Patent Publication Number: US-2023154719-A1

Title: Charged particle source module

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The disclosed embodiments relate to a charged particle source module for generating and emitting a charged particle beam. The disclosed embodiments further relate to an exposure system with said charged particle source module, a charged particle source arrangement, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device and a method for inspecting a target. 
     Charged particles sources are arranged for generating and emitting a beam of charged particles, which beam of charged particles may be directed towards a surface or a target. A known charged particle source comprises a source cathode and multiple electrodes located downstream of said source cathode. 
     A charged particle source is known from WO 2015/101538 A1 of the Applicant, where the source is applied in a lithographic exposure system. The charged particle source comprises a cathode arrangement comprising; a thermionic cathode comprising an emission portion provided with an emission surface for emitting electrons, and a reservoir for holding a material, wherein the material, when heated, releases work function lowering particles that diffuse towards the emission portion and emanate at the emission surface at a first evaporation rate; a focusing electrode comprising a focusing surface for focusing the electrons emitted from the emission surface of the cathode; and a heat source configured for heating the material held in the reservoir. 
     Another charged particle source is known from Proc. of SPIE, Vol. 8680, 868000-1 to -12, see  FIGS.  6 ,  7  and  8   . 
     The known charged particle sources are, apart from use in charged particle exposure systems, such as charged particle lithography systems, also applied in charged particle inspection systems or microscopes. At least in these applications, the individual components of the charged particle source must be accurately aligned with respect to each other. In addition, connecting the individual components of the charged particle source to corresponding power supply arrangements is cumbersome and must be performed with care not to disturb the alignment of the individual components of the charged particle source with respect to each other. 
     It is an object of the disclosed embodiments to ameliorate or to eliminate one or more disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative charged particle source. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a first aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide a charged particle source module for generating and emitting a charged particle beam, comprising: 
     a frame including a first rigid frame part, a second rigid frame part, and one or more rigid support members which are arranged between and rigidly connected to said first frame part and said second frame part; 
     a charged particle source arrangement for generating a charged particle beam, wherein said charged particle source arrangement is arranged at said second frame part; and 
     a power connecting assembly arranged at said first frame part, 
     wherein said charged particle source arrangement is electrically connected to said power connecting assembly via electrical wiring. 
     According to the first aspect of the disclosed embodiments, said charged particle source arrangement is arranged at said second frame part and is electrically connected to said power connecting assembly via electrical wiring, which power connecting assembly is arranged at said first frame part. 
     Since said power connecting assembly is arranged at said first frame part, a force applied to said power connecting assembly, for example during connection of an external power supply to said power connecting assembly, can be led into the first frame part. The force led into the first frame part can be transferred from said first frame part to said second frame part via the rigid support members, therewith preventing that said force acts on said charged particle source arrangement or the individual components thereof. Thereby, a strain relieving arrangement is provided. As a result of the strain relieving arrangement, the alignment and the relative positions of the individual components of said charged particle source arrangement with respect to each other is maintained. 
     The charged particle source arrangement may be arranged for generating an electron beam. The charged particle source arrangement may comprise an emitter arrangement for emitting electrons, from which an electron beam is formed. 
     Additionally, the use of said charged particle source module according to the disclosed embodiments may provide for a robust arrangement which reduces or in an ideal case eliminates one or more external forces exerted on said charged particle source arrangement for example during transport of said source module, during mounting of said source module into an exposure system, and during connection of an external power supply to said charged particle source module. 
     Furthermore, the power connecting assembly provides an appropriate substantially single connection terminal at which the charged particle source module can be connected to the required power supply and control leads for controlling the functioning of said charged particle source arrangement. 
     According to a second aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide a charged particle source module for generating and emitting a charged particle beam, comprising: a frame including a first frame part, a second frame part, and one or more rigid support members which are arranged between said first frame part and said second frame part; 
     a charged particle source arrangement for generating a charged particle beam, wherein said charged particle source arrangement is arranged at said second frame part; and 
     a power connecting assembly arranged at said first frame part, 
     wherein said charged particle source arrangement is electrically connected to said power connecting assembly via electrical wiring, 
     wherein said electrical wiring comprises one or more wires with a service loop. 
     In the context of the present patent application, a service loop has to be understood as an extra length of electrical wire, preferably provided in a bend or loop, which is included as a strain relieving measure. Such bend may be included for example as a portion of the electrical wire extending with a bend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the one or more electrical wires. During use, electrical power runs through said one or more electrical wires thereby increasing the temperature of said one or more electrical wires. The increasing temperature of said one or more electrical wires results in thermal expansion of said one or more electrical wires. Thermal expansion of said one or more electrical wires can be absorbed by the service loop of the respective electrical wire. Therewith, it is prevented that a force is applied to said charged particle source arrangement due to thermal expansion of said one or more electrical wires. 
     Additionally, in case that a (small) part of a force applied to said power connecting assembly is transferred towards said charged particle source arrangement via said power connecting assembly, said force is absorbed by said service loops of said electrical wires. It is therewith prevented that a force is applied to said charged particle source arrangement. 
     In an embodiment said frame comprises mounting members which are connected to said second frame part by flexure connections, preferably wherein said second frame part comprises a mounting plate and each of said flexure connections comprises a connecting lip provided at the outer circumference of said mounting plate, wherein each connecting lip defines a slit between said mounting plate and said connecting lip. Said mounting members are intended to mount said charged particle source module to an exposure system or to a charged particle optical arrangement of an exposure system. In operation, said charged particle source arrangement generates and emits a charged particle beam which is directed towards said second frame part. It might occur that a part of the charged particle beam or a number of some charged particles impinge(s) on said second frame part directly or indirectly, which results in an increased temperature of said second frame part. Due to the increased temperature, said second frame part may deform in a substantially radial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis of said charged particle source module. Said flexure connections with said connecting lips as well as said slits enable the second frame part to deform in a substantially radial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis of said charged particle source module, while said mounting members remain in position and said charged particle source module is kept aligned to the exposure system or with the charged particle optical arrangement, preferably in a direction traverse to the longitudinal axis of said charged particle source module. 
     Additionally, said mounting members which are connected to said second frame part by flexure connections provide the possibility to mount said charged particle source module to a not perfectly flat surface. Due to the mounting members within the flexure connections a proper abutment of said charged particle source module to for example a charged particle optical arrangement is established. 
     In an embodiment said first frame part, said second frame part and/or said one or more rigid support members are made of non-ferrous material. Non-ferrous material includes non-magnetic properties, which has to be understood as being not magnetic and being not magnetizable. An advantage of this embodiment is that the charged particles within the charged particle beam generated by the charged particle source arrangement are not influenced by the frame or the components thereof. 
     In an embodiment said power connecting assembly is rigidly connected to said first frame part, and said charged particle source arrangement is rigidly connected to said second frame part. When said power connecting assembly is rigidly connected to said first frame part, it is prevented that said first frame part and said power connecting assembly move with respect to each other, such as rotating around and/or tilting with respect to the longitudinal axis of said frame, when a force applied to the power connecting assembly is led into said first frame part. Such movement may be detrimental to for example said charged particle source arrangement or said electrical wiring between said charged particle source arrangement and said power connecting assembly. Said charged particle source arrangement is rigidly connected to said second frame part for substantially the same reason. 
     In an embodiment said power connecting assembly comprises an electrically non-conductive connecting plate which is arranged at said first frame part of said frame, wherein said power connecting assembly comprises one or more connectors. By using a non-conductive connecting plate in combination with connectors, said power connecting assembly enables an external power supply to be connected to said power connecting assembly for providing electrical energy to said charged particle source arrangement, while it is prevented that said electrical energy is applied to said frame. 
     In an embodiment said one or more connectors extend through said electrically non-conductive connecting plate in a direction substantially parallel to said support members of said frame. As a result of the connectors extending substantially parallel or parallel to said rigid support members, a force applied to said connectors during for example connection of an external power supply to said connectors can be led easily towards and into said support members since the applied force continues in substantially the same direction as in which it is applied. The risk to any force being applied to said charged particle source arrangement is therefore reduced or in the ideal case eliminated. 
     In an embodiment said first frame part comprises two substantially parallel plates, wherein the power connecting assembly is secured, preferably clamped between said two plates. A movement of said power connecting assembly in a direction parallel to said support members would exert a detrimental force to said charged particle source arrangement or said electrical wiring between said charged particle source arrangement and said power connecting assembly. Such detrimental force distorts the charged particle source arrangement and/or the electrical wiring thereof negatively. By clamping the power connecting assembly between two plates, it is prevented that the power connecting assembly moves along the direction substantially parallel to said support members or rotates about a rotation axis extending through said power connecting assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to said support members, when a force is exerted onto said power connecting assembly. 
     In an embodiment said charged particle source arrangement comprises an emitter arrangement configured for emitting charged particles, and an electrode for forming a charged particle beam from said charged particles emitted by said emitter arrangement, preferably wherein said charged particle source arrangement comprises two or more electrodes for forming a charged particle beam from said charged particles emitted by said emitter arrangement, wherein a most downstream electrode of said two or more electrodes is preferably arranged at said second frame part of said frame, wherein said most downstream electrode and said second frame part are preferably formed as a single part. By using said most downstream electrode both to shape the charged particle beam generated and emitted by said emitter arrangement and to secure said charged particle source arrangement to said second frame part of said frame, the number of parts of said charged particle source module may be kept to a minimum. 
     In an embodiment said emitter arrangement and said electrode are connected to one or more electrically non-conductive supports oriented substantially parallel to an optical axis defined by said emitter arrangement and said electrode, wherein each of said one or more supports is connected with an outer circumference of said emitter arrangement and with an outer circumference of said electrode, and wherein said one or more supports maintain the orientation and/or the position of said emitter arrangement and said electrode with respect to each other, preferably wherein at least one of said emitter arrangement and said electrode is connected with said one or more supports by means of a flexure connection. Said supports are provided for maintaining the orientation and/or the position of said electrode and said emitter arrangement with respect to each other. During operation, said emitter arrangement generates and emits a charged particle beam which is shaped by means of said electrode. A part of said charged particle beam or a number of individual charged particles from said emitter arrangement may impinge on said electrode, which leads to an increased temperature of said electrode. An increased temperature of said electrode may lead to deformation, in particular expansion of said electrode. Since said electrode is connected to said supports, such deformation leads to bending and/or warping of said electrode when not provided with a flexure connection, therewith distorting an electrical field formed between said electrode and said emitter arrangement. Said flexure connection enables said electrode to deform substantially in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis of said charged particle source arrangement while said supports maintain the position thereof and warping and/or bending of said electrode is prevented. Moreover, said electrode maintains the (intended) charged particle optical function thereof. 
     In an embodiment a plurality of said electrodes is provided. By the flexure connection provided at each electrode the mutual orientation and/or position can be maintained. Thereby, the charged particle optical function, for example a lens function, is maintained. 
     In an embodiment at least one of said emitter arrangement and said electrode is rigidly connected to said one or more supports, preferably wherein said most downstream electrode is rigidly connected to said one or more supports. Said most downstream electrode is arranged at said second frame part and, during operation, may be connected to an exposure system or a charged particle optical arrangement thereof. The thermal energy introduced by the charged particles impinging on and absorbed by said most downstream electrode is led towards said second frame part and/or said exposure system or said charged particle optical arrangement thereof. Optionally, said charged particle optical arrangement is actively cooled. An increase of the temperature of said most downstream electrode due to charged particles impinging onto said most downstream electrode is therefore counteracted. 
     In an embodiment said emitter arrangement and said electrode comprise a plate-shaped electrode body, wherein said flexure connection comprises a connecting lip provided at the outer circumference of said plate-shaped electrode body, wherein said connecting lip defines a slit between said connecting lip and said plate-shaped electrode body. As explained before, due to charged particles impinging onto said electrode, the temperature of said electrode increases, which can lead to thermal expansion of said electrode radially outwards with respect to the longitudinal center axis of said frame. Such thermal expansion of said electrode is enabled by said flexure connection with said connecting lip and said slit defined by said connecting lip. The inner end of the slit may be provided with a circular inner shape or as a hole having circular shape, the radius of which being larger than the distance between the lip and the electrode formed by the slit. In some embodiments, the slit further comprises a bend. Also this bend may comprise a circular inner shape. The circular inner shapes may contribute to the thermal expansion taking place in radial direction. 
     In an embodiment, when said power connecting assembly comprises an electrically non-conductive connecting plate which is arranged at said first frame part of said frame, wherein said power connecting assembly comprises one or more connectors, said electrical wiring is peripherally connected to said electrode and is connected to said one or more connectors, and wherein the electrical wiring extends in a direction substantially parallel to said support members of said frame. Thus, the electrical wiring is extending directly, in particular straight, from the periphery of the electrode to a respective connector. As the position of the connectors at the non-conductive connecting plate, is substantially determined by the periphery of the underlying electrode, the connectors can be placed remote from each other. An advantage of this embodiment is that the connectors can be provided at a safe distance from each other, such that mutual electrical contact between said connectors is prevented. 
     In an embodiment the electrical wiring is flexible electrical wiring. In the context of the present patent application, the term ‘flexible’ has to be understood as being capable of bending or being bent, but still having a determined degree of rigidity. In the case that said force is applied to the power connecting assembly and a part of said force is transferred into said flexible electrical wiring, said transferred force can be absorbed by the electrical wiring, at least partly, due to the flexibility thereof. Due to the flexible electrical wiring absorbing at least a part of said force, it is prevented that said transferred force acts on the individual components of said charged particle source arrangement. As a result thereof, the alignment and the relative positions of the individual components of said charged particle source arrangement with respect to each other is maintained. 
     In an embodiment, when said first frame part is a first rigid frame part, said second frame part is a second rigid frame part, and said one or more rigid support members are rigidly connected to said first frame part and said second frame part, said flexible electrical wiring comprises one or more wires with a service loop. 
     According to a third aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide an exposure system for emitting a charged particle beam towards a surface or a target, comprising: 
     a charged particle source module for generating and emitting a charged particle beam according to the first aspect of the disclosed embodiments or according to the second aspect of the disclosed embodiments; and 
     a charged particle optical arrangement configured to receive the charged particle beam generated and emitted by the charged particle source module, and to direct said charged particle beam towards said surface or said target, 
     wherein said second frame part of said frame is arranged at said charged particle optical arrangement. 
     Since said power connecting assembly is arranged at said first frame part and said second frame part is arranged at said charged particle optical arrangement, a force applied to said power connecting assembly, for example during connecting an external power supply to said power connecting assembly, can be led into the first frame part. The force led into the first frame part can be transferred from said first frame part to said charged particle optical arrangement via the rigid support members and said second frame part and can be absorbed by said charged particle optical arrangement. It is therewith prevented that said force acts on said charged particle source arrangement and a strain relieving arrangement is hereby provided. Said frame with said power connecting assembly provides a force path between said power connecting assembly and said second frame part, in particular between the power connecting assembly and said charged particle optical arrangement of said exposure tool. 
     In an embodiment said charged particle optical arrangement comprises a collimator, wherein said charged particle source module is arranged at said collimator. 
     During operation of the exposure tool, charged particles originating from said charged particle source arrangement may deviate from a generated charged particle beam and impinge onto a part of said charged particle source arrangement or said frame. The kinetic energy of such deviated charged particles is absorbed by said part of said charged particle source arrangement or said frame, which eventually leads to an increased temperature thereof. By arranging said second frame part on which said charged particle source arrangement is arranged at said charged particle optical arrangement, thermal energy absorbed by the second frame part or the part of said charged particle source arrangement arranged at said second frame part can be conducted towards and into said charged particle optical arrangement. It is therewith prevented that the temperature of said second frame part or said part of said charged particle source arrangement increases or increases significantly. Optionally, the charged particle optical arrangement or a part thereof on which said charged particle source module is arranged may be actively cooled. 
     In an embodiment the exposure system is selected from a group comprising a lithography system, an inspection system or a microscopy system. 
     According to a fourth aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide a charged particle source arrangement for generating a charged particle beam, comprising: 
     an emitter arrangement configured for emitting charged particles; 
     an electrode for forming a charged particle beam from said charged particles emitted by said emitter arrangement; and 
     one or more electrically non-conductive supports oriented substantially parallel to an optical axis defined by said emitter arrangement and said electrode, wherein each of said one or more supports is connected with an outer circumference of said emitter arrangement and with an outer circumference of said electrode, and wherein said one or more supports maintain the orientation and/or the position of said emitter arrangement and said electrode with respect to each other, 
     wherein said electrode is connected with said one or more supports by means of a flexure connection, 
     wherein said electrode and/or or said emitter arrangement comprises one or more electrical wire connections for connection of electrical wiring, 
     wherein at least one of said one or more electrical wire connections is arranged on said flexure connection. 
     Said supports are arranged to maintain said emitter arrangement and said electrode between said supports, in order to maintain the orientation and/or the position of said electrode and said emitter arrangement with respect to each other. During operation, said emitter arrangement generates and emits charged particles, such as electrons, which are formed into a charged particle beam by said electrode. A part of said charged particle beam or charged particles from said emitter arrangement may impinge onto said electrode, which leads to an increased temperature of said electrode. An increased temperature of said electrode may lead to deformation, in particular expansion of said electrode. Since said electrode is positioned between said supports, in the absence of said flexure connections, such deformation would lead to bending and/or warping of said electrode, therewith changing the orientation and/or position of said electrode with respect to said emitter arrangement. A changed orientation and/or position distorts an electrical field formed between said emitter arrangement and said electrode. Said flexure connections enable said electrode to deform substantially in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis of said charged particle source arrangement, while preventing warping and/or bending of said electrode in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of said charged particle source arrangement. 
     Moreover, in practice, electric wires used for connecting the charged particle source arrangement to an external power supply, extend in a direction transverse to the main plane of for example said electrode. If said electric wires expand due to a temperature increase, the expanding force (s) act(s) on the electrodes which can lead to disturbance of the alignment of the electrode with respect to said emitter arrangement. By connecting said electric wires to said flexure connection, the flexure connection can absorb the expanding forces and lead these forces into said supports. 
     It is noted that said charged particle source arrangement may be arranged for generating an electron beam, wherein said emitter arrangement is adapted for emitting electrons from which an electron beam is formed. 
     In an embodiment, said one or more electrical wire connections are located at a portion of said flexure connections where a position and/or orientation of said flexure connection with respect to said supports is substantially fixed. In a further embodiment said at least one of said one or more electrical wire connections is arranged on a distal end of said connecting lip, which is the free end of the connecting lip, of said at least one flexure connection. Arranging said electrical wire connections close to/at said supports contributes to maintaining the alignment of said electrode. Furthermore, by arranging said electrical wire connections at said distal end, the risk of any expanding force, which is caused by expansion of said electric wires, acting on said electrode is further reduced or in the ideal case prevented. 
     In an embodiment said electrode comprises a plate-shaped electrode body with a beam aperture, which beam aperture is centered with respect to said optical axis. In a further embodiment, said flexure connection comprises a connecting lip provided at the outer circumference of said plate-shaped electrode body, wherein said connecting lip defines a slit between said connecting lip and said plate-shaped electrode body. If said electrode is not provided with one or more flexure connections, due to charged particles impinging onto said electrode, a temperature increase of said electrode can lead to thermal expansion of said electrode radially outwards with respect to the longitudinal center axis of said charged particle source arrangement. Such thermal expansion of said electrode is enabled by said one or more flexure connections with said connecting lips and said slits defined by said connecting lips, while the supports remain in position and said electrode is prevented from warping and/or bending. Thereby the (intended) orientation and/or position of said electrode and the charged particle optical function thereof are maintained. The inner end of the slit may be provided with a circular inner shape or as a hole having circular shape, the radius of which being larger than the distance between the lip and the electrode formed by the slit. In some embodiments, the slit further comprises a bend. Also this bend may comprise a circular inner shape. The circular inner shapes may contribute to the thermal expansion taking place in radial direction. 
     In an embodiment a plurality of said electrodes is provided. By the flexure connection provided at each electrode the mutual orientation and/or position can be maintained. Thereby, the charged particle optical function, for example a lens function, is maintained. 
     In an embodiment said charged particle source arrangement comprises two or more electrodes for forming a charged particle beam from said charged particles emitted by said emitter arrangement, wherein&#39; at least one of said two or more electrodes is rigidly connected to said one or more supports, preferably a most downstream electrode of said two or more electrodes is rigidly connected to said one or more supports. During use of said charged particle source arrangement, said most downstream electrode is most likely arranged on a charged particle optical arrangement of an exposure system. Due to said arrangement, thermal energy absorbed by said most downstream electrode is conducted towards and into said charged particle optical arrangement, therewith minimizing or preventing any temperature increase of said most downstream electrode. 
     In an embodiment said emitter arrangement comprises a cathode for emitting said charged particles, wherein said cathode is received within a cathode carrying element which is connected to said one or more supports by means of a flexure connection. In a further embodiment said cathode carrying element comprises a plate-shaped carrying body with a cathode aperture for receiving at least a part of said cathode, preferably wherein said flexure connection comprises a connecting lip provided at the outer circumference of said plate-shaped carrying body, wherein said connecting lip defines a slit between said connecting lip and said plate-shaped carrying body. During operation of said charged particle source arrangement, the temperature of said charged particle source arrangement and/or said cathode carrying element may increase, which may lead to deformation, in particular expansion of said plate-shaped carrying element in a radial direction. Said flexure connections prevent said cathode carrying element from bending and/or warping in the longitudinal direction of said charged particle source arrangement as explained above in relation to said electrode. 
     In an embodiment said charged particle source arrangement comprises a frame including a first frame part, a second frame part, and one or more rigid support members which are arranged between said first frame part and said second frame part, and a power connecting assembly arranged at said first frame part, wherein said charged particle source arrangement is arranged at said second frame part and is electrically connected to said connecting assembly via electrical wiring. During connection of an external power supply to said power connecting assembly, a force is exerted onto said power connecting assembly. Due to the arrangement of said power connecting assembly on said first frame part, this force is lead into said first frame part. The force led into the first frame part can be transferred from said first frame part to said second frame part via the rigid support members, therewith preventing that said force acts on said charged particle source arrangement and providing a strain relieving arrangement. 
     According to a fifth aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide a charged particle source module according to the first or second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, wherein the charged particle source arrangement is a charged particle source arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the disclosed embodiments. 
     According to a sixth aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device by means of a charged particle source module according to the first or second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, or by means of a charged particle source arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the method comprising the steps of: 
     placing a wafer downstream of said charged particle source module or said charged particle source arrangement; 
     processing said wafer including projecting an image or a pattern on said wafer by means of a charged particle beam generated and emitted by the charged particle source module or said charged particle source arrangement; and 
     performing subsequent steps in order to generate a semiconductor device by means of said processed wafer 
     The subsequent steps of manufacturing a semiconductor device from said processed wafer are known in the technical field of manufacturing semiconductor devices. A number of said subsequent steps are for example described in the United States patent application No. US 2014/0176920 A1 of the Applicant. 
     According to a seventh aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide a method for inspecting a target by means of a charged particle source module according to the first or second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, or by means of a charged particle source arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the method comprising the steps of: 
     positioning said target downstream of said charged particle source module or said charged particle source arrangement; 
     directing a charged particle beam generated and emitted by said charged particle source module or said charged particle source arrangement towards said target; 
     detecting charged particles transmitted, emitted and/or reflected by said target in response to the charged particle beam directed towards said target; and 
     performing subsequent steps in order to inspect said target by means of data from the step of detecting charged particles. 
     The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed embodiments will be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments as shown in the attached drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    schematically shows an example of an exposure apparatus with a charged particle source module; 
         FIG.  2 A  shows an isometric view of a charged particle source arrangement having an emitter arrangement, and electrodes; 
         FIG.  2 B  shows an isometric view of an electrode; 
         FIG.  3 A  shows an isometric view of an charged particle source module; and 
         FIG.  3 B  shows a cross-section of said charged particle source module of  FIG.  3 A  along line TIM. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG.  1    schematically shows an example of an exposure system  100  with a charged particle source module  102 . The exposure apparatus  100  comprises a housing  101  in which a charged particle source module  102  is placed with a first rigid frame part  103 , a second rigid frame part  104  and rigid bars  105  arranged between and rigidly connected to the first frame part  103  and the second frame part  104 . The charged particle module  102  comprises a power connecting assembly on the first frame part  103 , and a charged particle source arrangement  106  arranged at the second frame part  104  and electrically connected to the power connecting assembly via flexible electrical wires  107 . The charged particle source arrangement module  102  is arranged at a charged particle optical arrangement  108 , such as a magnetic or an electrostatic collimator. The charged particle optical arrangement  108  is adapted to direct a charged particle beam received from the charged particle source module towards a target  109  along an optical axis OA. The charged particle source module  102 , the charged particle optical arrangement  108  and the target  109  are placed within a vacuum part  110  of the exposure system  100 . The exposure system  100  can be one of a lithography system, an inspection system or a microscopy system. The exposure system  100  is schematically shown in  FIG.  1    and the construction details of each of the known mentioned systems are known within the relevant technical field. 
     For example when said exposure system  100  is a lithography system, said lithography system may further comprise inter alia a collimator for collimating said charged particle beam from the charged particle source module  102 , an aperture array for generating individual beamlets, and a deflector array (beam blanker array) with multiple deflectors each arranged for deflecting an individual beamlet. Further, said exposure system  100  may comprise a beam stop array with an array of apertures, one aperture for each individual beamlet and a lens array with an array of lenses for focusing the charged particle beamlets onto the target  109 . The arrangement of the parts of said lithography system is known within the relevant technical field. An example of a lithography system is for example shown in international patent application WO 2009/127659 A2 of the Applicant. 
     For example when said exposure system  100  is an electron microscopy system, the microscopy system may further comprise an optical system arranged to direct a electron beam from said charged particle source module  102  towards several electron lenses which are arranged to focus the electron beam onto the surface of the target  109 . Said exposure system  100  may be provided with one or more deflectors for scanning the electron beam over the surface of the target  109 . Said exposure system  100  may be provided with sensors which can detect the scattered electrons, secondary electrons and/or generated light from said target  109 . 
       FIG.  2 A  shows an example of a charged particle source arrangement  1 , which can correspond to the charged particle source arrangement  106  of  FIG.  1   . The charged particle source arrangement  1  comprises an emitter arrangement  2  which is provided for emitting charged particles in an emitting direction towards a surface or a target, such as a wafer. The charged particle source arrangement  1  comprises multiple electrodes  10 - 14  downstream of said emitter arrangement  2 , also known as shaping electrodes, which electrodes  11 - 14  are configured for extracting said charged particles emitted by said emitter arrangement  2  and to form the charged particles into a beam of charged particles. The emitter arrangement  2  and the electrodes  11 - 14  are connected to and retained between supports, for example glass rods  4  which are configured for maintaining the emitter arrangement  2  and the electrodes  11 - 14  in a desired position and orientation with respect to each other. Each of the supports is connected to each of the emitter arrangement  2  and the electrodes  11 - 14 . The emitter arrangement  2  and the electrodes  11 - 14  can be connected to a non-shown external power supply via electric wires  5  with service loops  6 . These service loops can be provided as U-bends, extending substantially perpendicular to the extension of the electrical wire, as illustrated in  FIG.  2 A . In  FIG.  2 A , not all electrical wires are shown. It is however understood that to each electrode at least one electrical wire is connected. 
     Alternatively, the service loops can be provided as full loops, formed by the electrical wire making a full  360 ° turn. It is noted that the service loops shaped as U-bends require less energy to deform in comparison with service loops shaped as full loops. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2 A  the emitter arrangement  2  comprises an emitter body  15 . A first filament connection  16  and a second filament connection  17  are connected to the emitter body  15 , wherein both of the first and second filament connections  16  and  17  are connected to electrical wires  5  in order to connect the emitter arrangement  2  to an external power supply. As illustrated in  FIG.  2 A  the emitter arrangement  2  comprises a carrying element  18  attached to a plate-shaped carrying body  10  including an emitter aperture allowing passage to at least a charged particle beam, such as an electron beam, emitted from the emitter arrangement  2 . The plate-shaped carrying body  10  is provided with an electrical wire  21  for connecting the plate-shaped carrying body  19  to a non-shown external power supply. Hence, the plate-shaped carrying body  10  may also be considered an electrode. 
     The emitter arrangement  2  may comprise a single cathode for emitting a charged particle beam, for example a thermionic cathode heated by a filament, or tandem arrangement of a thermionic cathode heated by another cathode. For a detailed description of the construction and working of the emitter arrangement  2  with a tandem arrangement, reference is made to the international patent application WO 2015/101538 A1 of the Applicant, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. It is noted that other kinds of emitter arrangements are possible. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , each of the electrodes  11 - 14  and the plate-shaped carrying body  10  comprises a plate-shaped electrode body  60 , whereby each of the plate-shaped electrode body  60  comprises a beam aperture  61  which allows passage to a charged particle beam B. The diameter of each of the subsequent beam apertures  61  of each of the electrodes  11 - 14  increases with each subsequently beam aperture  61  in the downstream direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L, also referred to as optical axis, of the charged particle source arrangement  1 . It is therefore possible to generate and emit a diverging charged particle beam by the charged particle source arrangement  1 . 
     The electrodes  11 - 13  placed upstream of the most downstream electrode  14  and downstream of the emitter arrangement  2  comprises one or two electrical connecting elements  62  for electrically connecting each of the electrodes  11 - 13  to a non-shown external power supply.  FIG.  2 B  only shows one electrode  11 , and the remaining electrodes  12 - 13  differ from the shown electrode  10  in the location of the electrical connecting elements  62 . The one or two connecting elements  62  of each electrode  11 - 13  are configured in such way that two electrical wires are connected to each of the electrodes  11 - 13 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2 B , flexure connections  65  are provided at the circumference of the electrode body  60 , which flexure connections  65  are provided for connecting the electrodes  11 - 13  and the carrying body  10  to the glass rods  4 . Each of the flexure connections  65  comprises a connecting lip  66  provided at the outer circumference of the electrode body  60 , somewhat radially projecting thereof and extending in the circumferential direction thereof. The connecting lips  66  are equally distributed over the outer circumference of the electrode body  60 . Each of the connecting lips  66  has a first lip part  67  and a second lip part  68 , wherein the first lip part  67  is connected to the electrode body  60  at one end and to the second lip part  68  at the other end. Each of the connecting lips  66  defines a slit  69  between the connecting lip  66  and the outer circumference of the electrode body  60 . As can be seen in  FIG.  2 B , the inner end  69   a  of the slit  69  has a circular inner shape. In case the slit  69  comprises a bend  69 b, as in the illustrated embodiment, also this bend comprises a circular inner shape. The circular inner shapes may contribute to absorbing the thermal expansion taking place in radial direction. The second lip part  68  of each connecting lip  66  comprises connecting elements  70  which are taken up in one of the glass rods  4  to rigidly connect the flexure connections  65  to the glass rods  4 , thereby enabling the electrodes  11 - 13  and the carrying body  10  to. expand radially due to an increase of temperature while the thermal expansion is absorbed by the slits  69 . In the shown embodiment, the most downstream electrode  14  is free of such flexure connections  65 . As shown in  FIG.  2 A  the electrical connecting elements  62  can be provided at one of the flexure connections  65  of one or more of the electrodes  11 - 13 . 
     The most downstream electrode  14  further comprises non-shown connecting elements similar to the connecting elements  70  of the electrodes  11 - 13 . The connecting elements extend radially outwards from the electrode body  60  of the most downstream electrode  14  for rigidly connecting the most downstream electrode  14  to the glass rods  4 . As shown in  FIG.  2 A , the electrode body  60  of the most downstream electrode  14  comprises radially outwardly extending plate-shaped connecting projections  63  with an opening  64  provided therein. The plate-shaped connecting projections  63  may be used for connecting and/or aligning the charged particle source arrangement  1  to a non-shown exposure system or a charged particle optical arrangement thereof by means of a form closure. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 A  the glass rods  4  extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction beyond the most downstream electrode  14 , so that the lower ends of the glass rods  4  can contribute to aligning the charged particle source arrangement  1  with respect to an exposure system or a charged particle optical arrangement thereof on which the charged particle source arrangement  1  may be arranged. 
       FIG.  3 A  shows an example of a charged particle source module  200 , which can correspond to the charged particle source module  102  of  FIG.  1   . The charged particle source module  200  comprises a frame with a first frame part  201 , a second frame part  202  and rigid support members in the form of rigid bars  203 , which are arranged between the first frame part  201  and the second frame part  202 . Different parts of said frame may be made of non-magnetic material or non-ferrous material, such as a material comprising titanium. The charged particle source module  200  further comprises a charged particle source arrangement  204  with electrical wires  206 , which is arranged at the second frame part  202 . For describing the charged particle source module  200 , it is provided that the charged particle source arrangement  204  corresponds to the charged particle source arrangement  1  as described above. The charged particle source module  200  further comprises a power connecting assembly  207 , wherein the charged particle source arrangement  204  is electrically connected to the power connecting assembly  207  via the electrical wires  206 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  the power connecting assembly  207  comprises a non-conductive circular support plate  208  which is arranged at the first frame part  201 . The support plate  208  may be manufactured from for example Macor®, a machinable glass-ceramic. The support plate  208  has securing recesses  209  which are provided in the upper and lower surface of the support plate  208  and are intended for arranging the support plate  208  on the first frame part  201 . The securing recesses  209  are provided at the outer circumference of the support plate  208  and are uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction thereof. The power connecting assembly  207  further comprises electrical connectors  210  for electrically connecting the electrical wires  206  to a non-shown external power supply, which electrical connectors  210  extend through the support plate  208  in a direction substantially parallel to the rigid bars  203 . As best shown in  FIG.  3 B  the electrical connectors  210  are received within connector openings  211  of the support plate  208 , whereby a seal, in particular a glass seal  212  is provided between the inner edge of each of the connectors openings  211  and the electrical connector  210  received within the respective connector opening  211 . 
     As schematically shown in  FIG.  3 B  when a force FI is exerted onto one or more of the electrical connectors  210  of the power connecting assembly  207 , thereby exerting a force onto plane V, a force F 2  is applied through the first frame part  201  onto the rigid bars  203 . Said force FI, F 2  is led towards and into the rigid bars  203 , as is indicated schematically by force path F 3 . Via the rigid bars  203 , the force is led towards and into the second frame part  202  via which the force may be transferred to for example an exposure system or a charged particle optical arrangement thereof on which the charged particle source module  200  may be arranged. Thereby a strain relieving arrangement is achieved. 
     The first frame part  201  comprises two substantially parallel annular plates  220 ,  221 , for example made of a non-ferrous material such as a material comprising titanium, as shown in  FIG.  3 A and  3 B . At the inner circumference, each of the annular plates  220 ,  221  has radially inwards extending securing projections  223  which are uniformly distributed over the inner circumference of the annular plates  220 ,  221 . The securing projections  223  are provided for clamping the support plate  208  there between. In the clamped configuration, the securing projections  223  of the lower annular plate  220  are received within the securing recesses  209  at the lower surface of the support plate  208  and the securing projections  223  of the upper annular plate  220  are received within the securing recesses  209  at the upper surface of the support plate  208 . 
     The annular plates  220 ,  221  comprises attachment apertures which are adapted for receiving attachment screws or bolts  227  and/or rejuvenations provided at the upper end of the rigid bars  203 , such that the annular plates  220 ,  221  become connected to each other. As illustrated in  FIG.  3 B  spacers  229  are provided between the upper and lower annular plates  220 ,  221 , which spacers  229  are adapted for receiving the attachment screws or bolts  227  and/or rejuvenations provided at the upper end of the rigid bars  203 . The thickness of the spacers  229  is slightly smaller than the thickness of the support plate  208 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3 A  the second frame part  202  comprises an annular mounting plate  240 , which is for example made of non-ferrous material such as a material comprising titanium. At the inner circumference, the annular mounting plate  240  comprises plate-shaped connecting projections  242  with are extending radially inwards. The plate-shaped connecting projections  242  are provided with apertures  243  which may be configured for receiving for example a pin or another securing means. As illustrated in  FIG.  3 B , the upper sides of the plate-shaped connecting projections  63  of the electrode  14  are connected to the lower sides of the plate-shaped connecting projections  242  of the second frame part  202 , thereby arranging the electrode  14  between the second frame part  202  and an exposure tool or a charged particle optical arrangement thereof. The longitudinal axis of the charged particle source arrangement  204  preferably coincides with, the longitudinal axis of the frame. Thereby, positioning of said charged particle source arrangement  204  in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof is performed upon arranging the charged particle source module  200  to an exposure system or a charged particle optical arrangement thereof. 
     It is noted that in another embodiment, said most downstream electrode  14  and said annular mounting plate  240  may be formed as a single part. 
     The annular mounting plate  240  comprises mounting members including securing apertures  245  which are configured for receiving securing screws or bolts  246  for securing the charged particle source module  200  to an exposure system or a charged particle optical system thereof. Each of the securing apertures  245  is arranged within a connecting lip  244  of a flexure connection. Each of the connecting lips  244  is provided near the outer circumference of the annular mounting plate  240  and extends in the circumferential direction thereof. The connecting lips  244  are equally distributed over the outer circumference of the annular mounting plate  240 . Each of the connecting lips  244  defines a slit  247  between the connecting lip  244  and the remaining of the annular mounting plate  240 . Thereby, tilting of the charged particle source module  200  is prevented upon arranging the charged particle source module  200  to an exposure system or a charged particle optical arrangement thereof. 
     It is noted that the attachment apertures  224  in the first frame part  201  are provided in line with the securing apertures  245  and the securing bolts or screws  246  received therein, such that the securing bolts or screws  246  are accessibly by a tool via the attachment apertures  224 . 
     It is noted that the rigid bars  203  are rigidly connected to the second frame part  202 , in particular the annular mounting plate  240  thereof, for example by means of welding. 
     The embodiments may further be described using the following clauses: 
     1. Charged particle source module for generating and emitting a charged particle beam, comprising: 
     a frame including a first rigid frame part, a second rigid frame part, and one or more rigid support members which are arranged between and rigidly connected to said first frame part and said second frame part; 
     a charged particle source arrangement for generating a charged particle beam, wherein said charged particle source arrangement is arranged at said second frame part; and 
     a power connecting assembly arranged at said first frame part, 
     wherein said charged particle source arrangement is electrically connected to said power connecting assembly via electrical wiring. 
     2. Charged particle source module for generating and emitting a charged particle beam, comprising: 
     a frame including a first frame part, a second frame part, and one or more rigid support members which are arranged between said first frame part and said second frame part; 
     a charged particle source arrangement for generating a charged particle beam, wherein said charged particle source arrangement is arranged at said second frame part; and 
     a power connecting assembly arranged at said first frame part, 
     wherein said charged particle source arrangement is electrically connected to said power connecting assembly via electrical wiring, wherein said electrical wiring comprises one or more wires with a service loop. 
     3. Charged particle source module according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein said frame comprises mounting members which are connected to said second frame part by flexure connections, preferably wherein said second frame part comprises a mounting plate and each of said flexure connections comprises a connecting lip provided at the outer circumference of said mounting plate, wherein each connecting lip defines a slit between said mounting plate and said connecting lip. 
     4. Charged particle source module according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein said first frame part, said second frame part and/or said one or more rigid support members are made of a non-ferrous material. 
     5. Charged particle source module according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein said power connecting assembly is rigidly connected to said first frame part, and said charged particle source arrangement is rigidly connected to said second frame part. 
     6. Charged particle source module according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein said power connecting assembly comprises an electrically non-conductive connecting plate which is arranged at said first frame part of said frame, wherein said power connecting assembly comprises one or more connectors. 
     7. Charged particle source module according to clause 6, wherein said one or more connectors extend through said electrically non-conductive connecting plate in a direction substantially parallel to said support members of said frame. 
     8. Charged particle source module according to clause 6 or clause 7, wherein said first frame part comprises two substantially parallel plates, wherein the power connecting assembly is secured, preferably clamped between said two plates. 
     9. Charged particle source module according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein said charged particle source arrangement comprises an emitter arrangement configured for emitting charged particles, and an electrode for forming a charged particle beam from said charged particles emitted by said emitter arrangement, preferably wherein said charged particle source arrangement comprises two or more electrodes for forming a charged particle beam from said charged particles emitted by said emitter arrangement, wherein a most downstream electrode of said two or more electrodes is preferably arranged at said second frame part of said frame, wherein said most downstream electrode and said second frame part are preferably formed as a single part. 
     10. Charged particle source module according to clause 9, wherein said emitter arrangement and said electrode are connected to one or more electrically non-conductive supports oriented substantially parallel to an optical axis defined by said emitter arrangement and said electrode, wherein each of said one or more supports is connected with an outer circumference of said emitter arrangement and with an outer circumference of said electrode, and wherein said one or more supports maintain the orientation and/or the position of said emitter arrangement and said electrode with respect to each other, preferably wherein at least one . of said emitter arrangement and said electrode is connected with said one or more supports by means of a flexure connection. 
     11. Charged particle source module according to clause 10, wherein at least one of said emitter arrangement and said electrode is rigidly connected to said one or more supports, preferably wherein said most downstream electrode is rigidly connected to said one or more supports. 
     12. Charged particle source module according to clause 10 or clause 11, wherein said emitter arrangement and said electrode comprise a plate-shaped electrode body, wherein said flexure connection comprises a connecting lip provided at the outer circumference of said plate-shaped electrode body, wherein said connecting lip defines a slit between said connecting lip and said plate-shaped electrode body. 
     13. Charged particle source module according to any one of the clauses 9-13, 
     when dependent on clause 6, wherein said electrical wiring is peripherally connected to said electrode and is connected to said one or more connectors, and wherein the electrical wiring extends in a direction substantially parallel to said support members of said frame. 
     14. Charged particle source module according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the electrical wiring is flexible electrical wiring. 
     15. Charged particle source module according to any one of the preceding clauses, when dependent on clause  1 , wherein said electrical wiring comprises one or more wires with a service loop. 
     16. Exposure system for emitting a charged particle beam towards a surface or a target, comprising: 
     a charged particle source module for generating and emitting a charged particle beam according to any one of the preceding clauses; and 
     a charged particle optical arrangement configured to receive the charged particle beam generated and emitted by the charged particle source module, and to direct said charged particle beam towards said surface or said target, 
     wherein said second frame part of said frame is arranged at said charged particle optical arrangement. 
     17. Exposure system according to clause 16, wherein said charged particle optical arrangement comprises a collimator, wherein said charged particle source module is arranged at said collimator. 
     18. Exposure system according to clause 16 or clause 17, wherein the exposure system is selected from a group comprising a lithography system, an inspection system or a microscopy system. 
     19. Charged particle source arrangement for generating a charged particle beam, comprising: 
     an emitter arrangement configured for emitting charged particles; 
     an electrode for forming a charged particle beam from said charged particles emitted by said emitter arrangement; and 
     one or more electrically non-conductive supports oriented substantially parallel to an optical axis defined by said emitter arrangement and said electrode, wherein each of said one or more supports is connected with an outer circumference of said emitter arrangement and with an outer circumference of said electrode, and wherein said one or more supports maintain the orientation and/or the position of said emitter arrangement and said electrode with respect to each other, 
     wherein said electrode is connected with said one or more supports by means of a flexure connection, 
     wherein said electrode and/or said emitter arrangement comprises one or more electrical wire connections for connection of electrical wiring, wherein at least one of said one or more electrical wire connections is arranged on said flexure connection. 
     20. Charged particle source arrangement according to 19, wherein said one or more electrical wire connections are located at a portion of said flexure connections where a position and/or orientation of said flexure connection with respect to said supports is substantially fixed. 
     21. Charged particle source arrangement according to clause 19 or clause 20, wherein said at least one of said one or more electrical wire connections is arranged on a distal end of said connecting lip of said flexure connection. 
     22. Charged particle source arrangement according to any one of the clauses 19-21, wherein said electrode comprises a plate-shaped electrode body with a beam aperture, which beam aperture is centered with respect to said optical axis. 
     23. Charged particle source arrangement according to clause 22, wherein said flexure connection comprises a connecting lip provided at the outer circumference of said plate-shaped electrode body, wherein said connecting lip defines a slit between said connecting lip and said plate-shaped electrode body. 
     24. Charged particle source arrangement according to any one of the preceding clauses 19-23, wherein said charged particle source arrangement comprises two or more electrodes for forming a charged particle beam from said charged particles emitted by said emitter arrangement, wherein at least one of said two or more electrodes is rigidly connected to said one or more supports, preferably wherein a most downstream electrode of said two or more electrodes is rigidly connected to said one or more supports. 
     25. Charged particle source arrangement according to any one of clauses 19-24, wherein said emitter arrangement comprises a cathode for emitting said charged particles, wherein said cathode is received within a cathode carrying element which is connected to said one or more supports by means of a flexure connection. 
     26. Charged particle source arrangement according to clause 25, wherein said cathode carrying element comprises a plate-shaped carrying body with a cathode aperture for receiving at least a part of said cathode, preferably wherein said flexure connection comprises a connecting lip provided at the outer circumference of said plate-shaped carrying body, wherein said connecting lip defines a slit between said connecting lip and said plate-shaped carrying body. 
     27. Charged particle source arrangement according to any one of the preceding clauses 19-26, further comprising a frame including a first frame part, a second frame part, and one or more rigid support members which are arranged between said first frame part and said second frame part, and a power connecting assembly arranged on said first frame part, wherein said charged particle source arrangement is arranged on said second frame part and is electrically connected to said power connecting assembly via electrical wiring. 
     28. Charged particle source module according to any one of the clauses 1-15, wherein the charged particle source arrangement is a charged particle source arrangement according to any one of the clauses 19-27. 
     29. Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device by means of a charged particle source module according to any one of the clauses 1-15, or a charged particle source arrangement according to any one of the clauses 19-27, the method comprising the steps of: 
     placing a wafer downstream of said charged particle source module or said charged particle source arrangement; 
     processing said wafer including projecting an image or a pattern on said wafer by means of a charged particle beam generated and emitted by said charged particle source module or said charged particle source arrangement; and 
     performing subsequent steps in order to generate a semiconductor device by means of said processed wafer. 
     30. Method for inspecting a target by means of a charged particle source module according to any one of the clauses 1-15, or a charged particle source arrangement according to any one of the clauses 19-27, the method comprising the steps of: 
     positioning said target downstream of said charged particle source module or said charged particle source arrangement; 
     directing a charged particle beam generated and emitted by said charged particle source module or said charged particle source arrangement towards said target; 
     detecting charged particles transmitted, emitted and/or reflected by said target in response to the charged particle beam directed towards said target; and 
     performing subsequent steps in order to inspect said target by means of data from the step of detecting charged particles. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.