Abstract: X-ray masks are typically made by depositing and patterning a layer of heavy metal on a thin supporting membrane. The metal layer must have a relatively low and uniform stress to prevent stress-induced deformation of the pattern. Tungsten films having excellent stress characteristics are produced by employing a continuously operating capacitance-based measurement technique to allow adjustment of the deposition conditions in rapid response to changes in stress of the film being deposited. The stress gradients in the film are further reduced by transferring heat from the membrane as the metal is deposited thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for locally removing at least a portion of a material layer structure in which first and second materials are provided, the second material having a higher etch rate by an activated reaction gas than the first material. The second material is disposed over at least a portion of the first material. A reaction gas flows adjacent a portion of the second material to be removed. The reaction gas is chemically reactive with at least the second material to form volatile reaction products when activated by a focused particle beam, but does not spontaneously react with the second material.The portion of the second material to be removed is irradiated with a focused particle beam. Exemplary particle beams are focused ion beams and electron beams. The focused particle beam initiates a chemical reaction between the portion of the second material and the reaction gas, forming volatile reaction products which desorb from the substrate and are removed.

Abstract: X-ray masks are typically made by depositing and patterning a layer of heavy metal on a thin supporting membrane. The metal layer must have a relatively low stress to prevent stress-induced deformation of the pattern. Tungsten films having excellent stress characteristics are produced by employing a continuously operating capacitance-based measurement technique to allow adjustment of the deposition conditions in rapid response to changes in stress of the film being deposited.

Abstract: X-ray masks are typically made by depositing and patterning a layer of heavy metal on a thin supporting membrane. The metal layer must have a relatively low stress to prevent stress-induced deformation of the pattern. Tungsten films having excellent stress characteristics are produced by employing a continuously operating capacitance-based measurement technique to allow adjustment of the deposition conditions in rapid response to changes in stress of the film being deposited.