A method of repairing opaque defects in lithography masks entails focused ion beam milling in at least two steps. The first step uses a large pixel spacing to form multiple holes in the defect material, with the milled area extending short of the defect material edge. The final step uses a pixel spacing sufficiently close to produce a smooth floor on the milled area, and extends to the edge of the defect. During the second step, an etch enhancing gas such as bromine is preferably used.
Repairing Defects On Photomasks Using A Charged Particle Beam And Topographical Data From A Scanning Probe Microscope
David Ferranti - Concord MA, US Valery Ray - Haverhill MA, US Gerald Smith - Nashua NH, US Christian Musil - New Providence NJ, US
International Classification:
C23C014/28
US Classification:
427/140000, 427/595000, 118/715000
Abstract:
Topographical data from a scanning probe microscope or similar device is used as a substitute for endpoint detection to allow accurate repair of defects in phase shift photomasks using a charged particle beam system. The topographical data from a defect area is used to create a display of a semitransparent topographical map, which can be superimposed over a charged particle beam image. The density of the topographical image and the alignment of the two images can be adjusted by the operator in order to accurately position the beam. Topographical data from an SPM can also be used to adjust charged particle beam dose for each point within the defect area based upon the elevation and surface angle at the particular point.
Adam R. Hall - Clemmons NC, US Jijin Yang - Acton MA, US David C. Ferranti - Concord MA, US Colin Sanford - Atkinson NH, US
International Classification:
H01J 37/305 G01N 15/10 H01J 37/26
US Classification:
250307, 435 5, 20419234
Abstract:
In one aspect, methods of nanopore formation in solid state membranes are described herein, In some embodiments, a method of forming an aperture comprises providing at least one solid state membrane in a chamber, selecting a first dose of ions sufficient to provide a first aperture of predetermined diameter through the membrane and exposing a surface of the membrane at a first location to the first dose of ions in a focused ion beam having a focal point of diameter less than or equal to about 1 nm to remove material from the membrane at the first location thereby providing the first aperture having the predetermined diameter or substantially the predetermined diameter.
Isbn (Books And Publications)
Paying for Health Services in Developing Countries: An Overview