Patent ID: 7507506

Claim:
A method of creating multi-layer masks comprising: analyzing masking requirements of a pre-coated quartz photomask, comprising: creating pairings of all masking layers requiring substantially similar processing, wherein the pairings include less critical sub-fields that are capable of printing on laser lithography tools, and more critical sub-fields that require e-beam for printing, wherein said less critical sub-fields comprise chiplets, barcodes, and global alignment marks, wherein if the pairings do not total a number divisible by a number of sub-fields required, then the pairings are combined; coating the photomask with a photoresist; exposing said less critical sub-fields and patterns on a first mask writer where a maximum image size and image placement control are not required, wherein said first mask writer comprises a laser projection system; moving the photomask from the first mask writer to a second mask writer, located outside said first mask writer, wherein said second mask writer comprises an electron beam direct write system; exposing said more critical sub-fields and patterns that require a maximum image size and placement control with the second mask writer; developing the photoresist to reveal latent images that are formed in said first mask writer and said second mask writer; transferring pattern of the photoresist to an underlying masking layer by using one of direct chemical attack or reactive-ion etching; and removing the photoresist from the photomask.