Abstract: The present invention relates to mask blanks with anti reflective coatings comprising at least two sublayers. Such bilayer or multilayer anti reflective coatings are advantageous for binary and phase shift mask blanks for use in lithography for an exposure wavelength of 300 nm or less with improved anti reflection properties; and to EUVL mask blanks having improved inspection properties.

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 present invention relates to attenuating phase shift mask blanks for use in lithography, a method of fabricating such a mask blank.

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 present invention relates to attenuating phase shift mask blanks for use in lithography, a method of fabricating such a mask blank.