Patent ID: 7732102
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method for imparting a pattern to a substrate, comprising: providing a photolithographic mask adapted for use in imparting a pattern to a substrate, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of features, and wherein at least one of the plurality of features is implemented in the mask as a phase shifting structure with a unitary layer of opaque material disposed thereon; and utilizing the mask to impart the pattern to a substrate; wherein the photolithographic mask comprises a first set of mask features adapted to produce features having a critical dimension CD within the range of 0<k≦CD<m, where k and in are real number dimensions, wherein the first set of mask features includes a plurality of phase shifting structures, and wherein each of the phase shifting structures has a unitary layer of chrome disposed thereon which is co-continuous with the phase-shifting structures; and wherein the photolithographic mask further comprises a second set of mask features adapted to produce device features having a critical dimension CD<k, and a third set of mask features adapted to produce device features having a critical dimension CD≧m.