Patent ID: 7638732

Claim:
An apparatus for forming a plating mask having a plurality of slots each focused at a common focal point, the apparatus configured for use with an energy beam defining a beam axis and of sufficient intensity to cut slots in the plating mask, the apparatus comprising: a base fixed with respect to the beam axis and a pivot point, the beam axis intersecting the pivot point, wherein the pivot point forms a focal point for slots formed in the plating mask by the energy beam; a frame connected to the base through a linkage and defining a frame radius from the pivot point, the frame configured and arranged hold the plating mask in a plane perpendicular the frame radius, wherein the frame includes a gimbal configured to allow the linkage to pivot at the pivot point about first and second orthogonal axes in two orthogonal angular directions, respectively, each of the axes being fixed relative to the beam axis of the energy beam, and wherein the frame is movable such that the intersection point frame and the frame radius is movable through a loci of points defining a portion of an imaginary spherical surface centered about the pivot point; and an adjustment assembly connected between the base and the frame and adapted to move the frame about the imaginary spherical surface, wherein movement of the frame about the imaginary spherical surface allows the energy beam to cut intrinsically spherically focused slots into a plating mask held by the frame, wherein the slots are configured and arranged for spherically focusing at the common focal point X-ray radiation that is incident on the plating mask.