Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating a process structure, such as a mask or mask blank. The methods include, for instance: providing a silicon substrate; forming a multi-layer, extreme ultra-violet lithography (EUVL) structure over the silicon substrate; subsequent to forming the multi-layer EUVL structure over the crystalline substrate, reducing a thickness of the silicon substrate; and attaching a low-thermal-expansion material (LTEM) substrate to one of the multi-layer EUVL structure, or the reduced silicon substrate. In one implementation, the silicon substrate is a silicon wafer with a substantially defect-free surface upon which the multi-layer EUVL structure is formed. The multi-layer EUVL structure may include multiple bi-layers of a first material and a second material, as well as a capping layer, and optionally, an absorber layer, where the absorber layer is patternable to facilitating forming a EUVL mask from the process structure.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating a process structure, such as a mask or mask blank. The methods include, for instance: providing a silicon substrate; forming a multi-layer, extreme ultra-violet lithography (EUVL) structure over the silicon substrate; subsequent to forming the multi-layer EUVL structure over the crystalline substrate, reducing a thickness of the silicon substrate; and attaching a low-thermal-expansion material (LTEM) substrate to one of the multi-layer EUVL structure, or the reduced silicon substrate. In one implementation, the silicon substrate is a silicon wafer with a substantially defect-free surface upon which the multi-layer EUVL structure is formed. The multi-layer EUVL structure may include multiple bi-layers of a first material and a second material, as well as a capping layer, and optionally, an absorber layer, where the absorber layer is patternable to facilitating forming a EUVL mask from the process structure.

Abstract: A reflective optical illumination collector is described. In one example, the collector has a ring to collect light from a light source within a range of incident angles and to reflect the light off an inner surface of the ring to a target image of the collector. A plurality of rings concentric to the first ring may also be used. Each ring collects light from the light source within a range of incident angles and reflects the light off an inner surface of the respective ring to the target image of the collector.

Abstract: Modular containment cell arrangements, including modular containment cells to contain an item and at least one processing material associated with processing of the item.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an adjustable EUV light source may be used for photolithography. The EUV light source, such as an electrode, is mounted in an adjustable housing. The housing can be adjusted to change the distance between the light source and focusing mirrors, which in turn changes the partial coherence value of the system. The partial coherence value can be changed to print different types of semiconductor features.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an adjustable EUV light source may be used for photolithography. The EUV light source, such as an electrode, is mounted in an adjustable housing. The housing can be adjusted to change the distance between the light source and focusing mirrors, which in turn changes the partial coherence value of the system. The partial coherence value can be changed to print different types of semiconductor features.

Abstract: Modular containment cell arrangements, including modular containment cells to contain an item and at least one processing material associated with processing of the item.