) a protective film (20), located above the substrate on the frame, forming an enclosed volume filled with purging gas; and (d) an absorber arrangement (32), including absorber located in the frame region within the enclosed volume, for removing harmful materials from the purging gas to inhibit crystal formation on the mask. An independent claim is included for a method for using the mask in an exposure plant, involving: (A) supplying the mask into an exposure device from a protective container; (B) carrying out one or more exposure processes in the exposure device using light from an ultraviolet source; and (C) withdrawing the mask from the exposure device into the protective container.

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