Abstract: Reticle charging effects during the manufacturing process may be reduced. A reticle, including a peripheral outer region and a central inner conductive region separated by an intervening non-conductive region, may be electrically coupled to reduce differential charge effects in one embodiment. For example, a conductive bridge may be formed between the inner and outer regions to electrically neutralize any charge distribution.

Abstract: A mask having a pattern to modify a circuitry feature that has been exposed in a radiation sensitive layer by transmitting modifying radiation to a region of the radiation sensitive layer containing the exposed circuitry feature is described. The mask may reduce subwavelength distortions and proximity effect distortions of the exposed circuitry feature. The mask may be used to manufacture a semiconductor device having circuitry that is based on the modified circuitry feature.

Abstract: A mask having a pattern to modify a circuitry feature that has been exposed in a radiation sensitive layer by transmitting modifying radiation to a region of the radiation sensitive layer containing the exposed circuitry feature is described. The mask may reduce subwavelength distortions and proximity effect distortions of the exposed circuitry feature. The mask may be used to manufacture a semiconductor device having circuitry that is based on the modified circuitry feature.

Abstract: A method for forming small repeating structures, such as contact holes, is disclosed. The method comprises using a phase shift mask to perform a first exposure of a photoresist layer formed atop of a substrate. The phase shift mask includes etched regions and unetched regions. Next, the position of the phase shift mask is adjusted relative to the photoresist layer. A second exposure through the adjusted phase shift mask is performed on the photoresist layer. The photoresist is developed and is used as a mask for etching the substrate. After etch, the photoresist is stripped and cleaned. The resulted small sub-wavelength pattern is formed from the disclosed technique.