Abstract: A method includes irradiating debris deposited in an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system with laser, controlling one or more of a wavelength of the laser or power of the laser to selectively vaporize the debris and limit damage to the EUV) lithography system, and removing the vaporized debris.

Abstract: A method includes: depositing a mask layer over a substrate; directing first radiation reflected from a central collector section of a sectional collector of a lithography system toward the mask layer according to a pattern; directing second radiation reflected from a peripheral collector section of the sectional collector toward the mask layer according to the pattern, wherein the peripheral collector section is vertically separated from the central collector section by a gap; forming openings in the mask layer by removing first regions of the mask layer exposed to the first radiation and second regions of the mask layer exposed to the second radiation; and removing material of a layer underlying the mask layer exposed by the openings.

Abstract: Some implementations described herein provide a reticle cleaning device and a method of use. The reticle cleaning device includes a support member configured for extension toward a reticle within an extreme ultraviolet lithography tool. The reticle cleaning device also includes a contact surface disposed at an end of the support member and configured to bond to particles contacted by the contact surface. The reticle cleaning device further includes a stress sensor configured to measure an amount of stress applied to the support member at the contact surface. During a cleaning operation in which the contact surface is moving toward the reticle, the stress sensor may provide an indication that the amount of stress applied to the support member satisfies a threshold. Based on satisfying the threshold, movement of the contact surface and/or the support member toward the reticle ceases to avoid damaging the reticle.

Abstract: In a method of generating extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation in a semiconductor manufacturing system one or more streams of a gas is directed, through one or more gas outlets mounted over a rim of a collector mirror of an EUV radiation source, to generate a flow of the gas over a surface of the collector mirror. The one or more flow rates of the one or more streams of the gas are adjusted to reduce an amount of metal debris deposited on the surface of the collector mirror.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically controlling a temperature of a thermostatic reticle. A thermostatic reticle assembly that includes a reticle, temperature sensors located in proximity to the reticle, and one or more heating elements. A thermostat component that is in communication with the temperature sensors and the heating element monitors the current temperature of the reticle relative to a steady-state temperature. In response to the current temperature of the reticle being lower than the steady-state temperature, the heating elements are activated to preheat the reticle to the steady-state temperature.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling an EUV light source includes a first temperature sensor, a signal processor, and a process controller. The first temperature sensor includes a portion inserted into a space surrounded by a plurality of vanes through a vane of the plurality of vanes, and obtains an ambient temperature that decreases with time as a function of tin contamination coating on the inserted portion. The signal processor determines an excess tin debris deposition on the vane based on the obtained chamber ambient temperature. The process controller activates a vane cleaning action upon being informed of the excess tin debris deposition by the signal processor, thereby improving availability of the EUV light source tool and reducing risks of tin pollution on other tools such as a reticle.

Abstract: A method includes irradiating debris deposited in an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system with laser, controlling one or more of a wavelength of the laser or power of the laser to selectively vaporize the debris and limit damage to the EUV) lithography system, and removing the vaporized debris.

Abstract: Some implementations described herein provide a reticle cleaning device and a method of use. The reticle cleaning device includes a support member configured for extension toward a reticle within an extreme ultraviolet lithography tool. The reticle cleaning device also includes a contact surface disposed at an end of the support member and configured to bond to particles contacted by the contact surface. The reticle cleaning device further includes a stress sensor configured to measure an amount of stress applied to the support member at the contact surface. During a cleaning operation in which the contact surface is moving toward the reticle, the stress sensor may provide an indication that the amount of stress applied to the support member satisfies a threshold. Based on satisfying the threshold, movement of the contact surface and/or the support member toward the reticle ceases to avoid damaging the reticle.

Abstract: In a method of generating extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation in a semiconductor manufacturing system one or more streams of a gas is directed, through one or more gas outlets mounted over a rim of a collector mirror of an EUV radiation source, to generate a flow of the gas over a surface of the collector mirror. The one or more flow rates of the one or more streams of the gas are adjusted to reduce an amount of metal debris deposited on the surface of the collector mirror.

Abstract: A light source is provided capable of maintaining the temperature of a collector surface at or below a predetermined temperature. The light source in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a processor, a droplet generator for generating a droplet to create extreme ultraviolet light, a collector for reflecting the extreme ultraviolet light into an intermediate focus point, a light generator for generating pre-pulse light and main pulse light, and a thermal image capture device for capturing a thermal image from a reflective surface of the collector.

Abstract: An extreme ultra violet (EUV) light source apparatus includes an excitation laser inlet port configured to receive an excitation laser, and a first mirror configured to reflect the excitation laser that passes through a zone of excitation. A metal droplet is irradiated by the excitation laser.

Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography system generates EUV light by irradiating droplets with a laser. The system includes a collector and a plurality of vibration sensors coupled to the collector. The vibration sensors generate sensor signals indicative of shockwaves from laser pulses and impacts from debris. The system utilizes the sensor signals to improve the quality of EUV light generation.

Abstract: A method of inspecting an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation source includes, in an idle mode, inserting a borescope mounted on a fixture through a first opening into a chamber of the EUV radiation source. The borescope includes a connection cable attached at a first end to a camera. The EUV radiation source includes an excitation laser that generates a light beam that is configured to focus onto tin droplets to generate EUV radiation inside the chamber of the EUV radiation source. The method further includes extending the extendible section, in a direction toward the second opening of the EUV radiation source, to move the camera beyond the blocking shield, and acquiring one or more images from a region beyond the blocking shield. The method also includes analyzing the one or more acquired images to determine an amount of tin debris deposited inside the chamber of the EUV radiation source.

Abstract: Microwave heating of debris collecting vanes within the source vessel of a lithography apparatus is used to accomplish uniform temperature distribution in order to reduce fall-on contamination and formation of clogs on the inner and outer surfaces of the vanes.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling an EUV light source includes a first temperature sensor, a signal processor, and a process controller. The first temperature sensor includes a portion inserted into a space surrounded by a plurality of vanes through a vane of the plurality of vanes, and obtains an ambient temperature that decreases with time as a function of tin contamination coating on the inserted portion. The signal processor determines an excess tin debris deposition on the vane based on the obtained chamber ambient temperature. The process controller activates a vane cleaning action upon being informed of the excess tin debris deposition by the signal processor, thereby improving availability of the EUV light source tool and reducing risks of tin pollution on other tools such as a reticle.

Abstract: An extreme ultra violet (EUV) light source apparatus includes a metal droplet generator, a collector mirror, an excitation laser inlet port for receiving an excitation laser, a first mirror configured to reflect the excitation laser that passes through a zone of excitation, and a second mirror configured to reflect the excitation laser reflected by the first mirror.

Abstract: A method for using an extreme ultraviolet radiation source is provided. The method includes performing a lithography process using an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation source; after the lithography processes, inserting an extraction tube into a vessel of the EUV radiation source; and cleaning a collector of the EUV radiation source by using the extraction tube.

Abstract: A light source is provided capable of maintaining the temperature of a collector surface at or below a predetermined temperature. The light source in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a processor, a droplet generator for generating a droplet to create extreme ultraviolet light, a collector for reflecting the extreme ultraviolet light into an intermediate focus point, a light generator for generating pre-pulse light and main pulse light, and a thermal image capture device for capturing a thermal image from a reflective surface of the collector.

Abstract: A method includes: removing debris on a collector of a lithography equipment by changing physical structure of the debris with a cleaner; forming a cleaned collector by exhausting the removable debris from the collector; and forming openings in a mask layer on a substrate by removing regions of the mask layer exposed to radiation from the cleaned collector.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes: heating a byproduct transport ring of an extreme ultraviolet source, the byproduct transport ring disposed beneath vanes of the extreme ultraviolet source; after heating the byproduct transport ring for a first duration, heating the vanes; after heating the vanes, cooling the vanes; and after cooling the vanes for a second duration, cooling the byproduct transport ring.