Patent ID: 6841311

Claim:
A method for cleaning the surface of a phase shift mask, comprising the steps of: providing a Phase Shift Mask (PSM), said PSM having been provided with a pattern of phase shifter material over a second surface of said PSM, a pellicle having been provided over the surface of said pattern of phase shifter material; removing said pellicle from the surface of said pattern of phase shifter material; applying a first SC1 rinse to the surface of the mask; performing a first DIW rinse of the surface of the mask; applying a H 2 SO 4 /H 2 O 2 rinse to the surface of the mask; performing a second DIW rinse of the surface of the mask; applying a second SC1 rinse to the surface of the mask; and performing a second DIW rinse of the surface of the mask.