Patent · US Expired

Mask cassette and mask cassette loading device

US5026239A · kind A · utility

68Cited by
1References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 5, 1989
Grant dateJun 25, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 5, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S414/137
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A mask cassette and mask cassette loading device, suitably usable in an X-ray exposure apparatus for exposing a wafer to a mask with X-rays contained in synchrotron radiation, to print a pattern of the mask on the wafer, are disclosed. The mask cassette includes a base for accommodating a plurality masks and a cover which can be separated from and coupled to the base only in one direction. When the two are coupled by a locking mechanism, the cassette can be completely closed against atmospheric pressure. The mask cassette loading device includes a common mechanism which serves to release the locking mechanism of the cassette and also, to move the cassette base relative to the cover. Thus, with a simple and compact structure, the protection and replacement of X-ray masks are ensured with certainty.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.