Extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror, extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus, and electronic device manufacturing method

An extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror may include a reflective surface formed in a concave shape and configured to diffract a laser beam incident from a first focal point and having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of extreme ultraviolet light. The reflective surface may be provided with a plurality of first reflection portions, a plurality of second reflection portions, a plurality of first stepped portions, and a plurality of second stepped portions. The first and second stepped portions may have such heights that the laser beam obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions adjacent to each other. The height of each first stepped portion may be equal to or higher than the height of each second stepped portion. The height of at least one of the first stepped portions may be higher than the height of each second stepped portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-187100, filed on Oct. 10, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror, an extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus, and an electronic device manufacturing method.

2. Related Art

Recently, miniaturization of a transfer pattern in optical lithography of a semiconductor process has been rapidly proceeding along with miniaturization of the semiconductor process. Minute fabrication at 20 nm or smaller will be requested in the next generation technology. To meet the request for minute fabrication at 20 nm or smaller, it is desired to develop an exposure apparatus including a device configured to generate extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light at a wavelength of 13 nm approximately in combination with reduced projection reflective optics.

Disclosed EUV light generation devices include three kinds of devices of a laser produced plasma (LPP) device that uses plasma generated by irradiating a target material with a pulse laser beam, a discharge produced plasma (DPP) device that uses plasma generated by electrical discharge, and a synchrotron radiation (SR) device that uses synchrotron radiation.

LIST OF DOCUMENTS

Patent Document

SUMMARY

An extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include a reflective surface formed in a concave shape and configured to reflect extreme ultraviolet light incident from a first focal point so that the extreme ultraviolet light condenses to a second focal point at a position different from that of the first focal point and diffract a laser beam incident from the first focal point and having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of the extreme ultraviolet light. The reflective surface may be provided with a plurality of first reflection portions, a plurality of second reflection portions, a plurality of first stepped portions, and a plurality of second stepped portions: in a front view of the reflective surface, the first reflection portions surrounding the center of the reflective surface; the second reflection portions surrounding the center and being positioned between the first reflection portions and lower than the adjacent first reflection portions in a direction opposite to a reflection direction; the first stepped portions each being positioned between the corresponding first reflection portion and the second reflection portion adjacent to the first reflection portion on a side of the center; the second stepped portions each being positioned between the corresponding first reflection portion and the second reflection portion adjacent to the first reflection portion on an outer periphery side of the reflective surface. The first and second stepped portions may have such heights that the laser beam obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions adjacent to each other. The height of each first stepped portion may be equal to or higher than the height of each second stepped portion. The height of at least one of the first stepped portions may be higher than the height of each second stepped portion.

An extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include a reflective surface formed in a concave shape and configured to reflect extreme ultraviolet light incident from a first focal point so that the extreme ultraviolet light condenses to a second focal point at a position different from that of the first focal point and diffract a laser beam incident from the first focal point and having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of the extreme ultraviolet light. The reflective surface may be provided with a plurality of reflection portions and a plurality of stepped portions: in a front view of the reflective surface, the reflection portions surrounding the center of the reflective surface; the stepped portions each being positioned between the reflection portions adjacent to each other so that one reflection portion of the adjacent reflective portions on a side of the center is lower than the other reflection portion on an outer periphery side of the reflective surface in a direction opposite to a reflection direction. The stepped portions may have such heights that the laser beam obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions adjacent to each other. The height of at least one of the stepped portions may be higher than such a lowest height that the laser beam obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions adjacent to each other.

An extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include: a chamber having an internal space in which a laser beam is condensed and plasma is generated from a target substance at a condensed position of the laser beam; and an extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror configured to condense extreme ultraviolet light radiated through the plasma generation from the target substance. The extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror may include a reflective surface formed in a concave shape and configured to reflect extreme ultraviolet light incident from a first focal point as the condensed position so that the extreme ultraviolet light condenses to a second focal point at a position different from that of the first focal point and diffract a laser beam incident from the first focal point and having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of the extreme ultraviolet light. The reflective surface may be provided with a plurality of first reflection portions, a plurality of second reflection portions, a plurality of first stepped portions, and a plurality of second stepped portions: in a front view of the reflective surface, the first reflection portions surrounding the center of the reflective surface; the second reflection portions surrounding the center and being positioned between the first reflection portions and lower than the adjacent first reflection portions in a direction opposite to a reflection direction; the first stepped portions each being positioned between the corresponding first reflection portion and the second reflection portion adjacent to the first reflection portion on a side of the center; the second stepped portions each being positioned between the corresponding first reflection portion and the second reflection portion adjacent to the first reflection portion on an outer periphery side of the reflective surface. The first and second stepped portions may have such heights that the laser beam obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions adjacent to each other. The height of each first stepped portion may be equal to or higher than the height of each second stepped portion. The height of at least one of the first stepped portions may be higher than the height of each second stepped portion.

An extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include: a chamber having an internal space in which a laser beam is condensed and plasma is generated from a target substance at a condensed position of the laser beam; and an extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror configured to condense extreme ultraviolet light radiated through the plasma generation from the target substance. The extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror may include a reflective surface formed in a concave shape and configured to reflect extreme ultraviolet light incident from a first focal point as the condensed position so that the extreme ultraviolet light condenses to a second focal point at a position different from that of the first focal point and diffract a laser beam incident from the first focal point and having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of the extreme ultraviolet light. The reflective surface may be provided with a plurality of reflection portions and a plurality of stepped portions: in a front view of the reflective surface, the reflection portions surrounding the center of the reflective surface; the stepped portions each being positioned between the reflection portions adjacent to each other so that one reflection portion of the adjacent reflective portions on a side of the center is lower than the other reflection portion on an outer periphery side of the reflective surface in a direction opposite to a reflection direction. The stepped portions may have such heights that the laser beam obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions adjacent to each other. The height of at least one of the stepped portions may be higher than such a lowest height that the laser beam obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions adjacent to each other.

An electronic device manufacturing method according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include: generating extreme ultraviolet light with an extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus; outputting the extreme ultraviolet light to an exposure apparatus; and exposing a photosensitive substrate to the extreme ultraviolet light in the exposure apparatus to manufacture an electronic device. The extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus may include: a chamber having an internal space in which a laser beam is condensed and plasma is generated from a target substance at a condensed position of the laser beam; and an extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror configured to condense extreme ultraviolet light radiated through the plasma generation from the target substance. The extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror may include a reflective surface formed in a concave shape and configured to reflect extreme ultraviolet light incident from a first focal point as the condensed position so that the extreme ultraviolet light condenses to a second focal point at a position different from that of the first focal point and diffract a laser beam incident from the first focal point and having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of the extreme ultraviolet light. The reflective surface may be provided with a plurality of first reflection portions, a plurality of second reflection portions, a plurality of first stepped portions, and a plurality of second stepped portions: in a front view of the reflective surface, the first reflection portions surrounding the center of the reflective surface; the second reflection portions surrounding the center and being positioned between the first reflection portions and lower than the adjacent first reflection portions in a direction opposite to a reflection direction; the first stepped portions each being positioned between the corresponding first reflection portion and the second reflection portion adjacent to the first reflection portion on a side of the center; the second stepped portions each being positioned between the corresponding first reflection portion and the second reflection portion adjacent to the first reflection portion on an outer periphery side of the reflective surface. The first and second stepped portions may have such heights that the laser beam obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions adjacent to each other. The height of each first stepped portion may be equal to or higher than the height of each second stepped portion. The height of at least one of the first stepped portions may be higher than the height of each second stepped portion.

An electronic device manufacturing method according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include: generating extreme ultraviolet light with an extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus; outputting the extreme ultraviolet light to an exposure apparatus; and exposing a photosensitive substrate to the extreme ultraviolet light in the exposure apparatus to manufacture an electronic device. The extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus may include: a chamber having an internal space in which a laser beam is condensed and plasma is generated from a target substance at a condensed position of the laser beam; and an extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror configured to condense extreme ultraviolet light radiated through the plasma generation from the target substance. The extreme ultraviolet light condensation mirror may include a reflective surface formed in a concave shape and configured to reflect extreme ultraviolet light incident from a first focal point as the condensed position so that the extreme ultraviolet light condenses to a second focal point at a position different from that of the first focal point and diffract a laser beam incident from the first focal point and having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of the extreme ultraviolet light. The reflective surface may be provided with a plurality of reflection portions and a plurality of stepped portions: in a front view of the reflective surface, the reflection portions surrounding the center of the reflective surface; the stepped portions each being positioned between the reflection portions adjacent to each other so that one reflection portion of the adjacent reflective portions on a side of the center is lower than the other reflection portion on an outer periphery side of the reflective surface in a direction opposite to a reflection direction. The stepped portions may have such heights that the laser beam obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions adjacent to each other. The height of at least one of the stepped portions may be higher than such a lowest height that the laser beam obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions adjacent to each other.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

2. Description of electronic device manufacturing apparatus

3. Description of extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus

4. Description of EUV light condensation mirror of comparative example

5. Description of EUV light condensation mirror of Embodiment 1

6. Description of EUV light condensation mirror of Embodiment 2

7. Description of EUV light condensation mirror of Embodiment 3

8. Description of EUV light condensation mirror of Embodiment 4

The embodiments described below are examples of the present disclosure, and do not limit the contents of the present disclosure. Not all configurations and operations described in each embodiment are necessarily essential as configurations and operations of the present disclosure. Components identical to each other are denoted by an identical reference sign, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus and an electronic device manufacturing apparatus configured to generate light having a wavelength corresponding to that of what is called extreme ultraviolet. In the present specification, extreme ultraviolet light is referred to as EUV light in some cases.

2. Description of Electronic Device Manufacturing Apparatus

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the electronic device manufacturing apparatus includes an EUV light generation apparatus100and an exposure apparatus200. The exposure apparatus200includes a mask irradiation unit210including a plurality of mirrors211and212, and a workpiece irradiation unit220including a plurality of mirrors221and222. The mask irradiation unit210illuminates a mask pattern on a mask table MT through reflective optics with EUV light101incident from the EUV light generation apparatus100. The workpiece irradiation unit220images, through reflective optics, the EUV light101reflected by the mask table MT on a workpiece (not illustrated) disposed on a workpiece table WT. The workpiece is a photosensitive substrate such as a semiconductor wafer on which photoresist is applied. The exposure apparatus200translates the mask table MT and the workpiece table WT in synchronization to expose the workpiece to the EUV light101with the mask pattern reflected. Through an exposure process as described above, a device pattern is transferred onto the semiconductor wafer, thereby manufacturing a semiconductor device.

3. Description of Extreme Ultraviolet Light Generation Apparatus

The following describes the extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus.FIG. 2is a pattern diagram illustrating an exemplary entire schematic configuration of the extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus of the present example. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the EUV light generation apparatus100according to the present embodiment is connected with a laser apparatus LD. The EUV light generation apparatus100according to the present embodiment includes a chamber device10, a control unit CO, and a laser beam delivery optical system30as main components.

The chamber device10is a sealable container. The chamber device10includes a sub chamber15provided with a target supply unit40. The target supply unit40includes a tank41and a nozzle42. The target supply unit40supplies a droplet DL to the internal space of the chamber device10and is attached to, for example, penetrate through the wall of the sub chamber15. The droplet DL, which is also called a target, is supplied from the target supply unit40.

The tank41stores inside a target substance that becomes the droplet DL. The target substance contains tin. The inside of the tank41is communicated with, through a pipe, a pressure adjuster43configured to adjust gas pressure. In addition, a heater44is attached to the tank41. The heater44heats the tank41by current supplied from a heater power source45. Through the heating, the target substance in the tank41melts. The pressure adjuster43and the heater power source45are electrically connected with the control unit CO.

The nozzle42is attached to the tank41and discharges the target substance. A piezoelectric element46is attached to the nozzle42. The piezoelectric element46is electrically connected with a piezoelectric power source47and driven by voltage applied from the piezoelectric power source47. The piezoelectric power source47is electrically connected with the control unit CO. The target substance discharged from the nozzle42is formed into the droplet DL through operation of the piezoelectric element46.

Further, the chamber device10includes a target collection unit14. The target collection unit14collects any unnecessary droplet DL.

The wall of the chamber device10is provided with at least one through-hole. The through-hole is blocked by a window12through which a laser beam301emitted in pulses from the laser apparatus LD transmits.

Furthermore, a laser condensation optical system13is disposed in the chamber device10. The laser condensation optical system13includes a laser beam condensation mirror13A and a high reflectance mirror13B. The laser beam condensation mirror13A reflects and condenses the laser beam301transmitting through the window12. The high reflectance mirror13B reflects the light condensed by the laser beam condensation mirror13A. The positions of the laser beam condensation mirror13A and the high reflectance mirror13B are adjusted by a laser beam manipulator13C so that a laser focusing position in the chamber device10coincides with a position specified by the control unit CO.

An EUV light condensation mirror50having a reflective surface55in a substantially spheroidal shape is disposed inside the chamber device10. The EUV light condensation mirror50reflects EUV light and has a first focal point and a second focal point for the EUV light. The EUV light condensation mirror50is disposed so that, for example, the first focal point is positioned in a plasma generation region AR and the second focal point is positioned at an intermediate focus point IF. A through-hole50H is provided at a central portion of the EUV light condensation mirror50, and the laser beam301in pulses passes through the through-hole50H.

The EUV light generation apparatus100further includes a connection unit19that provides communication between the internal space of the chamber device10and the internal space of the exposure apparatus200. The connection unit19includes a wall through which an aperture is formed. The wall is preferably disposed so that the aperture is positioned at the second focal point of the EUV light condensation mirror50.

The EUV light generation apparatus100further includes a pressure sensor26. The pressure sensor26measures the pressure in the internal space of the chamber device10. The EUV light generation apparatus100further includes a target sensor27attached to the chamber device10. The target sensor27has, for example, an image capturing function and detects the existence, trajectory, position, speed, and the like of the droplet DL. The pressure sensor26and the target sensor27are electrically connected with the control unit CO.

The laser apparatus LD includes a master oscillator as a light source configured to perform burst operation. The master oscillator emits the laser beam301in pulses in a burst-on duration. The master oscillator is, for example, a CO2laser apparatus configured to emit a laser beam having a wavelength of 10.6 μm by exciting, through electrical discharging, gas as mixture of carbon dioxide gas with helium, nitrogen, or the like. The master oscillator may emit the laser beam301in pulses by a Q switch scheme. The master oscillator may include a light switch, a polarizer, and the like. In the burst operation, the laser beam301is emitted in continuous pulses at a predetermined repetition frequency in a burst-on duration and the emission of the laser beam301is stopped in a burst-off duration.

The traveling direction of the laser beam301emitted from the laser apparatus LD is adjusted by the laser beam delivery optical system30. The laser beam delivery optical system30includes a plurality of mirrors30A and30B for adjusting the traveling direction of the laser beam301, and the position of at least one of the mirrors30A and30B is adjusted by an actuator (not illustrated). Through this adjustment of the position of at least one of the mirrors30A and30B, the laser beam301may propagate into the chamber device10through the window12appropriately.

The control unit CO may be, for example, a micro controller, an integrated circuit (IC), an integrated circuit such as a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a numerical control (NC) device. When the control unit CO is a NC device, the control unit CO may or may not include a machine learning device. The control unit CO controls the entire EUV light generation apparatus100and also controls the laser apparatus LD. The control unit CO receives, for example, a signal related to the pressure in the internal space of the chamber device10, which is measured by the pressure sensor26, a signal related to image data of the droplet DL captured by the target sensor27, and a burst signal from the exposure apparatus200. The control unit CO processes the image data and the like and controls the output timing of the droplet DL, the output direction of the droplet DL, and the like.

The chamber device10also includes a gas supply unit73configured to supply etching gas to the internal space of the chamber device10. The gas supply unit73is connected with a gas supply tank74configured to supply etching gas through a pipe. Since the target substance contains tin as described above, the etching gas is, for example, balance gas having a hydrogen gas concentration of 3% approximately. The balance gas may contain nitrogen (N2) gas or argon (Ar) gas. The pipe between the gas supply unit73and the gas supply tank74may be provided with a supply gas flow amount adjustment unit (not illustrated).

The gas supply unit73has the shape of the side surface of a circular truncated cone and is called a cone in some cases. A gas supply inlet of the gas supply unit73is inserted into the through-hole50H provided to the EUV light condensation mirror50, and the gas supply unit73supplies the etching gas through the through-hole50H in a direction departing from the EUV light condensation mirror50. The laser beam301passes through the through-hole50H of the EUV light condensation mirror50as described above through the gas supply unit73. Accordingly, the gas supply unit73has a configuration through which the laser beam301can transmit on the window12side.

Tin fine particles and tin charged particles are generated when plasma is generated from the target substance forming the droplet DL in the plasma generation region AR. The etching gas supplied from the gas supply unit73contains hydrogen that reacts with tin contained in these fine particles and charged particles. Through the reaction with hydrogen, tin becomes stannane (SnH4) gas at room temperature.

The chamber device10further includes a pair of discharge ports10E. The discharge ports10E are provided, for example, at positions facing each other on the wall of the chamber device10. The residual gas contains tin fine particles and charged particles generated through the plasma generation from the target substance, stannane generated through the reaction of the tin fine particles and charged particles with the etching gas, and unreacted etching gas. Some of the charged particles are neutralized in the chamber device10, and the residual gas contains the neutralized charged particles as well. Each discharge port10E through which the residual gas is discharged is connected with a discharge pipe, and the discharge pipe is connected with an exhaust device75. Thus, the residual gas discharged through the discharge ports10E flows into the exhaust device75through the discharge pipe.

In the EUV light generation apparatus100, an atmosphere in the chamber device10is discharged, for example, at new installation or maintenance. In this process, purge and discharge may be repeated in the chamber device10to discharge components in the atmosphere. Purge gas is preferably inert gas such as nitrogen (N2) or argon (Ar). When the pressure in the chamber device10becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined pressure after the atmosphere in the chamber device10is discharged, the control unit CO starts introduction of the etching gas from the gas supply unit73into the chamber device10. In this case, the control unit CO may control a flow rate adjuster (not illustrated) while discharging gas in the internal space of the chamber device10to the exhaust device75through the discharge ports10E so that the pressure in the internal space of the chamber device10is maintained at the predetermined pressure. The control unit CO maintains the pressure in the internal space of the chamber device10substantially constant based on a signal related to the pressure in the internal space of the chamber device10, which is measured by the pressure sensor26. The pressure in the internal space of the chamber device10in this case is, for example, 10 Pa to 80 Pa.

The control unit CO supplies current from the heater power source45to the heater44to increase the temperature of the heater44so that the target substance in the tank41is heated to or maintained at a predetermined temperature equal to or higher than the melting point. Thereafter, the control unit CO controls the temperature of the target substance to the predetermined temperature by adjusting the amount of current supplied from the heater power source45to the heater44based on an output from a temperature sensor (not illustrated). The predetermined temperature is in a range of, for example, 250° C. to 290° C. when the target substance is tin.

The control unit CO controls the pressure adjuster43to adjust the pressure in the tank41so that the target substance being melted is output through a nozzle hole of the nozzle42at a predetermined speed. The target substance discharged through the hole of the nozzle42may be in the form of jet. In this case, the control unit CO generates the droplet DL by applying voltage having a predetermined waveform to the piezoelectric element46through the piezoelectric power source47. Vibration of the piezoelectric element46can propagate through the nozzle42to a jet of the target substance output from the hole of the nozzle42. The jet of the target substance is divided in a predetermined period by the vibration, and accordingly, the droplet DL is generated from the target substance.

The control unit CO outputs a light emission trigger to the laser apparatus LD. Having received the light emission trigger, the laser apparatus LD emits the laser beam301having a wavelength of, for example, 10.6 μm in pulses. The emitted laser beam301is incident on the laser condensation optical system13through the laser beam delivery optical system30and the window12. In this case, the control unit CO controls the laser beam manipulator13C of the laser condensation optical system13so that the laser beam301condenses in the plasma generation region AR. In addition, the control unit CO controls the laser apparatus LD to emit the laser beam301based on a signal from the target sensor27so that the droplet DL is irradiated with the laser beam301. Accordingly, the droplet DL is irradiated in the plasma generation region AR with the laser beam301converged by the laser beam condensation mirror13A. Plasma generated through the irradiation radiates light including EUV light having a wavelength of, for example, 13.5 nm.

Among the light including EUV light generated in the plasma generation region AR, the EUV light101is reflected and condensed to the intermediate focus point IF by the EUV light condensation mirror50and then incident on the exposure apparatus200. Part of the laser beam301with which the droplet DL is irradiated is reflected by the droplet DL, and part of the reflected beam is diffracted by the EUV light condensation mirror50. Details of the diffraction will be described later.

When plasma is generated from the target substance, charged fine particles and electrically neutral fine particles are generated as described above. Some of the fine particles flow into the discharge ports10E. For example, a magnetic field generation unit (not illustrated) or the like may be provided to generate a magnetic field for converging charged fine particles generated in the plasma generation region AR to the discharge ports10E. In this case, each charged fine particle receives Lorentz force from the magnetic field and is induced to the discharge ports10E while converging on a helical trajectory along a magnetic field line, and a large number of charged fine particles flow into the discharge ports10E. Some other of the fine particles diffusing in the chamber device10adhere to a reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50. Some of the fine particles adhering to the reflective surface55become predetermined product material through reaction with the etching gas supplied from the gas supply unit73. When the target substance is tin and the etching gas contains hydrogen as described above, the product material is stannane gas at room temperature. The product material obtained through reaction with the etching gas flows into the discharge ports10E on flow of unreacted etching gas. The fine particles and residual gas having flowed into the discharge ports10E are provided with predetermined discharge treatment such as detoxification at the exhaust device75.

4. Description of EUV Light Condensation Mirror of Comparative Example

The following describes the EUV light condensation mirror50of a comparative example in an extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus100described above. Any component same as that described above is denoted by an identical reference sign, and duplicate description thereof is omitted unless specific description is needed.

First Example

In the present example, the reflective surface55is a binary diffraction grating.FIG. 3is a front view of the EUV light condensation mirror50from the reflective surface55side in the comparative example. In the following drawings, illustration of the through-hole50H is omitted in some cases.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV ofFIG. 3in the present example.FIG. 5is an enlarged view illustrating part of the reflective surface inFIG. 4. The EUV light condensation mirror50is recessed in a substantially spheroid shape on the reflective surface55side, and irregularities are formed on the surface. Specifically, the average of the irregularities of the reflective surface of the EUV light condensation mirror50is part of an elliptical surface conjugate to the first focal point as the plasma generation region AR and to the second focal point as the intermediate focus point IF. Although not particularly illustrated, the reflective surface55includes a multi-layer reflective film for reflecting the EUV light101.

In the present example, a plurality of convex portions51A having concentrically circular shapes centered at a center55C of the reflective surface55, and a plurality of concave portions51B each positioned between the convex portions51A adjacent to each other are provided. The concave portions51B serve as a plurality of grooves55G having concentrically circular shapes and provided on the reflective surface55. As illustrated inFIG. 5, sections of the convex portions51A and the concave portions51B of the present example have substantially rectangular shapes.

In the present example, the top surface of each convex portion51A is a first reflection portion56A of the reflective surface55, and the bottom surface of each concave portion51B is a second reflection portion56B of the reflective surface55. Each reflection portion56is formed by one first reflection portion56A and one second reflection portion56B adjacent to the first reflection portion56A. In the present example, the reflective surface55includes a plurality of first reflection portions56A and a plurality of second reflection portions56B, in a front view of the reflective surface55, the first reflection portions56A having concentrically circular shapes and surrounding the center55C, the second reflection portions56B having concentrically circular shapes and surrounding the center55C. Each second reflection portion56B is positioned between the first reflection portions56A adjacent to each other. In addition, a stepped portion56D is positioned between each first reflection portion56A and the corresponding second reflection portion56B. In the present example, the multi-layer reflective film is provided to at least each of the first and second reflection portions56A and56B. The first and second reflection portions56A and56B are shaped as parts of a substantially spheroid shape having focal points at the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF. In other words, the first and second reflection portions56A and56B are parts of an elliptical surface conjugate to the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF. Thus, the first and second reflection portions56A and56B are each parallel to a surface obtained by averaging the irregularities of the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50.

In the present example, reflected light generated when the laser beam301having a wavelength of, for example, 10.6 μm and reflected by the droplet DL in the plasma generation region AR is reflected by each first reflection portion56A interferes with reflected light generated when the laser beam301is reflected by each second reflection portion56B. Thus, with the step between each first reflection portion56A and the corresponding second reflection portion56B, the EUV light condensation mirror50functions as a diffraction grating for the laser beam301reflected by the droplet DL in the plasma generation region AR. However, the EUV light condensation mirror50does not function as a diffraction grating but functions as a mirror for the EUV light101having a wavelength of, for example, 13.5 nm.

The grooves55G have a pitch of, for example, 0.5 mm to 2 mm inclusive, preferably 1 mm to 1.4 mm inclusive. The pitch is equal to the pitch of the reflection portions56.

When λ represents the wavelength of the laser beam301emitted from the laser apparatus LD and θ represents the incident angle of light reflected by the droplet DL and incident on the first and second reflection portions56A and56B of the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50, the depth of each groove55G, in other words, a height h of each stepped portion56D is expressed by Expression (1) below. Since this light is incident from the plasma generation region AR, the light may be the laser beam301reflected by the droplet DL and incident on the reflective surface55or may be the EUV light101radiated by the droplet DL.
h=(λ/4)/cos θ  (1)

The incident angle θ changes with the position at which the laser beam301is incident on the reflective surface55. Since the first and second reflection portions56A and56B are each parallel to the surface obtained by averaging the irregularities of the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50as described above, the incident angle θ of the laser beam301incident at a predetermined position of the EUV light condensation mirror50is equal to the angle between a line connecting the plasma generation region AR and the predetermined position and the normal of the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50at the predetermined position as illustrated inFIG. 4. Thus, the height h of the stepped portion56D increases toward the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55.

When the height h of the stepped portion56D satisfies Expression (1), the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first reflection portion56A and the second reflection portion56B. The height h that satisfies Expression (1) is such a lowest height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first reflection portion56A and the second reflection portion56B.

The zeroth-order diffracted light of the laser beam301incident on the reflective surface55from the plasma generation region AR of the EUV light condensation mirror50can condense to the intermediate focus point IF as illustrated inFIG. 2. However, when the height h of the stepped portion56D satisfies Expression (1) described above, the intensity of the zeroth-order diffracted light is weakened due to interference between the laser beam301reflected by the first reflection portion56A and the laser beam301reflected by the second reflection portion56B. Diffracted light other than the zeroth-order diffracted light of the laser beam301incident on the reflective surface55from the plasma generation region AR of the EUV light condensation mirror50does not condense to the intermediate focus point IF but condenses in a ring shape on a wall surface around the intermediate focus point IF. Thus, light other than the zeroth-order diffracted light among the laser beams301incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50is prevented from being emitted from the chamber device10.

In addition, since the first and second reflection portions56A and56B have spheroid shapes as described above, the EUV light101incident from the plasma generation region AR on the EUV light condensation mirror50is reflected by the first and second reflection portions56A and56B and condenses to the intermediate focus point IF.

Second Example

The following describes the EUV light condensation mirror50of a second example in the comparative example. Any component same as that described above is denoted by an identical reference sign, and duplicate description thereof is omitted unless specific description is needed.

In the present example, the reflective surface55is a blazed diffraction grating. A front view of the EUV light condensation mirror50from the reflective surface55side in the present example is same as that inFIG. 3, and a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV ofFIG. 3in the present example is same as that inFIG. 4.FIG. 6is an enlarged view illustrating part of the reflective surface inFIG. 4in the present example. In the present example, the reflective surface55is formed in a saw teeth shape in a sectional view and includes pairs of two surfaces having tilt angles different from each other and provided adjacent to each other to surround the center55C of the reflective surface55. In other words, the reflective surface55includes concentric repetitions of two surfaces having tilt angles different from each other. InFIG. 6, the center55C side and the outer periphery side are indicated by arrows.

One of the surfaces adjacent to each other is a reflection portion56C of the reflective surface55and has a substantially spheroid shape having focal points at the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF. Thus, each reflection portion56C is part of an elliptical surface conjugate to the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF. The reflection portion56C corresponds to the reflection portion56inFIG. 3. The reflection portion56C is tilted toward the center55C side. The other of the surfaces adjacent to each other is substantially orthogonal to the reflection portion56C and is the stepped portion56D between the reflection portions56C adjacent to each other. Accordingly, in the present example, the reflective surface55includes a plurality of reflection portions56C having concentrically circular shapes and surrounding the center55C in a front view of the reflective surface55, and each stepped portion56D is positioned between the reflection portions56C. In the present example, the multi-layer reflective film is provided to at least each reflection portion56C. Although not particularly illustrated, the reflective surface55also includes a multi-layer reflective film for reflecting the EUV light101. This multi-layer reflective film is provided to at least each reflection portion56. The reflection portions56are shaped as parts of a substantially spheroid shape having focal points at the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF. In other words, each reflection portion56is part of an elliptical surface conjugate to the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF.

When the laser beam301having a wavelength of, for example, 10.6 μm and reflected by the droplet DL in the plasma generation region AR is reflected by the reflection portions56C adjacent to each other, the reflected beams interfere with each other. Thus, with the step between the reflection portions56C adjacent to each other, the EUV light condensation mirror50functions as a diffraction grating for the laser beam301having a wavelength of, for example, 10.6 μm and reflected by the droplet DL. However, the EUV light condensation mirror50does not function as a diffraction grating but functions as a mirror for the EUV light101having a wavelength of, for example, 13.5 nm.

The reflection portions56C have a pitch of, for example, 0.5 mm to 2 mm inclusive, preferably 1 mm to 1.4 mm inclusive. The height h of the stepped portion56D is expressed by Expression (2) below.
h=(λ/2)/cos θ  (2)
In this case, λ and θ have meanings same as those of λ and θ in the first example.

As in Expression (2), the height h of the stepped portion56D increases toward the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55in the present example as well. In addition, when the height h of the stepped portion56D satisfies Expression (2), the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions56C adjacent to each other in the present example as well. The height h that satisfies Expression (2) is such a lowest height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions56C adjacent to each other.

In the present example as well, the zeroth-order diffracted light of the laser beam301incident on the reflective surface55from the plasma generation region AR of the EUV light condensation mirror50can condense to the intermediate focus point IF as illustrated inFIG. 2. However, when the height h of the step satisfies Expression (2) described above, the intensity of the zeroth-order diffracted light is weakened due to interference between the laser beams301reflected by the reflection portions56C adjacent to each other. Diffracted light other than the zeroth-order diffracted light of the laser beam301incident on the reflective surface55from the plasma generation region AR of the EUV light condensation mirror50does not condense to the intermediate focus point IF but condenses in a ring shape on the wall surface around the intermediate focus point IF. Thus, light other than the zeroth-order diffracted light among the laser beams301incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50is prevented from being emitted from the chamber device10.

Further, since the reflection portions56C have spheroid shapes as described above in the present example as well, the EUV light101incident from the plasma generation region AR on the EUV light condensation mirror50is reflected and condensed to the intermediate focus point IF by the reflection portions56C as in the first example.

Degradation of the EUV light condensation mirror50is mainly due to degradation of the multi-layer reflective film, and the reflectance of the EUV light101reduces where the multi-layer reflective film has degraded. The degradation of the multi-layer reflective film is mainly due to adhesion of fine particles scattered when the droplet DL is irradiated with the laser beam301. The degradation of the multi-layer reflective film provokes blistering of the multi-layer reflective film, oxidation degradation, tin implant degradation, and the like, and accordingly, the multi-layer reflective film becomes more likely to degrade. The speed of degradation of the multi-layer reflective film depends on the irradiation intensity of the EUV light101with which the multi-layer reflective film is irradiated, and the density of ions attributable to plasma generated on the surface of the multi-layer reflective film when the droplet DL is irradiated with the laser beam301.

The reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50has a substantially spheroid shape as described above. Thus, the center55C side of the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50is closer to the plasma generation region AR as the first focal point than the outer periphery side thereof. Accordingly, fine particles scattered when the droplet DL is irradiated with the laser beam301tend to be more likely to adhere on the center55C side of the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50than the outer periphery side. In addition, the irradiation intensity of the EUV light101with which the multi-layer reflective film is irradiated and the density of ions attributable to plasma on the surface of the multi-layer reflective film tend to be higher on the center55C side of the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50than the outer periphery side.

Thus, in the EUV light condensation mirror50of the comparative example, the multi-layer reflective film tends to be likely to degrade on the center55C side of the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50than the outer periphery side. When the EUV light condensation mirror50partially degrades in this manner, the distribution of irradiation intensity of the EUV light101emitted from the EUV light generation apparatus100may unintentionally changes. Accordingly, the lifetime of the EUV light condensation mirror50of the comparative example tends to be determined by the degradation of the multi-layer reflective film on the center55C side of the reflective surface55.

Each embodiment below exemplarily describes an EUV light condensation mirror in which the irradiation intensity of the EUV light101incident on the center55C side of the reflective surface55and the density of ions attributable to plasma are reduced.

5. Description of EUV Light Condensation Mirror of Embodiment 1

The following describes the configuration of an EUV light condensation mirror of Embodiment 1. Any component same as that described above is denoted by an identical reference sign, and duplicate description thereof is omitted unless specific description is needed.

The reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment includes a binary diffraction grating. A front view of the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment from the reflective surface55side is same as that inFIG. 3.FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV ofFIG. 3in the present embodiment, andFIG. 8is an enlarged view illustrating part of the reflective surface inFIG. 7. In the present embodiment, similarly to the first example in the comparative example, the reflective surface55is provided with the convex portions51A having concentrically circular shapes centered at the center55C, and the concave portions51B each positioned between the convex portions51A adjacent to each other. In the present embodiment as well, the top surface of each convex portion51A is the first reflection portion56A of the reflective surface55, and the bottom surface of each concave portion51B is the second reflection portion56B of the reflective surface55. Thus, the second reflection portion56B is lower than the first reflection portion56A adjacent to the second reflection portion56B in a direction opposite to a reflection direction. In addition, in the present embodiment as well, the reflective surface55includes the first reflection portions56A and the second reflection portions56B, in a front view of the reflective surface55, the first reflection portions56A having concentrically circular shapes and surrounding the center55C, the second reflection portions56B having concentrically circular shapes and surrounding the center55C. Each second reflection portion56B is positioned between the first reflection portions56A adjacent to each other. The shape of each first reflection portion56A and the shape of each second reflection portion56B are same as the shape of the first reflection portion56A and the shape of the second reflection portion56B in the comparative example. In addition, although not particularly illustrated, the reflective surface55includes the multi-layer reflective film for reflecting the EUV light101. The multi-layer reflective film is provided to at least each of the first and second reflection portions56A and56B. The first and second reflection portions56A and56B are each shaped as parts of a substantially spheroid shape having focal points at the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF. In other words, the first and second reflection portions56A and56B are parts of an elliptical surface conjugate to the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF, and this relation holds for a configuration in which the reflective surface55includes a binary diffraction grating in the following embodiments as well. InFIG. 8, the center55C side and the outer periphery side are indicated by arrows.

In the present embodiment, a first stepped portion56D1is provided between each first reflection portion56A and the second reflection portion56B adjacent to the first reflection portion56A on the center55C side of the reflective surface55. Further, a second stepped portion56D2is provided between each first reflection portion56A and the second reflection portion56B adjacent to the first reflection portion56A on the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55. Thus, an edge of the first reflection portion56A on the center55C side is connected with the first stepped portion56D1, and an edge of the first reflection portion56A on the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55is connected with the second stepped portion56D2. In addition, an edge of the second reflection portion56B on the center55C side is connected with the second stepped portion56D2, and an edge of the second reflection portion56B on the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55is connected with the first stepped portion56D1. The height of the first stepped portion56D1is higher than the height of the second stepped portion56D2.

In the present embodiment as well, with the step between each first reflection portion56A and the corresponding second reflection portion56B, the EUV light condensation mirror50functions as a diffraction grating for the laser beam301having a wavelength of, for example, 10.6 μm and reflected by the droplet DL. However, the EUV light condensation mirror50does not function as a diffraction grating but functions as a mirror for the EUV light101having a wavelength of, for example, 13.5 nm.

The pitch of the reflection portions56each including one first reflection portion56A and one second reflection portion56B adjacent to each other is, for example, 0.5 mm to 2 mm inclusive, preferably 1 mm to 1.4 mm inclusive.

A height h1 of the first stepped portion56D1is expressed by Expression (3) below.
0.98×(λ/4+nλ/2)/cos θ≤h1≤1.02×(λ/4+nλ/2)/cos θ  (3)

In the present embodiment, λ has a meaning same as that of λ in the first example of the comparative example, and θ is same as θ in the first example of the comparative example. Specifically, in the present embodiment as well, θ represents the incident angle of light incident on the first and second reflection portions56A and56B on the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50from the plasma generation region AR. Thus, as illustrated inFIG. 7, θ is equal to the angle between a line connecting the plasma generation region AR and a predetermined position and the normal of each of the first and second reflection portions56A and56B at the predetermined position. However, as described later, the shape of the surface obtained by averaging the irregularities of the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment is different from the shape of the surface of the comparative example. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the angle between the line connecting the plasma generation region AR and the predetermined position and the normal of the surface obtained by averaging the irregularities of the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50at the predetermined position is different from the incident angle θ of light incident on the first and second reflection portions56A and56B unlike the first example of the comparative example. In the expression, n is an integer equal to or larger than one and is a coefficient that provides the groove depth.

Specifically, h1 specified by Expression (3) allows an error of ±2% relative to h1 specified by Expression (4). Within such an error, h1 can be regarded as such a height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions56A and56B adjacent to each other through the first stepped portion56D1.

A height h2 of the second stepped portion56D2is expressed by Expression (5) below.
0.98×(λ/4)/cos θ≤h2≤1.02×(λ/4)/cos θ  (5)

Specifically, h2 specified by Expression (5) allows an error of ±2% relative to h2 specified by Expression (6). Within such an error, h2 can be regarded as such a height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions56A and56B adjacent to each other through the second stepped portion56D2. The height h2 specified by Expression (6) is such a lowest height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions56A and56B adjacent to each other.

In the present embodiment, the laser beam301incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50is diffracted like the laser beam301incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50in the first example of the comparative example. The EUV light101incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50is reflected like the EUV light101incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50in the second example of the comparative example.

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating the relation between distance in a radial direction from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof and the height of the reflective surface55in the present embodiment. Thus,FIG. 9substantially illustrates the shape of the reflective surface55of the present embodiment. To produceFIG. 9, “n=20” was set in Expression (4). InFIG. 9, by using the height of the reflective surface55at the center55C in the comparative example as a reference height, the shape of the reflective surface55in the comparative example is illustrated with a dashed line, and the height of the reflective surface55in the present embodiment is illustrated with a solid line.FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating the relation between the distance in the radial direction from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof in the present embodiment and the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR. InFIG. 10as well, “n=20” was set in Expression (4). InFIG. 10, the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR in the comparative example is illustrated with a dashed line, and the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR in the present embodiment is illustrated with a solid line.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, in the reflective surface55of the present embodiment, which satisfies Expressions (4) and (6), the center55C side of the reflective surface55is separated from the plasma generation region AR as compared to the reflective surface55of the comparative example, which satisfies Expression (1). This can be explained by the following reason. In the EUV light condensation mirror50in the first example of the comparative example, the height of the stepped portion56D is same between the center side and the outer periphery side of each first reflection portion56A when the incident angle of the laser beam301incident from the plasma generation region AR is not considered. Thus, the stepped portion56D hardly affects the outline of the reflective surface55having a spheroid shape. However, in the present embodiment, the height of the second stepped portion56D2contacting each first reflection portion56A on the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55is specified by Expression (5) or (6), whereas the height of the first stepped portion56D1contacting the first reflection portion56A on the center55C side of the reflective surface55is specified by Expression (3) or (4). Thus, as the position moves from the outer periphery side to the center55C side on the reflective surface55of the present embodiment, the height increases at the second stepped portion56D2in the reflection direction by the lowest height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions56A and56B adjacent to each other. However, the height decreases at the first stepped portion56D1by a height as the sum of the lowest height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions56A and56B adjacent to each other and a value obtained by dividing a distance equal to a positive integral multiple of the half wavelength of the laser beam301by the cosine of the incident angle of the laser beam301. Accordingly, as the position moves from the outer periphery side to the center55C side on the reflective surface55, the reflective surface55of the present embodiment becomes lower than the reflective surface55of the comparative example by the height as the sum of the lowest height and the value obtained by dividing the distance equal to a positive integral multiple of the half wavelength of the laser beam301by the cosine of the incident angle of the laser beam301, at each period of the first and second reflection portions56A and56B.

Thus, in the reflective surface55of the present embodiment, the center55C of the reflective surface55is separated from the plasma generation region AR as compared to the reflective surface55of the comparative example, which is illustrated with a dashed line inFIG. 7. Accordingly, with the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment, the irradiation intensity of the EUV light101incident on the center55C side of the reflective surface55and the density of ions attributable to plasma are reduced.

The distance between the plasma generation region AR and the reflective surface55closest to the plasma generation region AR as the first focal point is substantially 60% of the distance between the plasma generation region AR and the reflective surface55farthest from the plasma generation region AR. However, the distance between the plasma generation region AR and the reflective surface55closest to the plasma generation region AR is preferably equal to or longer than 72% of the distance between the plasma generation region AR and the reflective surface55farthest from the plasma generation region AR. In this case, when the integer n is constant and the pitch of the grooves55G is 1 mm, the integer n is equal to or larger than 20 based on Expressions (4) and (6). When a different pitch of the grooves55G is employed, the integer n is substantially proportional to the ratio of the pitch relative to 1 mm and increases as the pitch increases. The following embodiments are described with the example in which the pitch of the grooves55G is 1 mm.

In the present embodiment, the height of the second stepped portion56D2is such a lowest height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions56A and56B adjacent to each other. Thus, the center55C side of the reflective surface55can be separated from the plasma generation region AR as compared to a case in which the height of the second stepped portion56D2is higher than the lowest height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions56A and56B adjacent to each other. When the height of the first stepped portion56D1is higher than the height of the second stepped portion56D2, the height of the second stepped portion56D2may not be such a lowest height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions56A and56B adjacent to each other. However, in this case as well, the first and second stepped portions56D1and56D2have such heights that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the first and second reflection portions56A and56B adjacent to each other. When the height of the first stepped portion56D1is higher than the height of the second stepped portion56D2in a partial region, the height of the first stepped portion56D1may be equivalent to the height of the second stepped portion56D2in another partial region.

In the present embodiment, the first and second reflection portions56A and56B are concentrically provided with respect to the center55C. Thus, it is possible to easily fabricate, by machining, a substrate on which the multi-layer reflective film is disposed and that becomes the first reflection portion56A or the second reflection portion56B. The first and second reflection portions56A and56B do not necessarily need to be concentrically provided with respect to the center55C. For example, the first reflection portions56A may be connected with each other in a helical shape. In this case, each second reflection portion56B has a helical shape as well.

In the present embodiment, the first and second reflection portions56A and56B are parts of an elliptical surface conjugate to the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF. Thus, the EUV light101incident on the reflective surface55from the plasma generation region AR and reflected by the first and second reflection portions56A and56B can be condensed to a small spot diameter at the intermediate focus point IF.

In a region extending from the center55C to a position where the radius is equal to a predetermined size, the integer n may increase as the radius increases. In this case, when the region is referred to as a first region, the height of each first stepped portion56D1in the first region is lower than the height of each first stepped portion56D1in a predetermined second region positioned on the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55relative to the first region of the reflective surface55.

6. Description of EUV Light Condensation Mirror of Embodiment 2

The following describes the configuration of an EUV light condensation mirror of Embodiment 2. Any component same as that described above is denoted by an identical reference sign, and duplicate description thereof is omitted unless specific description is needed.

The reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment includes a blazed diffraction grating. A front view of the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment from the reflective surface55side is same as that inFIG. 3. In addition, a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV ofFIG. 3in the present embodiment is same as that inFIG. 7.FIG. 11is an enlarged view illustrating part of the reflective surface inFIG. 7in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, similarly to the second example in the comparative example, the reflective surface55includes the reflection portions56C having concentrically circular shapes centered at the center55C, and the stepped portion56D between the reflection portions56C adjacent to each other. Thus, among the reflection portions56C adjacent to each other, the reflection portion56C on the center55C side is lower in the direction opposite to the reflection direction. In the present embodiment as well, the reflective surface55includes the reflection portions56C and the stepped portions56D, in a front view of the reflective surface55, the reflection portions56C having concentrically circular shapes and surrounding the center55C, the stepped portions56D each being positioned between the reflection portions56C. The shape of each reflection portion56C is same as the shape of each reflection portion56C in the comparative example. Although not particularly illustrated, the reflective surface55includes the multi-layer reflective film for reflecting the EUV light101. The multi-layer reflective film is provided to at least each reflection portion56C. The reflection portions56C are shaped as parts of a substantially spheroid shape having focal points at the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF. In other words, each reflection portion56C is part of an elliptical surface conjugate to the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF, and this relation holds for a configuration in which the reflective surface55includes a blazed diffraction grating in the following embodiments as well.

The EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment is different from the EUV light condensation mirror50in the second example of the comparative example in that the height h of the stepped portion56D satisfies Expression (7) below.
0.98×(λ/2+nλ/2)/cos θ≤h≤1.02×(λ/2+nλ/2)/cos θ  (7)

In the present embodiment, λ and θ have meanings same as those of λ and θ in Embodiment 1, and n is an integer equal to or larger than one.

The height h more preferably satisfies Expression (8) below.
h=(λ/2+nλ/2)/cos θ  (8)

Specifically, h specified by Expression (7) allows an error of ±2% relative to h specified by Expression (8). Within such an error, h can be regarded as such a height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions56adjacent to each other through the stepped portion56D. The height h is higher than such a lowest height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions56C adjacent to each other.

In the present embodiment, the laser beam301incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50is diffracted like the laser beam301incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50in the second example of the comparative example. The EUV light101incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50is reflected like the EUV light101incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50in the second example of the comparative example.

In the reflective surface55of the present embodiment, which satisfies Expressions (7) and (8), the center55C side of the reflective surface55is separated from the plasma generation region AR as compared to the reflective surface55of the comparative example, which satisfies Expression (2). This can be explained by the following reason. In the EUV light condensation mirror50in the second example of the comparative example, the height of the stepped portion56D is constant when the incident angle of the laser beam301incident from the plasma generation region AR is not considered. Thus, the stepped portion56D hardly affects the outline of the reflective surface55having a spheroid shape. However, in the present embodiment, the height h of the stepped portion56D, which is specified by Expression (7) or (8) is larger than that of the stepped portion56D of the second example of the comparative example, which is specified by Expression (2). Specifically, as the position moves from the outer periphery side to the center55C side on the reflective surface55of the present embodiment, the height decreases at the stepped portion56D by the height as the sum of the lowest height that the laser beam301obtains phases opposite to each other through reflection at the reflection portions56C adjacent to each other and the value obtained by dividing the distance equal to a positive integral multiple of the half wavelength of the laser beam301by the cosine of the incident angle of the laser beam301. Accordingly, as the position moves from the outer periphery side to the center55C side on the reflective surface55, the reflective surface55of the present embodiment becomes lower than the reflective surface55of the comparative example by the height as the sum of the lowest height and the value obtained by dividing the distance equal to a positive integral multiple of the half wavelength of the laser beam301by the cosine of the incident angle of the laser beam301, at each period of the reflection portions56C.

Thus, in the reflective surface55of the present embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1, the center55C side of the reflective surface55is separated from the plasma generation region AR as compared to the reflective surface55of the comparative example, which is illustrated with a dashed line inFIG. 7. Accordingly, with the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment, the irradiation intensity of the EUV light101incident on the center55C side of the reflective surface55and the density of ions attributable to plasma may be reduced.

The distance between the plasma generation region AR and the reflective surface55closest to the plasma generation region AR as the first focal point is preferably equal to or longer than 72% of the distance between the plasma generation region AR and the reflective surface55farthest from the plasma generation region AR. In this case, when the integer n is constant and the pitch of the grooves55G is 1 mm, the integer n is equal to or larger than 20 based on Expressions (4) and (6).

In the present embodiment, the reflection portions56C are concentrically provided with respect to the center55C. Thus, it is possible to easily fabricate, by machining, a substrate on which the multi-layer reflective film is disposed and that becomes the reflection portion56C. The reflection portions56C do not necessarily need to be concentrically provided with respect to the center55C. For example, the reflection portions56C may be connected with each other in a helical shape.

In the present embodiment, the reflection portions56C are parts of an elliptical surface conjugate to the plasma generation region AR and the intermediate focus point IF. Thus, the EUV light101incident on the reflective surface55from the plasma generation region AR and reflected by the reflection portions56C can be condensed to a small spot diameter at the intermediate focus point IF.

In a region extending to a position where the distance in the radial direction from the center55C to the outer periphery, in other words, the radius is equal to a predetermined size, the integer n may increase as the radius increases. In this case, when the region is referred to as a first region, the height of each stepped portion56D in the first region is lower than the height of each stepped portion56D in a predetermined second region positioned on the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55relative to the first region of the reflective surface55.

7. Description of EUV Light Condensation Mirror of Embodiment 3

The following describes the configuration of an EUV light condensation mirror of Embodiment 3. Any component same as that described above is denoted by an identical reference sign, and duplicate description thereof is omitted unless specific description is needed.

The reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment includes a binary diffraction grating. A front view of the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment from the reflective surface55side is same as that inFIG. 3.FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV ofFIG. 3in the present embodiment. Similarly to Embodiment 1, the reflective surface55of the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment includes the first and second reflection portions56A and56B, the first stepped portions56D1, and the second stepped portions56D2. The EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment is different from the EUV light condensation mirror50of Embodiment 1 in that at least two of the first reflection portions56A intersect an identical spherical surface centered at the plasma generation region AR. In other words, in the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment, at least two of the first reflection portions56A are positioned substantially on the identical spherical surface centered at the plasma generation region AR.

FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating the relation between the distance in the radial direction from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof in the present embodiment and the height of the reflective surface55. Thus,FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating the relation with the reflective surface of the present embodiment. InFIG. 14, the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR in the comparative example is illustrated with a dashed line, and the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR in the present embodiment is illustrated with a solid line. As understood fromFIG. 14, in the present embodiment, the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR is constant in a region extending from the center55C to the position substantially at 140 mm on the reflective surface55having a radius of 200 mm. Thus, in the present embodiment, the reflective surface55is positioned substantially on an identical spherical surface centered at the plasma generation region AR in the region extending from the center55C to the position substantially at 140 mm on the reflective surface55having a radius of 200 mm. Thus, each first reflection portion56A in the region intersects an identical spherical surface centered at the plasma generation region AR. In addition, each second reflection portion56B in the region intersects an identical spherical surface centered at the plasma generation region AR. However, the spherical surface that the first reflection portion56A intersects and the spherical surface that the second reflection portion56B intersects have diameters different from each other. On the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55relative to the region, the distance from the plasma generation region AR to the reflective surface55increases as the position moves closer to the outer periphery side.

In the present embodiment as well, each first stepped portion56D1preferably satisfies Expressions (3) and (4). However, the positive integer n changes in at least part of the region.FIG. 15is a diagram illustrating the relation between the distance in the radial direction from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof and the positive integer n. As illustrated inFIG. 15, in the region in which the radius is substantially up to 140 mm, when the first reflection portions56A are positioned at an equal distance from the plasma generation region AR, the integer n increases as the position moves from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof and the change rate thereof increases as the position moves closer to the outer periphery side. The integer n is 80 where the radius is substantially equal to 140 mm.

Specifically, the integer n in the region is specified by Expression (9) below when the radius is represented by r mm.
N=3.3×10−5r3−3.2×10−3r2+0.38−1.41  (9)

In the example illustrated inFIG. 15, the integer n is constant on the outer periphery side of the region.

FIG. 16is a diagram illustrating the relation between the distance in the radial direction from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof and the positive integer n when the first reflection portions56A are positioned on an identical spherical surface centered at the plasma generation region AR in the entire region of the reflective surface55. In this case, since the integer n increases as the position moves from the center55C to the outer periphery, and the change rate of the integer n increases as the position moves closer to the outer periphery side, the integer n is substantially 250 at the outermost periphery. However, in this case, some first stepped portions56D1are potentially too high. As illustrated with a solid line inFIG. 16, the integer n is preferably equal to or smaller than 80. Thus, the first reflection portions56A are preferably positioned substantially on an identical spherical surface centered at the plasma generation region AR as described above in the region extending from the center55C to the position where the radius is equal to 140 mm, and the integer n is preferably constant at 80 in Expression (3) or (4) in a region on the outer periphery side of the above-described region. In this case, when a predetermined region in the region extending from the center55C to the position where the radius is equal to 140 mm is referred to as a first region, the height of each first stepped portion56D1in the first region is lower than the height of each first stepped portion56D1in a predetermined second region positioned on the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55relative to the first region of the reflective surface55.

In the present embodiment, at least two of the first reflection portions56A intersect an identical spherical surface centered at the plasma generation region AR as the first focal point. Thus, when the intensity of EUV light radiated from the plasma generation region AR is same in any direction, the degree of degradation is substantially same between the at least two first reflection portions56A intersecting the spherical surface.

In the present embodiment, the reflective surface55includes a binary diffraction grating but may include a blazed diffraction grating. Specifically, in the reflective surface55including the reflection portions56C and the stepped portions56D similarly to Embodiment 2, at least two of the reflection portions56C may intersect an identical spherical surface centered at the plasma generation region AR. In this case, the positive integer n in Expressions (5) and (6) increases as the position moves from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof, and the change rate thereof increases as the position moves closer to the outer periphery side. It is not preferable as described above that the integer n is too large, and the integer n is preferably equal to or smaller than 80 in the example of a blazed diffraction grating as well. Thus, in this example, the first reflection portions56A are preferably positioned on an identical spherical surface centered at the plasma generation region AR in the region extending from the center55C to the position where the radius is equal to 140 mm, and the integer n is preferably constant at 80 or smaller in Expression (5) or (6) in a region on the outer periphery side of the above-described region. In this case as well, when a predetermined region in the region extending from the center to a position where the radius is equal to 140 mm is referred to as a first region, the height of each stepped portion56D in the first region is lower than the height of each stepped portion56D in a predetermined second region positioned on the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55relative to the first region of the reflective surface55.

8. Description of EUV Light Condensation Mirror of Embodiment 4

The following describes the configuration of an EUV light condensation mirror of Embodiment 5. Any component same as that described above is denoted by an identical reference sign, and duplicate description thereof is omitted unless specific description is needed.

FIG. 17is a diagram illustrating an exemplary relation between the distance in the radial direction from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof and the intensity ratio of the EUV light101traveling toward the reflective surface in the EUV light condensation mirror50of the present embodiment. In other words,FIG. 17illustrates distribution of the intensity ratio of the EUV light incident on the reflective surface55. In the example illustrated inFIG. 17, the intensity of the EUV light101incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50tends to increase as the position moves closer to the center55C side of the reflective surface55. InFIG. 17, the intensity of the EUV light incident on the center55C of the reflective surface55is set to be one. In a case of the EUV light generation apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 2, the intensity distribution of the EUV light101incident on the EUV light condensation mirror50tends to be substantially same as the intensity distribution illustrated inFIG. 17.

FIG. 18is a diagram illustrating the relation between the distance in the radial direction from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof in the present embodiment and the height of the reflective surface55. Thus,FIG. 18substantially illustrates the shape of the reflective surface55of the present embodiment. InFIG. 18, by using the height of the reflective surface55at the center55C in the comparative example as a reference height, the shape of the reflective surface55in the comparative example is illustrated with a dashed line, and the reflective surface55in the present embodiment is illustrated with a solid line. In the present embodiment, the reflective surface55includes a binary diffraction grating as in Embodiment 1.FIG. 19is a diagram illustrating the relation between the distance in the radial direction from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof in the present embodiment and the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR. InFIG. 19, the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR in the comparative example is illustrated with a dashed line, and the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR in the present embodiment is illustrated with a solid line. As understood fromFIG. 19, in the present embodiment, the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR is longer at a site where the intensity of the EUV light101is higher in the region extending from the center55C to the position substantially at 140 mm on the reflective surface55having a radius of 200 mm. On the outer periphery side of the region, the distance from the plasma generation region AR to the reflective surface55increases as the position moves closer to the outer periphery side.

FIG. 20is a diagram illustrating the relation between the distance in the radial direction from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof in the present embodiment and a ratio of the EUV light intensity to the plasma-generation-region-to-reflective-surface distance. The ratio of the EUV light intensity to the plasma-generation-region-to-reflective-surface distance indicates a ratio of the intensity of the EUV light101, which is illustrated inFIG. 17, and the normalized distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR, which is illustrated inFIG. 19. The normalization of the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR, which is illustrated inFIG. 19is performed with reference to the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR at the center55C. Thus, inFIG. 20, the value at the center55C of the reflective surface55is one. InFIG. 20, the intensity distribution of EUV light incident on the reflective surface55, which is illustrated inFIG. 17is illustrated with a dashed line. As illustrated inFIG. 20, in the present embodiment, in a region extending from the center55C to the position substantially at 100 mm, the distribution of the ratio substantially matches the intensity distribution of EUV light incident on the reflective surface55. On the outer periphery side of the region, the ratio is further larger than the intensity distribution of EUV light incident on the reflective surface55as the position moves closer to the outer periphery side.

As described above, since the reflective surface55of the present embodiment includes a binary diffraction grating, each first stepped portion56D1preferably satisfies Expressions (3) and (4) in the present embodiment as well. However, the positive integer n changes in at least part of the region extending from the center55C to the position substantially at 100 mm.FIG. 21is a diagram illustrating the relation between the distance in the radial direction from the center55C of the reflective surface55to the outer periphery thereof in the present embodiment and the positive integer n. The integer n linearly increases in a region extending from the center55C to the position of 25 mm to 100 mm. The integer n is constant on the outer periphery side of this region. Thus, when a predetermined region in the region extending from the center55C to the position of 25 mm to 100 mm is referred to as a first region, the height of each first stepped portion56D1in the first region is lower than the height of each first stepped portion56D1in a predetermined second region positioned on the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55relative to the first region of the reflective surface55.

In the present embodiment, at least in a partial region of the reflective surface55, the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR is longer in a region in which the intensity of EUV light incident on the reflective surface55is higher. Thus, at least in the partial region, variation in degradation of the reflective surface55can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the reflective surface55includes a binary diffraction grating. However, in the reflective surface55including a blazed diffraction grating, the distance between the reflective surface55and the plasma generation region AR is preferably longer in a region in which the intensity of EUV light incident on the reflective surface55is higher at least in a partial region of the reflective surface55. Thus, the integer n in Expressions (7) and (8) preferably increases in the region extending from the center55C to the position of 25 mm to 100 mm. Thus, in the case of a blazed diffraction grating as well, when a predetermined region in the region extending from the center55C to the position of 25 mm to 100 mm is referred to as a first region, the height of each stepped portion56D in the first region is preferably lower than the height of each stepped portion56D in a predetermined second region positioned on the outer periphery side of the reflective surface55relative to the first region of the reflective surface55. In addition, in the reflective surface55including a blazed diffraction grating, as well, “n=0” may be set in Expressions (7) and (8) in the region extending from the center to the position of 25 mm.

The description above is intended to be illustrative and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure would be possible without departing from the spirit and the scope of the appended claims. Further, it would be also obvious for those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure would be appropriately combined.

The terms used throughout the present specification and the appended claims should be interpreted as non-limiting terms unless clearly described. For example, terms such as “comprise”, “include”, “have”, and “contain” should not be interpreted to be exclusive of other structural elements. Further, indefinite articles “a/an” described in the present specification and the appended claims should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”. Further, “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted to mean any of A, B, C, A+B, A+C, B+C, and A+B+C as well as to include combinations of the any thereof and any other than A, B, and C.