Patent ID: 6261723
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A transfer layer fabrication method for making an attenuated mask which requires a repair step to repair transparent defects in the transfer layer consisting essentially of in the following sequence the steps of:supplying a transparent mask substrate;depositing a layer of attenuated mask material on the mask substrate;forming a metallic transfer layer on the attenuated mask material layer in a desired mask pattern leaving unwanted attenuated mask material exposed;inspecting the metallic transfer layer for transparent defects wherein metal is missing from a desired transfer layer design leaving wanted attenuated mask material exposed and forming transparent defects;applying a sacrificial removable layer on the metallic transfer layer and wanted and unwanted attenuated mask material;applying a patch material on top of the sacrificial removable layer in a transparent defect missing portion of the metallic transfer layer, the patch material covering the transparent defect out to its outer edge to cover the wanted attenuated mask material to the desired transfer layer design;etching the sacrificial removable layer and unwanted exposed attenuated mask material resulting in a desired circuit pattern in the attenuated mask material;contacting the etched unwanted exposed attenuated mask material with an etchant which undercuts the patch material and at least partially etches the sacrificial removable layer under the patch material;removing the patch material and remaining sacrificial removable layer; andetching the metallic transfer layer forming the attenuated mask which comprises the attenuated mask material in the form of the desired circuit pattern on the transparent mask substrate.