Abstract: The present invention relates to embedded attenuated phase shift mask blanks for use in lithography for an exposure wavelength of 300 nm or less, and a method of fabricating such mask blanks by ion beam deposition. In particular, the mask blanks comprise a substrate and a thin film system wherein the thin film system comprises a transmission control sublayer comprising one or more metals or metal compounds selected from the group consisting of Mg, Y, La, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Ge, Sn, Pb, oxides, nitrides, borides and carbides thereof, and combinations of metals and compounds thereof; and a phase shift control sublayer comprising borides, carbides, oxides and/or nitrides of Ge, Si and/or Al or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a mask blank (1) for photolithographic applications, particularly in EUV lithography, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate (2) which has a front side (4) and a rear side (3); depositing an electrically conductive layer (5) on the rear side of the substrate; depositing a coating on the front side of the substrate, wherein the coating comprises at least a first layer (6) and a second layer (9); and structuring the coating (6, 9) for photolithographic applications; wherein a respective handling area (22; 22a-22c) is formed on the front side (4) at least at one predefined location, said handling area not being structured for photolithographic applications and being designed for the handling of the mask blank (1) by means of a mechanical clamp or handling device, and wherein the first layer (6) is exposed in the respective handling area (22; 22a-22c) so that, when the mask blank (1) is handled from the front side, the mechanical clamp or handling devi

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing of a mask blank for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate having a front surface and a back surface; depositing a film comprising tantalum nitride (TaN) on said front surface of said substrate for absorbing EUV light used during a photolithographic process; and depositing a conductive coating on said back surface of said substrate. Preferably, ion beam sputtering is used for depositing the film comprising tantalum nitride (TaN) and/or the conductive coating on the back surface of the substrate. Preferably, Xenon is used as a sputter gas for ion beam sputtering. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a mask blank for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography.

Abstract: A mask blank and photomask for exposure light having a wavelength of 300 nm or is less described having an improved chemical durability in particular with respect to alkaline cleaning procedures. In particular, a mask blank and photomask comprise an additional ultra thin protection layer provided on a silicon and/or aluminum containing layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phase shift mask blanks for exposure wavelength of less than 300 nm, a process for their preparation, to phase shift masks manufactured by such phase shift mask blanks and a process for the preparation of said phase shift masks.

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 liquid coating device (10) comprising a rotor housing (12) accommodating one or more spray rotors (22). The spray rotors (22) comprise a drive device (46), a drive shaft (42), a bearing element (50) and a spray disk (38). The spray disk (38) is arranged above the bearing element (50). According to the invention, maintenance and lifespan of the liquid coating device (10) are improved significantly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet-feeding device for delivering printed sheets produced by a printing press, having a plurality of grippers which grasp the sheets and transport them from the printing press in the direction of a stacking device, characterized in that the sheet-feeding device is provided with at least one linear motor for transporting the grippers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for moistening a web-shaped material, wherein the moistening device is designed as a device for mobile use, and wherein the web-shaped material can be laterally pushed into the moistening device.

Abstract: A dish rack for a dishwasher, including a frame and a coating covering the frame and configured to distribute water over a surface of the coating in a thin film.