Patent ID: 6756160
Filing Date: 2004-06-29
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A dual ion-beam deposition process for preparing an attenuated, embedded phase shift photomask blank capable of producing 180Â° phase shift at lithographic wavelengths less than 400 nanometer, the process comprising depositing at least one layer of compound of the general formula of MzSiOxNy, where M is selected from transition metal groups of IVB, VB, VIB, and combinations thereof, on a substrate;(a) by ion beam deposition from a target mixture, alloy or compound of M and Si by ions from a group of gases, and (b) by bombarding the said substrate by a secondary ion beam from an assist source comprising a group of gases, wherein the layer or layers are formed by a chemical combination of the bombarding gas ions from the assist source gas with the material deposited from the target or targets onto the substrate: wherein:x ranges from about 0.00 to about 2.00; y ranges from about 0.00 to about 2.00; and z ranges from about 0.00 to about 2.00.