Abstract: This invention relates to a mask blank for use in EUV lithography and a method for its production. The mask blank comprises a substrate with a front side and a rear side whereby a coating is applied to the front side for use as a mask in EUV lithography and the rear side of the substrate comprises an electrically conductive coating. The electrically conductive coating is particularly abrasion resistant and strongly adhesive according to DIN 58196-5 (German Industry Standard), DIN 58196-4 and DIN 58196-6 and characterised by a minimum electrical conductivity. The electrically conductive coating is applied by means of ion-beam-assisted sputtering. Since the electrically conductive coating on the rear side is so abrasion resistant and strongly adhesive, the mask blank may be gripped, held and handled by means of an electrostatic holding device (chuck) without any troublesome abrasion occurring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for removing an edge region of a layer applied to a substrate and for coating a substrate, in particular, with a photoresist layer. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a substrate, onto which a layer, in particular, a photoresist layer for use in a microlithographic process, is applied, wherein an edge region of the layer is removed according to the invention. In the method, a laser beam is imaged onto the edge region, and the edge region is removed by the laser beam. In this manner, the edge region can be removed reliably and precisely, without damage to or contamination of regions of the layer which are not to be removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photo mask blank, a photo mask, a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a photo mask blank in general, and for manufacturing a photo mask blank by particle beam sputtering in particular. It is an object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing a photo mask blank of high quality and high stability that is suitable for the production of a photo mask having small structures. The invention proposes a method for manufacturing a photo mask blank, wherein a substrate and a target are provided in a vacuum chamber. The target is sputtered by irradiating with a first particle or ion beam and at least a first layer of a first material is deposited on the substrate by the sputtering of said target.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mask blank for use in EUV lithography and a method for its production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photo mask blank, a photo mask, a method and an apparatus for manufacturing of a photo mask blank in general and for manufacturing of a photo mask blank by particle beam sputtering in particular.