Patent ID: 7670728
Filing Date: 2010-03-02
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method for repairing a bridge in a photo mask having a defective pattern causing a bridge between neighboring portions of a phase shift layer pattern, the method including the steps of: disposing a phase shift layer pattern and a light shielding layer pattern over a transparent substrate with the phase shift layer pattern being disposed between the light shielding layer and the transparent substrate; forming a resist layer over an entire surface of the photo mask; performing an etching process over the entire surface of the photo mask to etch the resist layer using an etching gas having a sufficiently high etching selectivity between the resist layer and the light shielding layer pattern so that substantially no light shielding layer pattern is etched while the resist layer is etched and the etched resist layer is disposed on the transparent substrate and a defective pattern is exposed by the etched resist layer; and performing a continued etching process over the exposed defective pattern and the resist layer to remove the exposed defective pattern.