Patent ID: 6088505
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: G02B,G03F,G03H,H01J

Abstract:
A lithographic tool system including an interferometric pattern generator, comprising:a coherent light source generating a coherent light source beam;means for dividing said coherent light source beam into first, second and third mutually coherent optical beams;a first optical waveguide having a first end and a second end including means for launching said first mutually coherent optical beam into said first waveguide first end and having an optical element on said first waveguide second end, wherein said optical element causes said first mutually coherent optical beam to become a first divergent beam having a first centroid;a second optical waveguide having a first end and a second end including means for launching said second mutually coherent optical beam into said second waveguide first end and having an optical element on said second waveguide second end, wherein said optical element causes said second mutually coherent optical beam to become a second divergent beam having a second centroid;a third optical waveguide having a first end and a second end including means for launching said third mutually coherent optical beam into said third waveguide first end and having an optical element on said third waveguide second end, wherein said optical element causes said third mutually coherent optical beam to become a third divergent beam having a third centroid;a platform having a substantially planar surface adapted to support a workpiece having a selected thickness and a photosensitive surface;a first support disposed a selected distance from the platform surface, wherein said first support includes a first mount, and said first waveguide second end is affixed to said first mount and positioned to aim said first divergent beam at said platform surface;wherein said first support further includes a second mount, and said second waveguide second end is affixed to said second mount and positioned to aim said second divergent beam at said platform surface;wherein said first support further includes a third mount, and said third waveguide second end is affixed to said third mount and positioned to aim said third divergent beam at said platform surface; andwherein said first divergent beam, said second divergent beam, and said third divergent beam are combined to generate an interferometric pattern of light in a reference plane, said reference plane being defined by overlap of said centroids of said first, second and third divergent beams, and said reference plane is substantially parallel to said platform surface.