Abstract: In the formation of a halftone type phase shift mask, a reactive gas introduction inlet and an inert gas introduction inlet are provided so as to introduce the respective gases separately and by using a reactive low throw sputtering method a molybdenum silicide based phase shifter film is formed. Thereby, it becomes possible to provide a halftone type phase shift mask, which is applicable to an ArF laser or to a KrF laser, by using molybdenum silicide based materials.

Abstract: A corrected irradiation region (14) to be irradiated with a laser light under given output conditions to remove an opaque extension defect (13) is set to include: {circumflex over (1)} an irradiation region (14A) containing the opaque extension defect (13) and having widths w1 and w2 and {circumflex over (2)} a pattern repaired region (14B) having the width w2 and extending in the negative direction in a first direction D1 by the absolute value of a quantity of bias offset of repairing &Dgr;w from the connection between the opaque extension defect (13) and the pattern edge (12E). The quantity of correction offset &Dgr;w is set so that the dimensional variation rate of the resist pattern transferred falls within a range permitted for the device quality. Part of the pattern edge (12E) is missing by the width |&Dgr;w| after the irradiation of laser light.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first semiconductor element forming member formed in a first layer, a first measurement mark formed by the same manufacturing step as the first semiconductor element forming member, a second semiconductor element forming member formed in a second layer above the first layer, and a second measurement mark formed in the same manufacturing step as the second semiconductor element forming member for measuring registration accuracy between the first and second semiconductor element forming members. The first measurement mark has a pattern which receives same influence of aberration as the first semiconductor element forming member when irradiated with light, and the second measurement mark has a pattern which receives same influence of aberration as the second semiconductor element forming member when irradiated with light. Thus, a registration accuracy measurement mark taking into consideration the influence of aberration can be provided.

Abstract: A uniform thin phase-shifting photomask blank can be formed by depositing a thin film on a substrate by a reactive sputtering technique while passing, at least four times, the substrate over a sputtering target. In the formation of the blank, NO gas is used as the reactive gas, a target composed of a mixture of molybdenum and silicon is used as the sputtering target and a transparent substrate is used as the thin film-forming substrate to form, on the transparent substrate, a light-transmitting film capable of transmitting light rays having an intensity, which cannot substantially contribute to the exposure. In addition, the film is formed, on the substrate, through an opening having a sufficiently enlarged length along the substrate-conveying direction so that even regions whose deposition rate of the target component is not more than 90% of the maximum level thereof also contribute to the film-formation.

Abstract: To provide a photomask cleaning method which brings about a high effect of removing residual sulfuric acid or foreign objects and can remove foreign objects effectively without fluctuating the transmission or other properties of the light-shielding layer (MoSiON film) in a phase shift photomask.

Abstract: Organic matter and metal impurities present on the surface of a photomask are removed. Foreign matter still adhering to the surface of the photomask is removed with H2 gas dissolved water. The photomask is dried. Thus provided is a method of washing a photomask in a manner which permits attaining an effect of removing foreign matter equivalent or superior to that of a conventional method with a small amount of chemical solution and reducing the amounts of chemicals and high purity water.

Abstract: A uniform thin phase-shifting photomask blank can be formed by depositing a thin film on a substrate by a reactive sputtering technique while passing, at least four times, the substrate over a sputtering target. In the formation of the blank, NO gas is used as the reactive gas, a target composed of a mixture of molybdenum and silicon is used as the sputtering target and a transparent substrate is used as the thin film-forming substrate to form, on the transparent substrate, a light-transmitting film capable of transmitting light rays having an intensity, which cannot substantially contribute to the exposure. In addition, the film is formed, on the substrate, through an opening having a sufficiently enlarged length along the substrate-conveying direction so that even regions whose deposition rate of the target component is not more than 90% of the maximum level thereof also contribute to the film-formation.

Abstract: Organic matter and metal impurities present on the surface of a photomask are removed. Foreign matter still adhering to the surface of the photomask is removed with H2 gas dissolved water. The photomask is dried. Thus provided is a method of washing a photomask in a manner which permits attaining an effect of removing foreign matter equivalent or superior to that of a conventional method with a small amount of chemical solution and reducing the amounts of chemicals and high purity water.

Abstract: To provide a photomask cleaning method which brings about a high effect of removing residual sulfuric acid or foreign objects and can remove foreign objects effectively without fluctuating the transmission or other properties of the light-shielding layer (MoSiON film) in a phase shift photomask.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first semiconductor element forming member formed in a first layer, a first measurement mark formed by the same manufacturing step as the first semiconductor element forming member, a second semiconductor element forming member formed in a second layer above the first layer, and a second measurement mark formed in the same manufacturing step as the second semiconductor element forming member for measuring registration accuracy between the first and second semiconductor element forming members. The first measurement mark has a pattern which receives same influence of aberration as the first semiconductor element forming member when irradiated with light, and the second measurement mark has a pattern which receives same influence of aberration as the second semiconductor element forming member when irradiated with light. Thus, a registration accuracy measurement mark taking into consideration the influence of aberration can be provided.

Abstract: In accordance with a phase shift mask of attenuation type and a manufacturing method thereof, at a prescribed region of a phase shifter portion near and around a light transmitting portion, an auxiliary pattern is provided for controlling an amount of exposure light onto a portion of an exposed material corresponding to this region. Auxiliary pattern enables to cancel light intensity of a side lobe, thereby preventing generation of a region having a high light intensity (a side lobe) at the periphery of the light transmitting portion of the phase shift mask of attenuation type.

Abstract: A phase-shifting photomask blank is made by sputtering a target of molybdenum suicide with a sputtering gas to which nitric monoxide is added in a ratio of 2.65-6.47% by volume. A nitrided-oxide film of molybdenum silicide as a phase-shifting film is formed on a transparent substrate. A base phase-shifting film may be formed on a transparent substrate and then a nitrided-oxide film of molybdenum silicide as a surface layer may be formed on top of the base phase-shifting film by sputtering a target of molybdenum silicide with a sputtering gas to which nitric monoxide is added in a ratio of 0.59-6.47% by volume. The transparent substrate on which the nitrided-oxide film of molybdenum slicide is formed may be subjected to a heat treatment at a temperature of 200.degree. C. or more.

Abstract: A phase-shifting photomask blank is made by sputtering a target of molybdenum silicide with a sputtering gas to which nitric monoxide is added in a ratio of 2.65-6.47% by volume. A nitrided-oxide film of molybdenum silicide as a phase-shifting film is formed on a transparent substrate. A base phase-shifting film may be formed on a transparent substrate and then a nitrided-oxide film of molybdenum silicide as a surface layer may be formed on top of the base phase-shifting film by sputtering a target of molybdenum silicide with a sputtering gas to which nitric monoxide is added in a ratio of 0.59-6.47% by volume. The transparent substrate on which the nitrided-oxide film of molybdenum slicide is formed may be subjected to a heat treatment at a temperature of 200.degree. C. or more.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first semiconductor element forming member formed in a first layer, a first measurement mark formed by the same manufacturing step as the first semiconductor element forming member, a second semiconductor element forming member formed in a second layer above the first layer, and a second measurement mark formed in the same manufacturing step as the second semiconductor element forming member for measuring registration accuracy between the first and second semiconductor element forming members. The first measurement mark has a pattern which receives same influence of aberration as the first semiconductor element forming member when irradiated with light, and the second measurement mark has a pattern which receives same influence of aberration as the second semiconductor element forming member when irradiated with light. Thus, a registration accuracy measurement mark taking into consideration the influence of aberration can be provided.

Abstract: A second light transmit portion of a phase shift mask is formed of a molybdenum silicide nitride oxide, or a molybdenum silicide oxide, or a chromium nitride oxide, or a chromium oxide, or a chromium carbide nitride oxide film converting a phase of transmitted exposure light by 180.degree. and having the transmittance of at least 2% and less than 5%. In the manufacturing method of the second light transmit portion, a molybdenum silicide nitride oxide film, or a molybdenum silicide oxide film, or a chromium nitride oxide film, or a chromium oxide film, or a carbide nitride oxide film is formed by a sputtering method. Consequently, with a conventional sputtering apparatus, the second light transmit portion can be formed, and additionally, etching process of the phase shifter portion is required only once, so that probabilities of defects and errors in the manufacturing process can be decreased.

Abstract: A second light transmit portion of a phase shift mask is formed of a molybdenum silicide nitride oxide or a molybdenum silicide oxide a chromium nitride oxide, or a chromium oxide, or a chromium carbide nitride oxide film converting a phase of transmitted exposure light by 180.degree. and having the transmittance of 5-40%. In the manufacturing method of the second light transmit portion, a molybdenum silicide nitride oxide film or a molybdenum silicide oxide film a chromium nitride oxide film, or a chromium oxide film, or a carbide nitride oxide film is formed by a sputtering method. Consequently, with a conventional sputtering apparatus, the second light transmit portion can be formed, and additionally, etching process of the phase shifter portion is required only once, so that probabilities of defects and errors in the manufacturing process can be decreased.

Abstract: A second light transmit portion of a phase shift mask is formed of a molybdenum silicide nitride oxide, or a molybdenum silicide oxide, or a chromium nitride oxide, or a chromium oxide, or a chromium carbide nitride oxide film converting a phase of transmitted exposure light by 180.degree. and having the transmittance of at least 2% and less than 5%. In the manufacturing method of the second light transmit portion, a molybdenum silicide nitride oxide film, or a molybdenum silicide oxide film, or a chromium nitride oxide film, or a chromium oxide film, or a carbide nitride oxide film is formed by a sputtering method. Consequently, with a conventional sputtering apparatus, the second light transmit portion can be formed, and additionally, etching process of the phase shifter portion is required only once, so that probabilities of defects and errors in the manufacturing process can be decreased.

Abstract: By the method of exposure using attenuation type phase shift mask, based on the phase angle of exposure light passing through second and third light transmitting portions and on hole diameters of the second and third light transmitting portions, an optimal value between first and second distances h.sub.1 and h.sub.2 can be calculated. Therefore, a resist film can be exposed at optimal focal position. As a result, even when there is a step in the material to be exposed, a desired pattern can be exposed with high precision through the same steps in every region of the material to be exposed.

Abstract: A second light transmit portion of a phase shift mask is formed of a molybdenum silicide nitride oxide or a molybdenum silicide oxide a chromium nitride oxide, or a chromium oxide, or a chromium carbide nitride oxide film converting a phase of transmitted exposure light by 180.degree. and having the transmittance of 5-40%. In the manufacturing method of the second light transmit portion, a molybdenum silicide nitride oxide film or a molybdenum silicide oxide film a chromium nitride oxide film, or a chromium oxide film, or a carbide nitride oxide film is formed by a sputtering method. Consequently, with a conventional sputtering apparatus, the second light transmit portion can be formed, and additionally, etching process of the phase shifter portion is required only once, so that probabilities of defects and errors in the manufacturing process can be decreased.

Abstract: A phase-shifting photomask blank has a transparent substrate, a phase-shifting film deposited on the transparent substrate, the phase-shifting film including a transversely central composition which results in a reduced rate of side etching, and a patterned photoresist film masking the phase-shifting film. When the phase-shifting film is dry-etched through the patterned photoresist film into a desired circuit pattern, transversely different rates of side etching of the phase-shifting film are substantially equalized due to the reduced rate of side etching resulting from the transversely central composition. The circuit pattern includes openings defined by removal of the phase-shifting film and shifters left between the openings. The shifters have respective side surfaces free of steps and extending substantially perpendicularly from the transparent substrate.