Patent ID: 6278124
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: B82Y,H01J

Abstract:
An electron beam blanking device for selectively interrupting the flow of electrons during an electron beam lithographic process while minimizing electron beam movement daring blanking as the electron beam reaches a target lithographic mask, comprising:a first shielding aperture which constrains the electric fields generated within the succeeding component park to remain within the component part;a first deflection plate set for deflecting electrons flowing in the electron beats in the direction of the target lithographic mask comprising a first tapered gap for variably controlling the cumulative deflection of each electron in the electron beam which travels through said first deflection plate set;a second shielding aperture which constrains the electric field generated within the first deflection plate set to remain within the first deflection plate seta third shielding aperture which constrains the electric field generated within the succeeding second deflection plate set to remain within the second deflection plate seta second deflection plate set for deflecting electrons flowing in the electron beam in the direction of the target lithographic mask comprising a second tapered gap for further variably controlling the cumulative deflection for each electron in the electron beam traveling through said second tapered gap;a fourth shielding aperture which constrains the electric field generated within the preceding second deflection plate set to remain within the second deflection plate setan aperture separating said second shielding aperture and said third shielding aperture for blanking said electron bean, upon being deflected by said first deflection plate set; andcircuitry associated with said first deflection plate set and said second deflection plate set for providing time varying deflection potentials to said first deflection plate set and said second deflection plate set for minimizing undesired deflection of the electron beam, thereby minimizing electron beam movement during blanking at the target lithographic mask.