Abstract: Improved systems, apparatus, and methods for detecting positions of moving stages and a reference position of a beam column are provided. For some embodiments, independent discrete interferometers may be utilized for distance measurements in each axis, rather than a cumbersome monolithic multi-axis interferometer utilized in conventional systems.

Abstract: Improved systems, apparatus, and methods for detecting positions of moving stages and a reference position of a beam column are provided. For some embodiments, independent discrete interferometers may be utilized for distance measurements in each axis, rather than a cumbersome monolithic multi-axis interferometer utilized in conventional systems.

Abstract: The present invention includes a software system for developing a values-based, behavior-driven human resources system for at least one organization that includes a plurality of personnel. The software system includes a first software program that is operable to receive at least one input and generate at least one values-based, behavior-driven business factor based on the at least one input and a first sub-program operable to receive the at least one values-based, behavior-driven business factor and generate at least one output based on said at least one business factor and communicate the at least one output to the personnel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to compensate for low-frequency tracking errors in motion control of a movable stage are provided. By recording tracking errors during earlier traversal of a trajectory, filtering, and applying those recorded tracking errors to subsequent traversals of the same or a similar trajectory, tracking errors of the subsequent traversals may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: The PSF for a metrology array for high resolution particle beam profile measurement has been improved by improving five major elements of the metrology array. While improvement in each of the five elements provides and improved PSF, a combination of all five of the elements provides an unexpected synergistic effect. The individual elements include the use of a plurality of slots as apertures; use of a high-Z material in forming the array; employing sidewalls on the slotted opening apertures where the sidewall forms an angle with a horizontal surface at the base of the array which is at least 75°; employing a knife edge where the upper corner radius ranges from about 1 nm to about 5 nm; and providing a surface finish at the upper corner of each knife edge which is less than 5 nm RMS.

Abstract: Improved systems, apparatus, and methods for detecting positions of moving stages and a reference position of a beam column are provided. For some embodiments, independent discrete interferometers may be utilized for distance measurements in each axis, rather than a cumbersome monolithic multi-axis interferometer utilized in conventional systems.

Abstract: A significant improvement in the alignment of a particle-beam-generated pattern relative to a pre-existing pattern present on a substrate has been accomplished using optical measurement to register the particle beam to the pre-existing pattern. Use of a position fiducial which can be accurately measured by both an optical microscope and a particle beam axis is used to align a pre-existing pattern with a particle-beam-generated pattern during writing of the particle-beam-generated pattern. Registration of the pre-existing pattern to the fiducial and registration of the particle beam axis to the fiducial periodically during production of the particle-beam-generated pattern continually provides an improvement in the overall alignment of the pattern being created to the pre-existing pattern on the substrate. The improved method of alignment can be used to correct for drift, or thermal expansion, or gravitational sag, by way of example.

Abstract: We have developed a method of registration of a particle beam to internal alignment targets present within photoresist areas which are to be imaged. The method does not affect the photoresist, so the quality of pattern produced in the resist after imaging is not affected. The method used for registration of the particle beam to internal alignment targets also can be used to align a pattern in real time, while the pattern is being created, with the internal alignment targets. The real time alignment during creation of a pattern image in the photoresist can be used to correct for drift, or thermal expansion, or gravitational sag, by way of example.

Abstract: An improved roof or canopy system for a dog kennel or the like of the type that includes substantially parallel spaced apart walls and substantially parallel spaced apart substantially horizontal pipe sections at or near the top of the spaced apart walls.

Abstract: An electron beam lithography system includes a laser for generating a laser beam, and a beam splitter for splitting the laser beam into a plurality of light beams. The intensity of the light beams is individually modulated. The light beams are of sufficient energy such that, when they impinge on a photocathode, electrons are emitted. Modulation of the light beams controls modulation of the resulting electron beams. The electron beams are provided to an electron column for focusing and scanning control. Finally, the electron beams are used to write a scanning surface, for example, using an interlaced writing strategy.

Abstract: An electron beam lithography system includes a laser for generating a laser beam, and a beam splitter for splitting the laser beam into a plurality of light beams. The intensity of the light beams is individually modulated. The light beams are of sufficient energy such that, when they impinge on a photocathode, electrons are emitted. Modulation of the light beams controls modulation of the resulting electron beams. The electron beams are provided to an electron column for focusing and scanning control. Finally, the electron beams are used to write a scanning surface, for example, using an interlaced writing strategy.

Abstract: An electron beam imaging apparatus capable of projecting an electron beam image on a substrate comprises a vacuum chamber having a wall and a substrate support. An electron beam source, modulator, and scanner is provided to generate, modulate, and scan one or more electron beams across the substrate. A controller is capable of generating or receiving an electrical signal to communicate with the electron beam source, modulator or scanner. One or more signal convertors are capable of converting the electrical signal to an optical signal and vice versa, the signal convertors located on either side of the wall.