Abstract: A Sn vapor EUV LLP source system for EUV lithography is disclosed. The system generates a Sn vapor column from a supply of Sn liquid. The Sn column has a Sn-atom density of <1019 atoms/cm3 and travels at or near sonic speeds. The system also has a Sn vapor condenser arranged to receive the Sn vapor column and condense the Sn vapor to form recycled Sn liquid. A pulse laser irradiates a section of the Sn vapor column. Each pulse generates an under-dense Sn plasma having an electron density of <1019 electrons/cm3, thereby allowing the under-dense Sn plasma substantially isotropically emit EUV radiation.

Abstract: A source-collector module for an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system, the module including a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that generates EUV radiation and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative thereto and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system wherein a pulsed laser beam travels on-axis through the GIC and is incident upon solid, moveable LPP target. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation therefrom at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. An example GIC mirror design is presented that includes a polynomial surface-figure correction to compensate for GIC shell thickness effects, thereby improve far-field imaging performance.

Abstract: Source-collector modules for use with EUV lithography systems are disclosed, wherein the source-collector modules employ a laser-produced plasma EUV radiation source and a grazing-incidence collector. The EUV radiation source is generated by first forming an under-dense plasma, and then irradiating the under-dense plasma with infrared radiation of sufficient intensity to create a final EUV-emitting plasma. The grazing incidence collector can include a grating configured to prevent infrared radiation from reaching the intermediate focus. Use of debris mitigation devices preserves the longevity of operation of the source-collector modules.

Abstract: A Sn vapor EUV LLP source system for EUV lithography is disclosed. The system generates a Sn vapor column from a supply of Sn liquid. The Sn column has a Sn-atom density of <1019 atoms/cm3 and travels at or near sonic speeds. The system also has a Sn vapor condenser arranged to receive the Sn vapor column and condense the Sn vapor to form recycled Sn liquid. A pulse laser irradiates a section of the Sn vapor column. Each pulse generates an under-dense Sn plasma having an electron density of <1019 electrons/cm3, thereby allowing the under-dense Sn plasma substantially isotropically emit EUV radiation.

Abstract: A collector system for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation includes a collector mirror and a radiation-collection enhancement device (RCED) arranged adjacent an aperture member of an illuminator. The collector mirror directs EUV radiation from an EUV radiation source towards the aperture member. The RCED redirects a portion of the EUV radiation that would not otherwise pass through the aperture of the aperture member or that would not have an optimum angular distribution, to pass through the aperture and to have an improved angular distribution better suited to input specifications of an illuminator. This provides the illuminator with greater amount of useable EUV radiation than would otherwise be available from the collector mirror alone, thereby enhancing the performing of an EUV lithography system that uses such a collector system with a RCED.

Abstract: A source-collector module for an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system, the module including a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that generates EUV radiation and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative thereto and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system wherein a pulsed laser beam travels on-axis through the GIC and is incident upon solid, moveable LPP target. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation therefrom at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. An example GIC mirror design is presented that includes a polynomial surface-figure correction to compensate for GIC shell thickness effects, thereby improve far-field imaging performance.

Abstract: Evaporate thermal management systems for and methods of grazing incidence collectors (GICs) for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography include a GIC shell interfaced with a jacket to form a structure having a leading end and that defines a chamber. The chamber operably supports at least one wicking layer. A conduit connects the wicking layer to a condenser system that support cooling fluid in a reservoir. When heat is applied to the leading end, the cooling fluid is drawn into the chamber from the condenser unit via capillary action in the wicking layer and an optional gravity assist, while vapor is drawn in the opposite direction from the chamber to the condenser unit. Heat is removed from the condensed vapor at the condenser unit, thereby cooling the GIC mirror shell.

Abstract: A source-collector module (SOCOMO) for generating a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that emits EUV radiation, and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative to the LPP and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system having a light source portion and a target portion, wherein a pulsed laser beam from the light source portion irradiates Sn vapor from a Sn vapor source of the target portion. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. A radiation collection enhancement device may be used to increase the amount of EUV radiation provided to the intermediate focus. An EUV lithography system that utilizes the SOCOMO is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collector system for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation includes a collector mirror and a radiation-collection enhancement device (RCED) arranged adjacent an aperture member of an illuminator. The collector mirror directs EUV radiation from an EUV radiation source towards the aperture member. The RCED redirects a portion of the EUV radiation that would not otherwise pass through the aperture of the aperture member or that would not have an optimum angular distribution, to pass through the aperture and to have an improved angular distribution better suited to input specifications of an illuminator. This provides the illuminator with greater amount of useable EUV radiation than would otherwise be available from the collector mirror alone, thereby enhancing the performing of an EUV lithography system that uses such a collector system with a RCED.

Abstract: A collector system for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation includes a collector mirror and a radiation-collection enhancement device (RCED) arranged adjacent an aperture member of an illuminator. The collector mirror directs EUV radiation from an EUV radiation source towards the aperture member. The RCED redirects a portion of the EUV radiation that would not otherwise pass through the aperture of the aperture member or that would not have an optimum angular distribution, to pass through the aperture and to have an improved angular distribution better suited to input specifications of an illuminator. This provides the illuminator with greater amount of useable EUV radiation than would otherwise be available from the collector mirror alone, thereby enhancing the performing of an EUV lithography system that uses such a collector system with a RCED.

Abstract: A source-collector module (SOCOMO) for generating a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that emits EUV radiation, and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative to the LPP and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system having a light source portion and a target portion, wherein a pulsed laser beam from the light source portion irradiates a rotating Sn rod in the target portion to generate the EUV radiation. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. A radiation collection enhancement device having at least one funnel element may be used to increase the amount of EUV radiation provided to the intermediate focus and/or directed to a downstream illuminator. An EUV lithography system that utilizes the SOCOMO is also disclosed.

Abstract: A source-collector module for an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system, the module including a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that generates EUV radiation and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative thereto and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system wherein a pulsed laser beam travels on-axis through the GIC and is incident upon solid, moveable LPP target. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation therefrom at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. An example GIC mirror design is presented that includes a polynomial surface-figure correction to compensate for GIC shell thickness effects, thereby improve far-field imaging performance.

Abstract: Evaporate thermal management systems for and methods of grazing incidence collectors (GICs) for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography include a GIC shell interfaced with a jacket to form a structure having a leading end and that defines a chamber. The chamber operably supports at least one wicking layer. A conduit connects the wicking layer to a condenser system that support cooling fluid in a reservoir. When heat is applied to the leading end, the cooling fluid is drawn into the chamber from the condenser unit via capillary action in the wicking layer and an optional gravity assist, while vapor is drawn in the opposite direction from the chamber to the condenser unit. Heat is removed from the condensed vapor at the condenser unit, thereby cooling the GIC mirror shell.

Abstract: A source-collector module (SOCOMO) for generating a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that emits EUV radiation, and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative to the LPP and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system having a light source portion and a target portion, wherein a pulsed laser beam from the light source portion irradiates Xenon liquid in the target portion. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. A radiation collection enhancement device having at least one funnel element may be used to increase the amount of EUV radiation provided to the intermediate focus and/or directed to a downstream illuminator. An EUV lithography system that utilizes the SOCOMO is also disclosed.

Abstract: A source-collector module (SOCOMO) for generating a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that emits EUV radiation, and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative to the LPP and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system having a light source portion and a target portion, wherein a pulsed laser beam from the light source portion irradiates a rotating Sn rod in the target portion to generate the EUV radiation. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. A radiation collection enhancement device having at least one funnel element may be used to increase the amount of EUV radiation provided to the intermediate focus and/or directed to a downstream illuminator. An EUV lithography system that utilizes the SOCOMO is also disclosed.

Abstract: A source-collector module (SOCOMO) for generating a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that emits EUV radiation, and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative to the LPP and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system having a light source portion and a target portion, wherein a pulsed laser beam from the light source portion irradiates Xenon ice provided by the target portion to an irradiation location. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. A radiation collection enhancement device having at least one funnel element may be used to increase the amount of EUV radiation provided to the intermediate focus and/or directed to a downstream illuminator. An EUV lithography system that utilizes the SOCOMO is also disclosed.

Abstract: A source-collector module (SOCOMO) for generating a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that emits EUV radiation, and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative to the LPP and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system having a light source portion and a target portion, wherein a pulsed laser beam from the light source portion irradiates Xenon liquid in the target portion. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. A radiation collection enhancement device having at least one funnel element may be used to increase the amount of EUV radiation provided to the intermediate focus and/or directed to a downstream illuminator. An EUV lithography system that utilizes the SOCOMO is also disclosed.

Abstract: A source-collector module (SOCOMO) for generating a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that emits EUV radiation, and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative to the LPP and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system having a light source portion and a target portion, wherein a pulsed laser beam from the light source portion irradiates a Sn wire provided by the target portion. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. A radiation collection enhancement device having at least one funnel element may be used to increase the amount of EUV radiation provided to the intermediate focus and/or directed to a downstream illuminator. An EUV lithography system that utilizes the SOCOMO is also disclosed.

Abstract: A source-collector module (SOCOMO) for generating a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that emits EUV radiation, and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative to the LPP and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system having a light source portion and a target portion, wherein a pulsed laser beam from the light source portion irradiates Sn vapor from a Sn vapor source of the target portion. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. A radiation collection enhancement device may be used to increase the amount of EUV radiation provided to the intermediate focus. An EUV lithography system that utilizes the SOCOMO is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collector system for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation includes a collector mirror and a radiation-collection enhancement device (RCED) arranged adjacent an aperture member of an illuminator. The collector mirror directs EUV radiation from an EUV radiation source towards the aperture member. The RCED redirects a portion of the EUV radiation that would not otherwise pass through the aperture of the aperture member or that would not have an optimum angular distribution, to pass through the aperture and to have an improved angular distribution better suited to input specifications of an illuminator. This provides the illuminator with greater amount of useable EUV radiation than would otherwise be available from the collector mirror alone, thereby enhancing the performing of an EUV lithography system that uses such a collector system with a RCED.