Abstract:
Charged-particle-beam optical systems are disclosed that are usable in projection-exposure apparatus employing a charged particle beam for projecting an image of an object (e.g., region of a lithographic mask) onto a sample (e.g., semiconductor wafer). Such an optical system comprises a deflection system for deflecting a trajectory of the charged particle beam such that a second-order derivative of the deflected trajectory is substantially constant in an object-side region extending from an object point to a crossover image point, and substantially constant in an image-side region extending from the crossover image point to an image point.
Abstract:
A thin slab that is free of internal cracks is formed by reducing a continuously cast strand having a liquid core. The placement of the reduction rolls is controlled to effect a suitable amount of reduction. The methods effectively reduce bulging strain, as well as strain associated with reduction of the strand. As a result, total accumulated strain is reduced and a thin slab free of internal cracks can be manufactured at high speeds. The apparatus includes reduction blocks which are capable of shifting the rotation angle of an upper roller segment frame. Misalignment strain is reduced and the thickness of the strand can be changed without stopping the manufacturing operation.