Abstract: A method for forming an optical fiber array. A substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface is provided. The substrate is provided with a plurality of apertures extending through the substrate from the first surface to the second surface. In addition, a plurality of fibers are provided. The fibers have fiber ends with a diameter smaller than the smallest diameter of the apertures. A first fiber is inserted in a first corresponding aperture, from the first surface side of the substrate, such that the fiber end is positioned in close proximity of the second surface. The inserted first fiber is bent in a predetermined direction such that the fiber abuts a side wall of the first aperture at a predetermined position. After the first fiber is bent, a second fiber is inserted in a second corresponding aperture, from the first surface side of the substrate, such that the fiber end is positioned in close proximity of the second surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charged-particle multi-beamlet lithography system for transferring a pattern onto the surface of a target. The system comprises a beam generator for generating a plurality of charged particle beamlets, a beamlet blanker array for patterning the beamlets in accordance with a pattern, and a projection system for projecting the patterned beamlets onto the target surface. The blanker array comprises a plurality of modulators and a plurality of light sensitive elements. The light sensitive elements are arranged to receive pattern data carrying light beams and to convert the light beams into electrical signals. The light sensitive elements are electrically connected to one or more modulators for providing the received pattern data. The blanker array is coupled to a fiber fixation substrate which accommodates end sections of a plurality of fibers for providing pattern data carrying light beams as an assembled group with a fixed connection.

Abstract: A method for forming an optical fiber array. A substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface is provided. The substrate is provided with a plurality of apertures extending through the substrate from the first surface to the second surface. In addition, a plurality of fibers are provided. The fibers have fiber ends with a diameter smaller than the smallest diameter of the apertures. A first fiber is inserted in a first corresponding aperture, from the first surface side of the substrate, such that the fiber end is positioned in close proximity of the second surface. The inserted first fiber is bent in a predetermined direction such that the fiber abuts a side wall of the first aperture at a predetermined position. After the first fiber is bent, a second fiber is inserted in a second corresponding aperture, from the first surface side of the substrate, such that the fiber end is positioned in close proximity of the second surface.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical fiber array. The method comprises providing a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The substrate is provided with a plurality of apertures extending through the substrate from the first surface to the second surface. Additionally, a plurality of fibers is provided. The fibers have fiber ends with a diameter smaller than the smallest diameter of the apertures. For each fiber, from the first surface side of the substrate, the fiber is inserted in a corresponding aperture such that the fiber end is positioned in close proximity of the second surface. Then the fiber is bent in a predetermined direction such that the fiber abuts a side wall of the aperture at a predetermined position. Finally, the bent fibers are bonded together using an adhesive material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charged-particle multi-beamlet lithography system. The system comprises a beam generator for generating a plurality of beamlets, a beamlet blanker array for patterning the plurality of beamlets, an optical fiber arrangement, and a projection system. The beamlet blanker array comprises a substrate provided with a first area comprising one or more modulators and a second area free of modulators. The beamlet blanker array comprises one or more light sensitive elements, electrically connected to the one or more modulators, and arranged to receive light beams carrying pattern data. The optical fiber arrangement comprises a plurality of optical fibers for guiding the light beams carrying pattern data towards the one or more light sensitive elements. The projection of the optical fiber arrangement onto a surface of the beamlet blanker array in a direction perpendicular to the surface falls entirely within the second area.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical fiber array. The method comprises providing a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The substrate is provided with a plurality of apertures extending through the substrate from the first surface to the second surface. Additionally, a plurality of fibers is provided. The fibers have fiber ends with a diameter smaller than the smallest diameter of the apertures. For each fiber, from the first surface side of the substrate, the fiber is inserted in a corresponding aperture such that the fiber end is positioned in close proximity of the second surface. Then the fiber is bent in a predetermined direction such that the fiber abuts a side wall of the aperture at a predetermined position. Finally, the bent fibers are bonded together using an adhesive material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charged-particle multi-beamlet lithography system. The system comprises a beam generator for generating a plurality of beamlets, a beamlet blanker array for patterning the plurality of beamlets, an optical fiber arrangement, and a projection system. The beamlet blanker array comprises a substrate provided with a first area comprising one or more modulators and a second area free of modulators. The beamlet blanker array comprises one or more light sensitive elements, electrically connected to the one or more modulators, and arranged to receive light beams carrying pattern data. The optical fiber arrangement comprises a plurality of optical fibers for guiding the light beams carrying pattern data towards the one or more light sensitive elements. The projection of the optical fiber arrangement onto a surface of the beamlet blanker array in a direction perpendicular to the surface falls entirely within the second area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charged-particle multi-beamlet lithography system for transferring a pattern onto the surface of a target. The system comprises a beam generator for generating a plurality of charged particle beamlets, a beamlet blanker array for patterning the beamlets in accordance with a pattern, and a projection system for projecting the patterned beamlets onto the target surface. The blanker array comprises a plurality of modulators and a plurality of light sensitive elements. The light sensitive elements are arranged to receive pattern data carrying light beams and to convert the light beams into electrical signals. The light sensitive elements are electrically connected to one or more modulators for providing the received pattern data. The blanker array is coupled to a fiber fixation substrate which accommodates end sections of a plurality of fibers for providing pattern data carrying light beams as an assembled group with a fixed connection.

Abstract: A method for forming an optical fiber array. A substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface is provided. The substrate is provided with a plurality of apertures extending through the substrate from the first surface to the second surface. In addition, a plurality of fibers are provided. The fibers have fiber ends with a diameter smaller than the smallest diameter of the apertures. A first fiber is inserted in a first corresponding aperture, from the first surface side of the substrate, such that the fiber end is positioned in close proximity of the second surface. The inserted first fiber is bent in a predetermined direction such that the fiber abuts a side wall of the first aperture at a predetermined position. After the first fiber is bent, a second fiber is inserted in a second corresponding aperture, from the first surface side of the substrate, such that the fiber end is positioned in close proximity of the second surface.