Patent ID: 6180953
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
An apparatus for removing black dot defects from photomasks used in the manufacture of electronic components such as semiconductors the photomask having a circuit pattern thereon which pattern is transferred to the electronic component substrate comprising:a holding device for securing a photomask;moving means for moving the secured photomask in an X-Y plane;detecting means for locating and identifying a black dot defect connected to the circuit pattern;first energy means to direct an energy beam at the surface of the photomask for removing pattern forming material from the surface of the photomask;second energy means to direct an energy beam at the surface of the photomask for removing pattern forming material from the surface of the photomask;positioning means to position the photomask under the first or second energy means so that the first or second energy beams will be directed to a particular X-Y position of the photomask; andwhereby when the defect is to be removed, the photomask is positioned and the first energy means activated to sever the connected defect from the photomask pattern by forming a space between the defect and the photomask pattern after which the photomask is positioned so that the second energy beam will be directed on the remaining defect and ablate the severed defect.