Patent ID: 6813005
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: G03B,G03F

Abstract:
A storage container for a lithography mask, which storage container is periodically used independently of a lithography system which is used in combination with said mask, said storage container comprising:a first container section formed of a sturdy material which does not deform upon exposure to a vacuum adequate to provide air tight sealing of said storage container; and a second container section formed of said sturdy material, wherein said first and second container sections used in combination define a cavity sized to fixedly house said mask, while not contacting a mask pattern on said mask, and wherein said first and second container sections used in combination provide an air tight seal around said cavity when a pressure within said cavity is less than a pressure outside said storage container, whereby dust and other particles cannot reach said mask housed in said cavity, and wherein said first and second container sections are essentially solely held together to form said cavity by the pressure difference between the pressure within said cavity and the pressure outside said storage container.