Patent · US Expired

Method of increasing the shelf life of a blank photomask substrate

US6998206B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
22References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 15, 2004
Grant dateFeb 14, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 15, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S430/151
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

One principal embodiment of the disclosure pertains to a method of optically fabricating a photomask using a direct write continuous wave laser, comprising a series of steps including: applying an organic antireflection coating over a surface of a photomask which includes a chrome-containing layer; applying a chemically-amplified DUV photoresist over the organic antireflection coating; post apply baking the DUV photoresist over a specific temperature range; exposing a surface of the DUV photoresist to the direct write continuous wave laser; and, post exposure baking the imaged DUV photoresist over a specific temperature range. The direct write continuous wave laser preferably operates at a wavelength of 244 nm or 257 nm. In an alternative embodiment, the organic antireflection coating may be applied over an inorganic antireflection coating which overlies the chrome containing layer.

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