Patent ID: 6673520
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: B82Y,G03F

Abstract:
A method of patterning a first photoresist layer on a semiconductor wafer using a reflective mask comprising:providing a mask substrate having a reflective layer; depositing an absorber layer over the reflective layer; depositing an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer over the absorber layer; depositing a second photoresist layer over the ARC layer; patterning the second photoresist layer to form a patterned photoresist layer; etching the ARC layer using the patterned photoresist layer as a first mask to form a patterned ARC layer; removing the patterned photoresist layer; inspecting and repairing the patterned ARC layer to form a patterned repaired ARC layer, wherein at least the inspecting occurs prior to formation of any absorber layer over being formed over the ARC layer; etching the absorber layer using the patterned repaired ARC layer as a second mask to form a patterned absorber layer and an exposed area of the reflective layer; applying the first photoresist layer to the semiconductor wafer; and reflecting radiation off the exposed area of the reflective layer to the first photoresist layer on the semiconductor wafer to provide an exposed pattern on the first photoresist layer.