Patent Description:
This disclosure is directed to reticle pods and more particularly, to reticle pods including movable reticle retention features for retaining a reticle at a desired position.

Reticle pods are used for storage and transport of reticles as well as processing, particularly transport of reticles to and from processing tools such as photolithography devices. Reticle pods include, for example, Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) pods for use with EUV photolithography tools. Reticle pods are constructed to reduce and/or prevent contamination or physical damage to the reticles contained therein during movement, handling, and processing of the reticles. Reticle pods may include an outer pod and an inner pod within the outer pod. The inner pod may include a baseplate and a cover, which contain the reticle. The outer pod includes a pod door and a pod dome, which contains the inner pod.

The following document is cited as being a pertinent prior art illustration:
<CIT> describes a reticle pod comprising a container body and a container base, and a first inner space being formed between the container body and the container base for storing an inner container.

The following documents are also mentioned as a complementary prior art illustration:.

This disclosure is directed to reticle pods including movable retention features for retaining the reticle located on the baseplate.

Movable retention features allow a reticle to be securely positioned within a reticle pod, and thus less susceptible to shocks during handling or transit. By actuating such features through latches located in a door of the reticle pod, the reticle may be properly placed within the pod without interference from security features prior to final closure of the reticle pod, and secured when the pod is closed for transport, storage, or processing. Securing the reticle may limit or prevent damage to the reticle including shock incidents, particle generation from contact of the reticle and the interior of the pod, and the like.

A reticle pod embodiment includes an inner portion including a cover and a baseplate. The cover includes one or more cover reticle contacts joined to the cover and the baseplate includes one or more movable reticle contacts, the one or more movable reticle contacts each configured to be movable in a direction having a component perpendicular to the plane of the baseplate. The reticle pod includes an outer portion comprising a pod dome and a pod door, wherein the pod door includes one or more movable posts and one or more latches configured to drive the one or more movable posts. When the inner portion is located within the outer portion and the pod door is fixed to the pod dome, the one or more movable posts contact the one or more movable reticle contacts such that the one or more movable reticle contacts are moved towards the cover.

In an embodiment, each of the one or more movable reticle contacts are retained in the baseplate via a flexible member.

In an embodiment, when the flexible member is at rest, the movable reticle contact is at a distance from at least one of the one or more cover reticle contacts that is greater than a thickness of a reticle to be stored in the reticle pod.

In an embodiment, the one or more latches are each movable in a direction in plane with pod door.

In an embodiment, the one or more latches each include a sliding surface, a rocker arm, or a camming surface in contact with a surface of one of the one or more movable posts.

In an embodiment, the one or more movable reticle contacts are each configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the baseplate.

In an embodiment, the pod dome includes one or more projections that contact the cover when the inner portion is located within the outer portion and the pod door is fixed to the pod dome.

In an embodiment, each of the cover reticle contacts includes a polymer material.

In an embodiment, each of the movable reticle contacts includes a polymer material.

In an embodiment, the one or more movable reticle contacts includes three or more movable reticle contacts.

In an embodiment, the one or more movable reticle contacts includes four movable reticle contacts.

In an embodiment, each of the one or more movable reticle contacts is opposite one of the one or more cover reticle contacts when the cover and the baseplate are connected to one another.

In an embodiment, each of the one or more movable reticle contacts are offset from the one or more cover reticle contacts when the cover and the baseplate are connected to one another.

In an embodiment, each of the one or more movable reticle contacts is at a position corresponding to a comer of a reticle.

In an embodiment, a method of moving contacts within a pod includes activating one or more latches located in a pod door by attaching the pod door to a pod dome and driving, via the one or more latches, one or more movable posts to extend in a direction having a component perpendicular to a plane of the pod door. Each of the one or more movable posts contacts a movable reticle contact of a baseplate located within the pod door and the pod dome, such that the movable reticle contact moves in a direction having a component perpendicular to the plane of the baseplate and towards a cover located within the pod door and the pod dome.

In an embodiment, activating the one or more latches comprises moving the one or more latches in one or more directions that are parallel to a plane of the pod door.

In an embodiment, driving, via the one or more latch, the movable post comprises a camming surface on each of the one or more latches contacting one of the one or more movable posts.

In an embodiment, the method further includes further comprising placing the reticle on a baseplate of the pod, joining the baseplate of the pod to a cover of the pod, and placing the joined baseplate and cover into a space within the pod dome. In an embodiment, the joined baseplate and cover are in contact with one or more projections from the pod dome when placed within the pod dome.

In an embodiment, at least three movable posts are driven via the one or more latches.

In an embodiment, the cover includes one or more cover reticle contacts, each of the cover reticle contacts opposite one of the movable reticle contacts.

In an embodiment, the cover includes one or more cover reticle contacts, each of the cover reticle contacts offset from the movable reticle contacts.

In an embodiment, a reticle pod includes an inner portion comprising a cover and a baseplate. The cover includes one or more cover reticle contacts joined to the cover and the baseplate includes one or more apertures. The reticle pod includes an outer portion comprising a pod dome and a pod door. The pod door includes one or more movable posts and one or more latches configured to drive the one or more movable posts. When the inner portion is located within the outer portion and the pod door is fixed to the pod dome, the one or more movable posts extend through the one or more apertures into the inner portion.

In an embodiment, each of the movable posts includes a polymer material.

In an embodiment, the one or more movable posts includes three or more movable posts.

In an embodiment, the one or more movable posts includes four movable posts.

In an embodiment, each of the one or more apertures is opposite one of the one or more cover reticle contacts when the cover and the baseplate are connected to one another.

In an embodiment, each of the one or more apertures are offset from the one or more cover reticle contacts when the cover and the baseplate are connected to one another.

In an embodiment, each of the one or more apertures is at a position corresponding to a corner of a reticle.

In an embodiment, the reticle pod further includes a seal disposed in each of the apertures.

In an embodiment, a method of providing contacts within a pod includes activating one or more latches located in a pod door by attaching the pod door to a pod dome using a cam, and driving, via the one or more latches or the cam, one or more movable posts to extend in a direction having a component perpendicular to a plane of the pod door. Each of the one or more movable posts extend through a baseplate into an inner portion of the pod when driven via the one or more latches or the cam.

In an embodiment, activating the one or more latches includes moving the one or more latches in one or more directions that are parallel to a plane of the pod door.

In an embodiment, driving, via the one or more latch, the movable post includes a camming surface on each of the one or more latches contacting one of the one or more movable posts.

In an embodiment, the method further includes placing a reticle on a baseplate of the pod, joining the baseplate of the pod to a cover of the pod, and placing the joined baseplate and cover into a space within the pod dome.

In an embodiment, the joined baseplate and cover are in contact with one or more projections from the pod dome when placed within the pod dome.

In an embodiment, at least three movable posts are driven via the one or more latches.

In an embodiment, the cover includes one or more cover reticle contacts, each of the cover reticle contacts opposite one of the movable posts.

In an embodiment, the cover includes one or more cover reticle contacts, each of the cover reticle contacts offset from the movable posts.

In an embodiment, the method further includes forming a seal between the baseplate and the one or more movable posts.

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various illustrative embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular illustrative embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that is considered equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result).

This disclosure is directed to reticle pods and more particularly, to reticle pods including movable reticle retention features for retaining a reticle.

<FIG> shows a reticle pod <NUM> according to an embodiment including a partial sectional view, and <FIG> shows the partial sectional view of <FIG> expanded to provide further detail.

Reticle pod <NUM> includes an outer portion <NUM> including pod dome <NUM> and pod door <NUM>. Reticle pod <NUM> also includes an inner portion <NUM> including baseplate <NUM> and cover <NUM>. Baseplate <NUM> includes movable reticle contacts <NUM>. Cover <NUM> includes cover reticle contacts <NUM>. Movable reticle contacts <NUM> are contacted by movable posts <NUM> when the inner and outer portions of reticle pod <NUM> are assembled and pod door <NUM> is joined to pod dome <NUM>. Movable posts <NUM> are in contact with actuating mechanisms <NUM>, which are driven by latch <NUM> of the pod door <NUM>.

Pod dome <NUM> is part of the outer portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. Pod dome <NUM> may include one or more features configured to contact cover <NUM> when the reticle pod <NUM> is assembled. Pod dome <NUM> includes an internal space. The internal space may include a first internal space sized to accommodate the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM> and a second space at an end of pod dome <NUM> configured to accommodate pod door <NUM>. The second space may be defined by a lip. The portion of pod dome <NUM> surrounding the second space may include one or more slots or other openings configured to receive an end of latch <NUM>. Pod dome <NUM> may be made of a polymer material.

Pod door <NUM> is another part of the outer portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. Pod door <NUM> is configured to be combined with pod dome <NUM> to form the outer portion <NUM> of the reticle pod <NUM>. The pod door <NUM> may be sized such that it fits in a space of pod dome <NUM> such that it closes an end of pod dome <NUM>. Pod door <NUM> includes latch <NUM> and actuating mechanisms <NUM>. Pod door <NUM> further is connected to movable posts <NUM>. Pod door <NUM> may be joined to pod dome <NUM> by one or more latches <NUM> when the latches <NUM> are in a deployed position. Pod door <NUM> may be removable from pod dome <NUM> when latches <NUM> are not in the deployed position.

When pod dome <NUM> and pod door <NUM> are joined together, the pod dome <NUM> and pod door <NUM> together define an internal space capable of accommodating the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM> including baseplate <NUM> and cover <NUM>. The pod dome <NUM> and the pod door <NUM> may include feature projecting into the internal space and configured to contact the baseplate <NUM> or cover <NUM> to hold the baseplate <NUM> or cover <NUM> in position when the reticle pod <NUM> is assembled.

Baseplate <NUM> is part of the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. When reticle pod <NUM> is assembled, baseplate <NUM> may be supported by pod door <NUM>. The baseplate <NUM> typically forms the lower part of the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. The baseplate <NUM> may be configured such that a reticle may rest on baseplate <NUM>. Baseplate <NUM> may be made of a metal or alloy. In an embodiment, baseplate <NUM> includes aluminum. In an embodiment, baseplate <NUM> can include reticle contacts, the reticle contacts having a height that is smaller than the height of the movable reticle contacts <NUM> when the movable reticle contacts <NUM> are extended.

Movable reticle contacts <NUM> are movably connected to the baseplate <NUM>. The movable connection may be a connection via a resilient material. Non-limiting examples of the movable connection include a metal spring formed in baseplate <NUM>, a spring separate from but connected to baseplate <NUM>, a polymer such as rubber joining the movable reticle, or any other such movable connection. The movable reticle contacts <NUM> are configured to move in a direction having a component perpendicular to the plane of baseplate <NUM>. In an embodiment the movable reticle contacts are configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the plane of baseplate <NUM>. When baseplate <NUM> and cover <NUM> are joined, the movement of movable reticle contacts <NUM> is such that the movable reticle contacts move in a direction towards or away from cover <NUM>. Movable reticle contacts <NUM> may include material compatible with a reticle material. Compatible materials include materials that provide minimal or no particle generation when in contact with the reticle material, and which cannot scratch or otherwise damage the reticle material. In an embodiment, the compatible material is a polymer material. In an embodiment, the entire movable reticle contact <NUM> is made of the compatible material. In an embodiment, the movable reticle contact includes a contact point including the compatible material. Non-limiting examples of the compatible material include polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polyaryl-ether-ketone (PAEK), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyether-imide (PEI), and conductive polymers.

Cover <NUM> is another part of the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may form the upper part of the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM> when the inner portion <NUM> is assembled from baseplate <NUM> and cover <NUM>. Cover <NUM> is configured to be joined to baseplate <NUM>, for example by having matching or mechanically compatible features. When cover <NUM> is joined to baseplate <NUM>, cover <NUM> and baseplate <NUM> define an internal space configured to accommodate a reticle. Cover <NUM> may be made of a metal or alloy, for example, aluminum. Cover <NUM> may include one or more cover reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, when the inner portion <NUM> of the reticle pod is placed within pod dome <NUM> and pod door <NUM>, and pod door <NUM> is joined to pod dome <NUM>, cover <NUM> is contacted by pod dome <NUM>.

Cover reticle contacts <NUM> are contacts joined to cover <NUM> of the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. In an embodiment, cover reticle contacts <NUM> are fixed to the inside of the cover such that they face the baseplate <NUM> when the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM> is assembled. In an embodiment, cover reticle contacts <NUM> are fixed in position. Non-limiting examples of the fixation of cover reticle contacts <NUM> include pressing, mechanical fastening, or being integral parts of the cover <NUM>, for example being directly machined into cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, cover reticle contacts <NUM> are movable, for example being retained by resilient members similar to the movable reticle contacts <NUM> joined to baseplate <NUM>. Cover reticle contacts <NUM> may be positioned such that when the baseplate and the cover are assembled, the cover reticle contacts each oppose one of the movable reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, cover reticle contacts <NUM> may be positioned such that they are offset from the movable reticle contacts <NUM>; i.e. that the cover reticle contacts and the movable reticle contacts <NUM> are not opposite one another. When the movable reticle contacts <NUM> and the cover reticle contacts <NUM> are offset from one another and the baseplate and cover are assembled together, the cover reticle contacts <NUM> are not above the movable reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, the reticle pod <NUM> includes at least three cover reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, the reticle pod <NUM> includes four cover reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, the reticle pod <NUM> includes eight cover reticle contacts <NUM>. Cover reticle contacts <NUM> include a material compatible with the reticle material. Compatible materials include materials that provide minimal or no particle generation when in contact with the reticle material, and which cannot scratch or otherwise damage the reticle material. In an embodiment, the compatible material is a polymer material. Cover reticle contacts <NUM> may include the compatible material at least at a contact point configured to contact a reticle when reticle pod <NUM> is assembled. In an embodiment, the cover reticle contacts <NUM> are entirely made of a polymer material suitable for contacting the reticle. Non-limiting examples of the compatible material include polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polyaryl-ether-ketone (PAEK), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyether-imide (PEI), and conductive polymers.

Movable posts <NUM> are one or more posts located on the pod door that are configured to contact the movable reticle contacts <NUM> when reticle pod <NUM> is assembled and pod door <NUM> is fixed to pod dome <NUM> via latch <NUM>. Movable posts <NUM> protrude from a surface of pod door <NUM> facing baseplate <NUM> at least when pod door <NUM> is fixed to pod dome <NUM> via latch <NUM>. Movable posts <NUM> may be flush with pod door <NUM>, recessed into pod door <NUM>, or protruding a smaller distance from pod door <NUM> when pod door <NUM> is not fixed to pod dome <NUM>. Movable posts <NUM> are movable in a direction having a component in a vertical direction with respect to the surface of pod door <NUM> facing baseplate <NUM> when reticle pod <NUM> is assembled. In an embodiment, movable posts <NUM> are movable in the vertical direction with respect to the surface of pod door <NUM> facing baseplate <NUM> when reticle pod <NUM> is assembled. The number of movable posts <NUM> may be the same as the number of movable reticle contacts <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, movable posts <NUM> may have a length such that they extend through the baseplate when the reticle pod <NUM> is assembled and latch <NUM> closed. In this embodiment, apertures are formed in the baseplate <NUM>, for example at the locations of the movable reticle contacts <NUM>. The apertures may be the openings where movable reticle contacts <NUM> are disposed in baseplate <NUM>. In this embodiment, the movable posts may include material compatible with a reticle material. Compatible materials include materials that provide minimal or no particle generation when in contact with the reticle material, and which cannot scratch or otherwise damage the reticle material. In an embodiment, the compatible material is a polymer material. In an embodiment, the movable post <NUM> is made of the compatible material. In an embodiment, the movable post <NUM> includes a contact point including the compatible material. Non-limiting examples of the compatible material include polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polyaryl-ether-ketone (PAEK), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyether-imide (PEI), and conductive polymers. In this embodiment, the apertures in baseplate <NUM> may include seals configured to form a seal around the movable post <NUM> when the movable post <NUM> extends through the aperture. The seals may be, for example, O-rings.

Actuating mechanism <NUM> includes one or more components located within the pod door <NUM> and configured to drive the movable posts based on movement of latch <NUM>. The actuating mechanism <NUM> is any one or more mechanisms to translate movement of the latch <NUM> to movement of the movable posts <NUM>. In an embodiment, actuating mechanism <NUM> includes one or more sliding surfaces formed on latch <NUM>. In an embodiment, actuating mechanism <NUM> includes one or more rocker arms. In an embodiment, actuating mechanism <NUM> includes one or more camming surfaces configured to contact the latch <NUM> such that movement of the latch <NUM> causes actuating mechanism to slide, rock, or cam with respect to the movable posts <NUM>.

Latch <NUM> is a latch securing the pod door <NUM> to pod dome <NUM>. Latch <NUM> may include a latch pin <NUM> configured to, in a deployed position, engage pod dome <NUM> to secure pod door <NUM>. In an embodiment, the latch <NUM> further includes a rotational actuator (not shown) configured to extend and retract the latch pin <NUM>. In an embodiment, the rotational actuator includes a cam, for example, the latch cam <NUM> shown in <FIG> and discussed below. In an embodiment, operation of the rotational actuator drives the one or more movable posts <NUM>. In an embodiment, operation of the rotational actuator can cause lifting of at least a portion of each of the latch pins. In a retracted position, latch <NUM> may be entirely within pod door <NUM>. Latch <NUM> may include one or more sliding surfaces that function as actuating mechanism <NUM>. Latch <NUM> may include one or more engagement features configured to interact with actuating mechanism <NUM>, such as one or more surfaces configured to contact a rocker arm, one or more cams or camming surfaces configured to contact camming surfaces of actuating mechanism <NUM>, or other suitable features for contacting actuating mechanism <NUM>. The engagement features of latch <NUM> may contact the actuating mechanism <NUM> when the latch <NUM> is in the deployed position. In an embodiment, pod door <NUM> includes a knob, switch, toggle, or other such suitable control to move the latch between deployed and retracted states. In an embodiment, latch <NUM> is configured to be deployed when pod door <NUM> is pressed against pod dome <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a plan view of a baseplate <NUM> of a reticle pod according to an embodiment. Baseplate <NUM> includes a space <NUM> for a reticle <NUM> and movable reticle contacts <NUM>. Each of movable reticle contacts <NUM> is retained via a flexible member <NUM>. The reticle contacts <NUM> are located at positions that would correspond to corners of the reticle <NUM> when that reticle is placed within the space for the reticle <NUM>.

Space for the reticle <NUM> is a portion of the baseplate where a reticle may be placed. Reticle <NUM> is illustrated to show the fit of the reticle <NUM> within space for the reticle <NUM>. In an embodiment, space for the reticle <NUM> may be defined by side walls <NUM>. In an embodiment, the space for the reticle <NUM> may be a portion of the surface of the baseplate that is surrounded by the cover when the cover is attached to the baseplate <NUM>. The shape of space for the reticle <NUM> may be configured to follow the shape of the reticle <NUM>, for example being square for a square reticle or circular for a circular reticle. The space for the reticle <NUM> may be sized such that it is slightly larger than the reticle <NUM> to be placed within.

Movable reticle contacts <NUM> are distributed along baseplate <NUM>, within the space for the reticle <NUM>. In an embodiment, the movable reticle contacts are located in the areas <NUM> of the space for the reticle <NUM> corresponding to corners of the reticle <NUM>. When the reticle <NUM> is placed within the space for the reticle <NUM>, it may rest on the movable reticle contacts <NUM>. Movable reticle contacts <NUM> may be made of a suitable material for contacting and retaining the reticle <NUM> in position, such as a polymer material. The material of movable reticle contacts <NUM> may be compatible with the material of reticle <NUM>, such that contact between them does not generate particles or cause any scratches or damage to the reticle <NUM>. In an embodiment, movable reticle contacts include a polymer material at least at the point where they are configured to contact reticle <NUM>. Reticle <NUM> may be placed on movable reticle contacts <NUM> when assembling a reticle pod including baseplate <NUM>. Movable reticle contacts <NUM> may have a standard position and a retention position, where the movable reticle contacts <NUM> are configured to clamp the reticle <NUM> to another feature such as reticle contacts on a cover of the reticle pod including baseplate <NUM>. The standard position may be taken by the movable reticle contacts <NUM> when the pod door is not secured to the pod dome for the reticle pod including baseplate <NUM>. In the standard position, the reticle <NUM> may rest on the movable reticle contacts <NUM> when the reticle <NUM> is placed into the space for the reticle <NUM>. In the standard position, when the pod door is not secured to the pod dome, there may be a gap between an upper surface of the reticle <NUM> and all features of the cover including any reticle contacts on the cover.

Flexible member <NUM> retains movable reticle contact <NUM> to baseplate <NUM>. Flexible member <NUM> may be, for example, a metal spring, a resilient polymer material, or another suitable connection joining reticle contacts <NUM> to baseplate <NUM> such that the movable reticle contacts <NUM> are movable with respect to the baseplate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the flexible member <NUM> may be a metal spring formed integrally with the baseplate <NUM>, for example a metal spring defined by removal of material and providing a connection point for the movable reticle contact <NUM> such as a groove or hole into which a portion of the movable reticle contact may be inserted. Flexible member <NUM> may include a resilient polymer, such as rubber. Flexible member <NUM> may include resilient polymer formed integrally with the movable reticle contact <NUM>, such as posts, tabs, or a ring of resilient polymer extending from the movable reticle contact <NUM> to one or more securing points on the baseplate <NUM>. Flexible member <NUM> may be elastic such that it moves or retains movable reticle contact in the standard position in the absence of other forces, and allows movement of the movable reticle contact <NUM> into the retention position when force is applied to the movable reticle contact <NUM> or the flexible member <NUM>.

One or both of each of the movable reticle contacts <NUM> or flexible member <NUM> include a surface presented on the side of the baseplate <NUM> opposite the side visible in <FIG>. This surface of one or both of each of the movable reticle contacts <NUM> or flexible member <NUM> may be contacted by a movable post included on a pod door of a reticle pod including baseplate <NUM>. Contact with the movable post may cause the movable reticle contacts <NUM> to be moved in a direction having a component perpendicular to the plane of baseplate <NUM>, such that the movable reticle contacts <NUM> are moved towards a cover that is placed on the baseplate. The movement of the movable reticle contacts <NUM> may cause a reticle <NUM> to be clamped between and reticle contacts on the cover. This clamping of reticle <NUM> may secure the position of reticle <NUM> to restrict or prevent movement of the reticle when the reticle pod including baseplate <NUM> is fully assembled and the pod dome is secured to the pod door. The securing of the pod dome to the pod door may be via one or more latches in the pod door. These one or more latches may actuate the movable posts and drive them to contact one or both of each of the movable reticle contacts <NUM> or flexible member <NUM>. The one or more latches may thus cause movement of the movable reticle contacts <NUM> between the standard position and the retention position.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of a reticle pod according to an embodiment. Reticle pod <NUM> includes an outer portion <NUM> including a pod dome <NUM> and a pod door <NUM>. Pod door <NUM> includes a latch cam <NUM> and a latch arm <NUM>. Latch arm <NUM> includes a contact point <NUM> in contact with latch cam <NUM>. Latch arm <NUM> also contacts movable post <NUM> at end <NUM> of the movable post <NUM>. Movable post <NUM> contacts movable reticle contact <NUM>. Movable reticle contact <NUM> extends through baseplate <NUM>. Baseplate <NUM> and cover <NUM> form the inner portion <NUM> of the reticle pod <NUM>. Cover <NUM> includes cover reticle contacts <NUM>. When reticle pod <NUM> is assembled, cover reticle contacts <NUM> and movable reticle contacts <NUM> are configured to clamp a reticle <NUM> within the inner portion <NUM> of the reticle pod <NUM>.

Pod dome <NUM> is part of outer portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. Pod dome <NUM> in part defines an internal space capable of accommodating the inner portion <NUM> of the reticle pod <NUM>. Pod door <NUM> is configured to be joined with pod dome <NUM> to form the outer portion <NUM> and fully define the internal space capable of accommodating the inner portion <NUM>. Pod door <NUM> can be joined to pod dome <NUM> by a latch including latch cam <NUM> and two or more latch arms <NUM>.

Latch cam <NUM> is a cam configured to actuate latch arms <NUM> when the latch cam <NUM> is rotated. Latch cam <NUM> can be joined to a handle allowing a user to drive rotation of the latch cam <NUM>. The latch cam <NUM> can include one or more camming surfaces <NUM> configured to engage contact points <NUM> formed on latch arms <NUM> to move latch arms <NUM>. In an embodiment, the camming surfaces <NUM> drive the ends of latch arms <NUM> having contact points <NUM> upwards as they drive the latch arms <NUM> into extended positions.

Latch arm <NUM> is an arm configured to engage with pod dome <NUM> to secure pod door <NUM> to the pod dome <NUM> when in an extended position. Latch arm <NUM> can also be in a retracted position where it does not engage with pod dome <NUM>. Latch arm <NUM> can be driven to the retracted and extended positions by the operation of the latch cam <NUM>. Contact point <NUM> is a point on latch arm <NUM> that engages with latch cam <NUM>. Contact point <NUM> can be formed integrally with latch arm <NUM>, such as a projection from latch arm <NUM>. Engagement of contact point <NUM> with latch cam <NUM> can drive latch arm <NUM> to move between extended and retracted positions. Engagement of contact point <NUM> with latch cam <NUM> can further cause tilting of the latch arm <NUM>, for example lifting an end of the latch arm <NUM> that includes contact point <NUM> when the latch cam <NUM> drives the latch arm <NUM> to the extended position, as visible in <FIG>.

Movable posts <NUM> are one or more posts located on the pod door that are configured to contact the movable reticle contacts <NUM> when reticle pod <NUM> is assembled and pod door <NUM> is fixed to pod dome <NUM> via the latch including latch cam <NUM> and latch arm <NUM>. Movable posts <NUM> protrude from a surface of pod door <NUM> facing baseplate <NUM> at least when pod door <NUM> is fixed to pod dome <NUM> via the latch including latch cam <NUM> and latch arm <NUM>. Movable posts <NUM> may be flush with pod door <NUM>, recessed into pod door <NUM>, or protruding a smaller distance from pod door <NUM> when pod door <NUM> is not fixed to pod dome <NUM>. Movable posts <NUM> are movable in a direction having a component in a vertical direction with respect to the surface of pod door <NUM> facing baseplate <NUM> when reticle pod <NUM> is assembled. In an embodiment, movable posts <NUM> are movable in the vertical direction with respect to the surface of pod door <NUM> facing baseplate <NUM> when reticle pod <NUM> is assembled. The number of movable posts <NUM> may be the same as the number of movable reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, the vertical direction is perpendicular to the plane of pod door <NUM>.

Movable post <NUM> includes an end <NUM> opposite the movable reticle contact <NUM>. The end <NUM> can contact the latch arm <NUM> such that at least a component of movement of the latch arm <NUM> is transferred to movable post <NUM>. In an embodiment, the component of movement of the latch arm <NUM> that is transferred to movable post <NUM> is the component that is perpendicular to the plane of pod door <NUM>. The contact of the can drive movable post <NUM> to change positions based on the position of the latch arm <NUM>, for example driving the movable post towards the baseplate <NUM> when the latch cam <NUM> is rotated to extend the latch arm <NUM> and in turn raises the end of the latch arm including the contact point <NUM>.

Movable reticle contact <NUM> is movably connected to the baseplate <NUM>. The movable connection may be a connection via a resilient material. Non-limiting examples of the movable connection include a metal spring formed in baseplate <NUM>, a spring separate from but connected to baseplate <NUM>, a polymer such as rubber joining the movable reticle, or any other such movable connection. The movable reticle contacts <NUM> are configured to move in a direction having a component perpendicular to the plane of baseplate <NUM>. In an embodiment the movable reticle contacts are configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the plane of baseplate <NUM>. When baseplate <NUM> and cover <NUM> are joined, the movement of movable reticle contacts <NUM> is such that the movable reticle contacts move in a direction towards or away from cover <NUM>. Movable reticle contacts <NUM> may include material compatible with a reticle material. Compatible materials include materials that provide minimal or no particle generation when in contact with the reticle material, and which cannot scratch or otherwise damage the reticle material. In an embodiment, the compatible material is a polymer material. In an embodiment, the entire movable reticle contact <NUM> is made of the compatible material. In an embodiment, the movable reticle contact includes a contact point including the compatible material. Non-limiting examples of the compatible material include polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polyaryl-ether-ketone (PAEK), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyether-imide (PEI), and conductive polymers.

Baseplate <NUM> is part of the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. When reticle pod <NUM> is assembled, baseplate <NUM> may be supported by pod door <NUM>. The baseplate <NUM> typically forms the lower part of the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. The baseplate <NUM> may be configured such that a reticle <NUM> may rest on baseplate <NUM>. Baseplate <NUM> may be made of a metal or alloy. In an embodiment, baseplate <NUM> includes aluminum. In an embodiment, baseplate <NUM> can include reticle contacts, the reticle contacts having a height that is smaller than the height of the movable reticle contacts <NUM> when the movable reticle contacts <NUM> are extended.

Cover <NUM> is another part of the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may form the upper part of the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM> when the inner portion <NUM> is assembled from baseplate <NUM> and cover <NUM>. Cover <NUM> is configured to be joined to baseplate <NUM>, for example by having matching or mechanically compatible features. When cover <NUM> is joined to baseplate <NUM>, cover <NUM> and baseplate <NUM> define an internal space configured to accommodate a reticle <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may be made of a metal or alloy, for example, aluminum. Cover <NUM> may include one or more cover reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, when the inner portion <NUM> of the reticle pod <NUM> is placed within pod dome <NUM> and pod door <NUM>, and pod door <NUM> is joined to pod dome <NUM>, cover <NUM> is contacted by pod dome <NUM>.

Cover reticle contacts <NUM> are contacts joined to cover <NUM> of the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM>. In an embodiment, cover reticle contacts <NUM> are fixed to the inside of the cover such that they face the baseplate <NUM> when the inner portion <NUM> of reticle pod <NUM> is assembled. In an embodiment, cover reticle contacts <NUM> are fixed in position. Non-limiting examples of the fixation of cover reticle contacts <NUM> include pressing, mechanical fastening, or being integral parts of the cover <NUM>, for example being directly machined into cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, cover reticle contacts <NUM> are movable, for example being retained by resilient members similar to the movable reticle contacts <NUM> joined to baseplate <NUM>. Cover reticle contacts <NUM> may be positioned such that when the baseplate and the cover are assembled, the cover reticle contacts each oppose one of the movable reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, cover reticle contacts <NUM> may be positioned such that they are offset from the movable reticle contacts <NUM>; i.e. that the cover reticle contacts <NUM> and the movable reticle contacts <NUM> are not opposite one another. When the movable reticle contacts <NUM> and the cover reticle contacts <NUM> are offset from one another and the baseplate and cover are assembled together, the cover reticle contacts <NUM> are not above the movable reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, the reticle pod <NUM> includes at least three cover reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, the reticle pod <NUM> includes four cover reticle contacts <NUM>. In an embodiment, the reticle pod <NUM> includes eight cover reticle contacts <NUM>. Cover reticle contacts <NUM> include a material compatible with the reticle material. Compatible materials include materials that provide minimal or no particle generation when in contact with the reticle material, and which cannot scratch or otherwise damage the reticle material. In an embodiment, the compatible material is a polymer material. Cover reticle contacts <NUM> may include the compatible material at least at a contact point configured to contact a reticle when reticle pod <NUM> is assembled. In an embodiment, the cover reticle contacts <NUM> are entirely made of a polymer material suitable for contacting the reticle. Non-limiting examples of the compatible material include polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polyaryl-ether-ketone (PAEK), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyether-imide (PEI), and conductive polymers.

Baseplate <NUM> and cover <NUM> join together to form inner portion <NUM> of the reticle pod <NUM>. Inner portion <NUM> is located entirely inside the space within pod dome <NUM> and pod door <NUM>.

Reticle <NUM> is a reticle such as, for example, a photolithography mask. Reticle <NUM> can be located within an internal space of the inner portion <NUM> of the reticle pod <NUM>. When reticle <NUM> is located within the inner portion <NUM>, the inner portion is located within the outer portion <NUM>, and pod dome <NUM> and pod door <NUM> are secured to one another by the latch including latch cam <NUM> and latch arm <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart of a method of moving one or more reticle contacts according to an embodiment. The method <NUM> includes activating one or more latches located in a pod door, attaching the pod door to a pod dome <NUM>. The method <NUM> further includes driving one or more movable posts to extend in a direction having a component perpendicular to a plane of the pod door <NUM>. The method <NUM> also includes contacting one or more movable reticle contacts of a baseplate via the one or more movable posts <NUM>.

One or more latches located in a pod door are activated attaching the pod door to a pod dome at <NUM>. The pod door and the pod dome may form an outer portion of a reticle pod. The pod door and the pod dome may define an internal space. The pod door and the pod dome may be, for example, pod door <NUM> and pod door <NUM> described above and shown in <FIG>. Activating the latch at <NUM> causes the latch to move into a deployed position where the latch secures the pod door to the pod dome. An inner portion of the reticle pod including a cover and a baseplate, such as cover <NUM> and baseplate <NUM> or baseplate <NUM> may be included within the internal space. The one or more latches may be activated <NUM> automatically by attaching the pod door to the pod dome. The one or more latches may be activated <NUM> by mechanically operating a knob, slider, or other feature, either manually or via another device. Activation of the one or more latches at <NUM> causes the latches to move. Movement of the latches caused by activation of <NUM> may cause contact between the latches and one or more actuator mechanism or direct contact with one or more movable posts.

One or more movable posts are driven to extend in a direction having a component perpendicular to a plane of the pod door at <NUM>. In an embodiment, the movable posts are driven as a result of the activation of the one or more latches at <NUM>. The movable posts may be connected to the pod door. The movable posts may be positioned so that each corresponds to a reticle contact included in a baseplate that is included in the reticle pod, the baseplate being part of the inner portion of the reticle pod in an internal space defined by the pod door and the pod dome. The movable posts may be driven via their contact with the one or more latches or with one or more actuators. Contact between the movable post and the latch may be at sliding surfaces respectively included in each of the latch and the movable post. The one or more actuators may include, for example, a rocker arm, a camming surface, or a sliding surface. In an embodiment, one or more of the movable posts are driven by contact between the movable post and a sliding surface included on the latch. The sliding surface may have a wedge shape. The wedge shape of the sliding surface may drive the movement of the movable post in the direction having a component perpendicular to a plane of the pod door. The direction having a component perpendicular to a plane of the pod door may be a direction towards the baseplate of an inner part of the reticle pod when the reticle pod is assembled. In an embodiment, a rocker arm is actuated by the latch, and the rocker arm drives the one or more movable posts. In an embodiment, a camming surface of each actuator contacts the latch, with movement of the latch causing camming that results in movement of the actuator that in turn drives the one or more movable posts are driven to extend in a direction having a component perpendicular to a plane of the pod door.

In an embodiment, one or more movable reticle contacts of a baseplate are contacted via the one or more movable posts <NUM>. As a result of the contact at <NUM>, the one or more movable reticle contacts in the baseplate may be moved towards a cover that is part of the inner portion of the reticle pod. When the one or more movable contacts are contacted by the movable posts at <NUM>, the movable reticle contacts may be moved towards a cover joined to the baseplate. Movement of the movable reticle contacts may be to a position such that a reticle located between the cover and the baseplate would be clamped between the movable reticle contact and reticle contacts on a cover joined to the baseplate. This clamping may be such that it secures the reticle while the cover and baseplate are joined, while combined reticle cover and baseplate are located within the pod door and pod dome, and while the pod door is latched to the pod dome. The reticle contacts may be retained in this position by the movable posts while the pod door remains secured to the pod dome via the latch actuated at <NUM>. In an embodiment, movement of the one or more movable reticle contacts may be movement of each of the movable reticle contacts towards a reticle contact on the cover, opposite each of the one or more movable reticle contacts. In an embodiment, movement of the one or more movable reticle contacts is towards the cover, and reticle contacts included on the cover are offset from the movable reticle contacts on the baseplate, such that the respective reticle contacts on the cover and the baseplate are not opposite one another.

In an embodiment, step <NUM> may be replaced by extending the movable posts through apertures in the baseplate <NUM>. In this embodiment, the baseplate includes an aperture for each of the one or more movable posts. The movable posts are driven to pass through the apertures when the one or more movable posts are driven to extend in a direction having a component perpendicular to a plane of the pod door at <NUM>. In an embodiment, the movable posts may be pushed through a seal configured to form a seal at the aperture when the movable post is extending through the aperture. The seal may be, as a non-limiting example, an O-ring. In an embodiment, the movable posts may include a contact surface made of a compatible material.

It is understood that any of aspects <NUM>-<NUM> can be combined with any of aspects <NUM>-<NUM>. It is understood that any of aspects <NUM>-<NUM> may be combined with any of aspects <NUM>-<NUM>.

Claim 1:
A reticle pod (<NUM>/<NUM>), comprising: an inner portion (<NUM>/<NUM>) including a cover (<NUM>/<NUM>) and a baseplate (<NUM>/<NUM>), wherein the cover includes one or more cover reticle contacts (<NUM>/<NUM>) joined to the cover and the baseplate includes one or more movable reticle contacts (<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>), the one or more movable reticle contacts each configured to be movable in a direction having a component perpendicular to the plane of the baseplate; and an outer portion (<NUM>/<NUM>) including a pod dome (<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>) and a pod door (<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>), wherein the pod door includes one or more movable posts (<NUM>/<NUM>) and one or more latches (<NUM>) configured to drive the one or more movable posts, wherein when the inner portion is located within the outer portion and the pod door is fixed to the pod dome, the one or more movable posts contact the one or more movable reticle contacts such that the one or more movable reticle contacts are moved towards the cover.