Abstract: The present invention relates to a defect inspection apparatus for a phase shift mask that is capable of detecting phase shifter defects that cannot be detected by conventional inspection techniques, by a simple method using an optical method and a comparison of electric signals. In a defect inspection apparatus for a phase shift mask having a phase shifter pattern provided on a mask transparent substrate 1, after the phase shifter pattern has been formed, a phase shifter defect inspection is performed from the mask transparent substrate 1 side of the phase shift mask 1. To perform the defect inspection, light 12 is applied to the phase shift mask 1 from the mask transparent substrate 1 side thereof, and reflection images of at least two different phase shifter pattern fabricated regions are captured by photoelectric conversion light-receiving elements 15a and 15b.

Abstract: A main objective of the present invention is to provide a method of making a foreign matter harmless which can make the foreign matter, after attaching a pellicle, existing on a transmitting region of a reticle with a pellicle harmless, under pellicle attached condition. For attaining the above-described objective, the present invention provides a method of making a foreign matter harmless wherein a foreign matter existing on a transmitting region of a reticle with a pellicle is irradiated with laser, via the pellicle membrane to make the foreign matter harmless.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a defect inspection apparatus for a phase shift mask that is capable of detecting phase shifter defects that cannot be detected by conventional inspection techniques, by a simple method using an optical method and a comparison of electric signals. In a defect inspection apparatus for a phase shift mask having a phase shifter pattern provided on a mask transparent substrate 1 to produce a phase difference in transmitted light, after the phase shifter pattern has been formed, a phase shifter defect inspection is performed from the mask transparent substrate 1 side of the phase shift mask 1. To perform the defect inspection, light 12 is applied to the phase shift mask 1 from the mask transparent substrate 1 side thereof, and reflection images of at least two different phase shifter pattern fabricated regions are captured by photoelectric conversion light-receiving elements 15a and 15b.