Abstract:
A method for immersion lithography includes providing a substrate coated with an imaging layer, dispensing a conductive immersion fluid between the substrate and an imaging lens of a lithography system, and performing an exposure process to the imaging layer using a radiation energy through the conductive immersion fluid.
Abstract:
An immersion lithography system includes an immersion fluid holder for containing an immersion fluid. The system further includes a stage for positioning a resist-coated semiconductor wafer in the immersion fluid holder and a lens proximate to the immersion fluid holder and positionable for projecting an image through the immersion fluid and onto the resist-coated semiconductor wafer. The immersion fluid holder includes a coating configured to reduce contaminate adhesion from contaminates in the immersion fluid.
Abstract:
A method of processing a semiconductor wafer can be used prior to an immersion lithography process. The method includes providing a layer of organic photoresist onto a surface of the semiconductor wafer and removing a portion of the photoresist from an outer edge of the wafer using an edge-bead removal process. The outer edge of the wafer is then cleaned using one or more processes, including a mechanical scrubber/cleaner, mega-sonic power, de-ionized water and/or chemical solution.
Abstract:
A method of creating a resist image on a semiconductor substrate includes exposing a layer of photoresist on the semiconductor substrate and developing the exposed layer of photoresist using a first fluid including supercritical carbon dioxide and a base such as Tetra-Methyl Ammonium Hydroxide (TMAH). Additionally, the developed photoresist can be cleaned using a second fluid including supercritical carbon dioxide and a solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and xylene.
Abstract:
A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a photoresist layer over a substrate and patterning the photoresist layer to form photoresist portions. A second layer is formed over the substrate in areas not covered by the photoresist portions and the photoresist portions are removed. After removing the photoresist portions, the second layer is used to modify the substrate to create at least a portion of the semiconductor device.
Abstract:
A method of wafer repairing comprises identifying locations and patterns of defective regions in a semiconductor wafer; communicating the locations and patterns of defective regions to a direct-writing tool; forming a photoresist layer on the semiconductor wafer; locally exposing the photoresist layer within the defective regions using an energy beam; developing the photoresist layer on the semiconductor wafer; and wafer-processing the semiconductor wafer under the photoresist layer after exposing and developing.
Abstract:
A method of wafer repairing comprises identifying locations and patterns of defective regions in a semiconductor wafer; communicating the locations and patterns of defective regions to a direct-writing tool; forming a photoresist layer on the semiconductor wafer; locally exposing the photoresist layer within the defective regions using an energy beam; developing the photoresist layer on the semiconductor wafer; and wafer-processing the semiconductor wafer under the photoresist layer after exposing and developing.
Abstract:
An exposure system includes a mask stage module adapted for holding a first mask and a second mask, wherein the first mask is configured for illumination by a first beam to form a transformed first beam having a first pattern from the first mask and the second mask is configured for illumination by a second beam to form a transformed second beam having a second pattern from the second mask. The exposure system also includes a beam combiner configured to combine the transformed first and second beams to form a resultant beam, wherein the resultant beam is projected into a substrate coated with a photoresist layer.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a photomask comprising a transparent substrate, an absorption layer proximate to the transparent substrate, and a pellicle mounted proximate to the transparent substrate. The absorption layer has at least one opening formed therein for receiving a wavelength-reducing material (WRM). The wavelength-reducing material and the absorption layer form a generally planar surface.
Abstract:
A method and system is disclosed for processing one or more oblique features on a mask or reticle substrate. After aligning the mask or reticle substrate with a predetermined reference system, an offset angle of a feature to be processed on the mask or reticle substrate with regard to either the horizontal or vertical reference direction of the predetermined reference system is determined. The mask or reticle substrate is rotated in a predetermined direction by the offset angle; and the feature on the mask or reticle substrate is processed using the predetermined reference system wherein the feature is processed in either the horizontal or vertical reference direction thereof.