Abstract:
A wafer comprising a mask on one face and at least one layer on the opposite face, wherein the mask comprises at least one scribeline which overlies at least a portion of the opposite face which is substantially free of the at least one layer is described. Also described is a method of preparing a pellicle comprising the steps of: providing a wafer comprising a mask on one face and at least one layer on the opposite face, defining a scribeline in the mask, and selectively removing a portion of the at least one layer which at least partially overlies the scribeline as well as a method of preparing a pellicle comprising the steps of: providing a pellicle core, and removing at least some material from at least one face of the pellicle core in a non-oxidising environment. In any aspect, the pellicle may comprise a metal nitride layer.
Abstract:
Membranes for EUV lithography are disclosed. In one arrangement, a membrane comprises a stack having layers in the following order: a first capping layer comprising an oxide of a first metal; a base layer comprising a compound comprising a second metal and an additional element selected from the group consisting of Si, B, C and N; and a second capping layer comprising an oxide of a third metal, wherein the first metal is different from the second metal and the third metal is the same as or different from the first metal.
Abstract:
A membrane for EUV lithography, the membrane having a thickness of no more than 200 nm and comprising a stack comprising: at least one silicon layer; and at least one silicon compound layer made of a compound of silicon and an element selected from the group consisting of boron, phosphorous, bromine
Abstract:
A membrane assembly (80) for EUV lithography, the membrane assembly comprising: a planar membrane (40); a border (81) configured to hold the membrane; and a frame assembly (50) connected to the border and configured to attach to a patterning device (MA) for EUV lithography; wherein the frame assembly is connected to the border in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the membrane such that in use the frame assembly is between the border and the patterning device.
Abstract:
A method comprising the steps of receiving a mask assembly comprising a mask and a removable EUV transparent pellicle held by a pellicle frame, removing the pellicle frame and EUV transparent pellicle from the mask, using an inspection tool to inspect the mask pattern on the mask, and subsequently attaching to the mask an EUV transparent pellicle held by a pellicle frame. The method may also comprise the following steps: after removing the pellicle frame and EUV transparent pellicle from the mask, attaching to the mask an alternative pellicle frame holding an alternative pellicle formed from a material which is substantially transparent to an inspection beam of the inspection tool; and after using an inspection tool to inspect the mask pattern on the mask, removing the alternative pellicle held by the alternative pellicle frame from the mask in order to attach to the mask the EUV transparent pellicle held by the pellicle frame.
Abstract:
A mask assembly suitable for use in a lithographic process, the mask assembly comprising a patterning device; and a pellicle frame configured to support a pellicle and mounted on the patterning device with a mount; wherein the mount is configured to suspend the pellicle frame relative to the patterning device such that there is a gap between the pellicle frame and the patterning device; and wherein the mount provides a releasably engageable attachment between the patterning device and the pellicle frame.
Abstract:
Methods of manufacturing a membrane assembly are disclosed. In one arrangement, a stack comprises a planar substrate and at least one membrane layer. The planar substrate comprises an inner region, a border region around the inner region, a bridge region around the border region and an edge region around the bridge region. The inner region and a first portion of the bridge region are selectively removed. The membrane assembly after removal comprises: a membrane formed from the at least one membrane layer, a border holding the membrane, the border formed from the border region of the planar substrate, an edge section around the border, the edge section formed from the edge region of the planar substrate, a bridge between the border and the edge section, the bridge formed from the at least one membrane layer and a second portion of the bridge region of the planar substrate. The method further comprises separating the edge section from the border by cutting or breaking the bridge.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a membrane assembly for EUV lithography, the method comprising: providing a stack comprising a planar substrate and at least one membrane layer, wherein the planar substrate comprises an inner region and a border region around the inner region; positioning the stack on a support such that the inner region of the planar substrate is exposed; and selectively removing the inner region of the planar substrate using a non-liquid etchant, such that the membrane assembly comprises: a membrane formed from the at least one membrane layer; and a border holding the membrane, the border formed from the border region of the planar substrate.
Abstract:
A lithographic apparatus comprises a first object holder (WT) and a second object holder. The first object holder is arranged for holding an object (W) at a holder-facing surface. The object has the holder-facing surface. The second object holder is arranged for holding the object at the holder-facing surface. The lithographic apparatus is arranged to deform a contaminating particle (50) at the holder-facing surface more when the object is held at the second object holder than when the object is held at the first object holder.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a pellicle assembly comprising a pellicle frame defining a surface onto which a pellicle is attached. The pellicle assembly comprises one or more three-dimensional expansion structures that allow the pellicle to expand under stress. The invention also relates to a pellicle assembly for a patterning device comprising one or more actuators for moving the pellicle assembly towards and way from the patterning device.