Abstract: An exposure method, an exposure apparatus, an X-ray mask and a resist for achieving enhanced resolution and throughput compared with those having been accomplished are provided and further a semiconductor device and a microstructure manufactured by using them are provided. According to the exposure method, X rays emitted from an X-ray source are radiated to a resist film via an X-ray mask. A material constituting the resist film is selected to have an average wavelength of X rays absorbed by the resist film that is equal to or smaller than an average wavelength of X rays radiated to the resist film.

Abstract: An X-ray absorber is deposited on a membrane. A stress adjust step is applied so that the average film stress of the X-ray absorber is 0. After patterning the X-ray absorber, the position accuracy of the pattern is measured. Then, a stress adjust process is applied to the patterned X-ray mask. Accordingly, a stress adjustment method is used to acquire an X-ray mask that has no pattern position offset of the X-ray absorber.

Abstract: An X-ray mask which is provided with an alignment mark and a transfer circuit pattern having a high position accuracy can be manufactured through a simplified manufacturing process. A membrane allowing passage of X-rays is formed on a substrate. A X-ray absorber intercepting transmission of X-rays is formed on the membrane. The substrate includes a window exposing the membrane. The X-ray absorber includes a transfer circuit pattern and an alignment mark formed in a region not overlapping with the window in a plan view.

Abstract: The X-ray mask manufactured according to the present invention can solve a problem that the thin film stress of the X-ray absorber cannot be made to be zero although the mean thin film stress throughout the X-ray absorber can be made to be zero. The thin film stress distribution over the X-ray absorber 4 after the X-ray absorber 4 has been formed on a silicon substrate 1 is measured, and then inputs of electric power to heaters 9a, 9b and 9c of a hot plate 8 are changed so as to heat the X-ray absorber 4 to temperatures according to a specified temperature distribution with which the thin film stress throughout the X-ray absorber can be made to be zero.

Abstract: The X-ray mask manufactured according to the present invention can solve a problem that the thin film stress of the X-ray absorber cannot be made to be zero although the mean thin film stress throughout the X-ray absorber can be made to be zero. The thin film stress distribution over the X-ray absorber 4 after the X-ray absorber 4 has been formed on a silicon substrate 1 is measured, and then inputs of electric power to heaters 9a, 9b and 9c of a hot plate 8 are changed so as to heat the X-ray absorber 4 to temperatures according to a specified temperature distribution with which the thin film stress throughout the X-ray absorber can be made to be zero.

Abstract: A method of making a X-ray mask including: a step of forming a X-ray absorber above a substrate; a step of controlling a stress of the X-ray absorber by a predetermined condition; and wherein the predetermined condition for controlling the stress of the X-ray absorber formed above the substrate is determined by a measured value of a stress of a X-ray absorber formed on a monitor substrate.

Abstract: In order to provide an X-ray absorber low in the internal stress and suitable for forming a high accurate pattern and its fabrication method, an X-ray absorber for an X-ray mask is intended to contain tungsten and nitrogen, or tungsten, titanium and nitrogen, and to have an amorphous structure.