Patent ID: 6653053
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: B82Y,G03F

Abstract:
A method of patterning a first photoresist layer on a semiconductor wafer using an attenuated phase shifting reflective mask, comprising:providing a mask substrate having a reflective layer; depositing an attenuating phase shift layer over the reflective layer; depositing a buffer layer over the attenuating phase shift layer; depositing a repairable layer over the buffer layer; depositing a second photoresist layer over the repairable layer; patterning the second photoresist layer to form a patterned photoresist layer; etching the repairable layer using the patterned photoresist layer as a first mask to form a patterned repairable layer; removing the patterned photoresist layer; inspecting and repairing the patterned repairable layer to form a patterned repaired layer; etching the buffer layer using the patterned repaired layer as a second mask to form a patterned buffer layer; removing the patterned repaired layer; etching the attenuating phase shift layer using the patterned buffer layer as a third mask; removing the patterned buffer layer to form the attenuated phase shifting reflective mask; applying the first photoresist to the semiconductor wafer; and reflecting radiation off the attenuated phase shifting reflective mask to the first photoresist on the semiconductor wafer to provide an exposed pattern on the photoresist.