Step And Repeat Patents (Class 355/53)
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Patent number: 10445452Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed technology relate to techniques for using hotspot simulation to make wafer rework decisions. Metrology data of photoresist patterns created based on a layout design for a circuit design by a photolithographic processing step are received during a lithographic process. Hotspots of interest are selected based on comparing the metrology data with simulated metrology data associated with hotspots. The simulated metrology data and information of the hotspots are generated by performing lithographic simulation on the layout design before the lithographic process and stored in a library of potential hotspots. Lithography simulation is performed on the selected hotspots of interest using process conditions of the photolithographic processing step to generate simulated hotspot data. The simulated hotspot data are analyzed to determine whether rework of the one or more wafers or a wafer lot to which the one or more wafers belong is needed.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Mentor Graphics CorporationInventors: John L. Sturtevant, Shumay Dou Shang, Konstantinos G. Adam
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Patent number: 10446367Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for performing overlay metrology upon a target having at least two layers formed thereon. A target having a plurality of periodic structures for measuring overlay in at least two overlay directions is provided. A charged particle beam is scanned in a first direction across a plurality of scan swaths of the target and at a first tilt with respect to the target so that each edge of the periodic structures is scanned at an angle. The charged particle beam is scanned in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction, across the plurality of scan swaths and at a second tilt that is 180° from the first tilt. The first and second direction scanning operations are then repeated for different first and second tilts and a different plurality of scan swaths of the target so that the target is scanned symmetrically.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: KLA-Tencor CorporationInventor: Hong Xiao
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Patent number: 10437009Abstract: An optical apparatus has an optic having a first flat surface and a second surface opposite the first flat surface. A frame has a first fixed contact point, a second fixed contact point, and a third fixed contact point that extend from the frame. The first surface of the optic seats against the first, second, and third fixed contact points. A clamping plate applies a three-point nesting force by extending, against the second flat surface of the optic, a first opposing contact point aligned with the first fixed contact point, a second opposing contact point aligned with the second fixed contact point, and a third opposing contact point aligned with the third fixed contact point.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: SEMROCK, INC.Inventors: Arthur R. Staley, James R. Kircher, Craig W. Hodgson
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Patent number: 10436956Abstract: Examples include a method for fabricating a grating mirror using a computing device that comprises calculating a target phase change across the grating mirror. The target phase change may correspond to a target wavefront shape in a beam of light reflected from a grating patter. The method may also comprise generating the grating pattern comprising a plurality of lines with line widths, line period spacings, and line thicknesses corresponding to the target phase change across the grating mirror using the computing device. In such examples, a set of coordinates may be generated using the computing device with each coordinate identifying a location of a line of the plurality of lines, a line width of the line, a line period spacing of the line, and a line thickness of the line.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LPInventors: David A Fattal, Jingjing Li, Raymond G Beausoleil, Marco Fiorentino
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Patent number: 10429742Abstract: A method of manufacture of objects including receiving a CAD file containing electrical circuit design data for direct writing on a surface, the CAD file including CAD data for a multiplicity of objects to be produced on the surface, automatically configuring a direct write machine to direct write direct writing data based on the CAD data on the surface in plural scans, each having a scan width less than a width of the surface, including arranging the direct writing data for the multiplicity of objects to be written in a side by side manner in each of the plural scans so as to be within the scan width, whereby stitching of direct writing data between adjacent scans is obviated and operating the direct write machine to create the multiplicity of objects on the surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignees: Orbotech Ltd., Laser Imaging Systems GmbHInventors: Steffen Ruecker, Stefan Heinemann, Werner Eschke, Abraham Gross
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Patent number: 10431463Abstract: A substrate holding device and a lithography apparatus that is advantageous for separation of a substrate from a seal member in a short time when the substrate is carried out. The substrate holding device including a holding member having a center part, an intake hole where air is exhausted from a space between the substrate and the holding member, an outer peripheral part provided at a position lower than the center part to surround the center part, and a seal member in the holding member to define a space.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Naoki Funabashi
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Patent number: 10416577Abstract: A method of measuring a position of an alignment target on a substrate using an optical system. The method includes measuring a sub-segmented target by illuminating the sub-segmented target with radiation and detecting radiation diffracted by the sub-segmented target using a detector system to obtain signals containing positional information of the one sub-segmented target. The sub-segmented target has structures arranged periodically in at least a first direction, at least some of the structures including smaller sub-structures, and each sub-segmented target is formed with a positional offset between the structures and the sub-structures that is a combination of both known and unknown components. The signals, together with information on differences between known offsets of the sub-segmented target are used to calculate a measured position of an alignment target which is corrected for the unknown component of the positional offset.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignees: ASML Holding N.V., ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Ralph Brinkhof, Simon Gijsbert Josephus Mathijssen, Maikel Robert Goosen, Vassili Demergis, Bartolomeus Petrus Rijpers
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Patent number: 10417359Abstract: A process of calibrating a model, the process including: obtaining training data including: scattered radiation information from a plurality of structures, individual portions of the scattered radiation information being associated with respective process conditions being characteristics of a patterning process of the individual structures; and calibrating a model with the training data by determining a ratio relating a change in one of the process characteristics to a corresponding change in scattered radiation information.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Robert John Socha, Thomas I. Wallow
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Patent number: 10416570Abstract: An optical imaging arrangement includes an optical element unit, and an actuator device connected to the optical element unit and is configured to be connected to a support structure for supporting the optical unit. The actuator device is configured to: actively adjust, in an adjustment state, a position and/or an orientation of the optical unit with respect to the support structure in N degrees of freedom; and support the optical element unit in a statically overdetermined manner in at least one of the N degrees of freedom via a plurality of active first and second actuator components such that, in a holding state following the adjustment state, the first and second actuator components cause a parasitic residual load introduced into the optical element unit in the at least one of the N degrees of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbHInventors: Jens Kugler, Stefan Hembacher, Michaela Schmid, Bernhard Geuppert, Burkhard Corves, Martin Riedel, Martin Wahle, Mathias Huesing, Michael Lorenz, Tim Detert, Marwène Nefzi
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Patent number: 10412310Abstract: Provided are a setting assistance device, an image processing system, and a setting assistance program for performing lighting-up setting of a lighting apparatus more easily. Setting assistance functions provided by an image processing apparatus include a function of presenting a plurality of lighting-up region candidates and emission state candidates to a user. The user selects a lighting-up region and an emission state from the presented candidates.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventor: Jaewook Hwang
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Patent number: 10409177Abstract: A liquid immersion exposure apparatus is disclosed. It includes a projection system having a final element and a liquid immersion member that in turn includes a first member, which surrounds the final element and has a liquid supply port and a liquid suction port, and a second member, which is movable with respect to the first member and has a lower part under which a portion of a liquid immersion space is formed. During exposure of a plurality of shot regions of a substrate, the immersion space covers a portion of a surface of the substrate, and the first shot region is exposed while moving the substrate in a first scanning direction. After the exposure of the first shot region, the second shot region is exposed while moving the substrate in a second scanning direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Shinji Sato
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Patent number: 10409178Abstract: An imprint lithography alignment method includes assessing a first alignment error between the template and the substrate, generating a first input signal corresponding to a first relative motion between the template and the substrate, initiating the first relative motion between the template and the substrate via the first input signal, assessing an output signal corresponding to the first relative motion, comparing the first input signal and the output signal to yield a motion control action corresponding to a second relative motion between the template and the substrate, generating a second input signal corresponding to the second relative motion between the template and the substrate, initiating the second relative motion between the template and the substrate via the second input signal, and assessing a second alignment error between the template and the substrate, wherein a magnitude of the first alignment error exceeds a magnitude of the second alignment error.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Xiaoming Lu, Byung-Jin Choi
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Patent number: 10409167Abstract: A method for illuminating an object field of a projection exposure apparatus includes providing a subset of first facets to be positioned in park positions, which are each spaced apart from an associated target position, but at most by a maximum distance.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbHInventors: Martin Endres, Johannes Eisenmenger, Stig Bieling, Markus Hauf, Lars Wischmeier, Fabian Haacker
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Patent number: 10400993Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluorescent-material-containing member includes: providing a fluorescent member including a fluorescent material, the fluorescent member having a first main surface side including a plurality of projections; disposing a powder of a light-reflective member between the projections of the fluorescent member; obtaining a sintered body by sintering the powder of the light-reflective member, and removing part of the sintered body from at least one of a first main surface side and a second main surface side of the fluorescent member to obtain the fluorescent-material-containing member including a first surface arranged on the first main surface side has and defined by the fluorescent member and the light-reflective member, and a second surface arranged on the second main surface side has and defined by the fluorescent member and the light-reflective member or defined solely by the fluorescent member.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: NICHIA CORPORATIONInventors: Shoichi Yamada, Takayoshi Wakaki, Masahiko Sano
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Patent number: 10401733Abstract: A movement area of a stage includes first-fifth areas. In the first area, three of four heads except for a first head respectively face three of four sections of a scale member except for a first section. In the second area, three of four heads except for a second head respectively face three of four sections except for a second section of the scale member. In the third area, three of four heads except for a third head respectively face three of four sections except for a third section of the scale member. In the fourth area, three of four heads except for a fourth head respectively face three of four sections of the scale member. In the fifth area, the four heads respectively face the four sections. The stage is moved from one of the first-fourth areas to another of those areas via the fifth area.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Yuichi Shibazaki
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Patent number: 10394138Abstract: An exposure apparatus (10) for transferring one or more features to a workpiece (22) includes an illumination source (44A); (ii) a chuck (40) that retains the workpiece (22); (iii) a chamber housing (28A) that encircles the chuck and the workpiece; and (iv) a temperature controller (32) (34) that adjusts the temperature of at least one of the chuck (40) and the workpiece (22) so that a predetermined temperature differential (309) exists between the chuck (40) and the workpiece (22) before transferring the features to the workpiece (22).Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Michael B. Binnard, Paul Derek Coon
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Patent number: 10394140Abstract: A lithographic apparatus comprises a projection system which is configured to project a patterned radiation beam to form an exposure area on a substrate held on a substrate table. The lithographic apparatus further comprises a heating apparatus comprises one or more radiation sources configured to provide additional radiation beams which illuminate and heat part of the substrate during the exposure.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Hendrikus Herman Marie Cox, Paul Corné Henri De Wit, Arie Jeffrey Den Boef, Adrianus Hendrik Koevoets, Jim Vincent Overkamp, Frits Van Der Meulen, Jacobus Cornelis Gerardus Van Der Sanden
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Patent number: 10394130Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing an image on a substrate. The method includes providing a single beam of light to a multiple DMD assembly, splitting the single beam of light into an s-polarization beam and a p-polarization beam, and reflecting the s-polarization beam and the p-polarization beam through the multiple DMD assembly such that the multiple DMD assembly produces a plurality of superimposed images on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Christopher Dennis Bencher, Joseph R. Johnson, Dave Markle, Mehdi Vaez-Iravani
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Patent number: 10386731Abstract: A direct-deposition system capable of forming a high-resolution pattern of material on a substrate is disclosed. Vaporized atoms from an evaporation source pass through a pattern of through-holes in a shadow mask to deposit on the substrate in the desired pattern. The shadow mask is held in a mask chuck that enables the shadow mask and substrate to be separated by a distance that can be less than ten microns. As a result, the vaporized atoms that pass through the shadow mask exhibit little or no lateral spread (i.e., feathering) after passing through its apertures and the material deposits on the substrate in a pattern that has very high fidelity with the aperture pattern of the shadow mask.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: eMagin CorporationInventors: Amalkumar P. Ghosh, Fridrich Vazan, Munisamy Anandan, Evan Donoghue, Ilyas I. Khayrullin, Tariq Ali, Kerry Tice
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Patent number: 10386732Abstract: The disclosure relates to a bearing assembly for a lithography system, having an optical element, a base, and a bearing device that moveably supports the optical element relative to the base. The bearing device has at least one torsion decoupling element that reduces a transmission of torsional moments between the optical element and the base. The torsion decoupling element has at least two leaf springs which have respective opposing narrow sides and which bring about torsional moments about an axis perpendicular to the narrow sides. The at least two leaf springs are also positioned at an angle to one another and are coupled to one another in such a way that a force flow through the torsion decoupling element simultaneously flows through the at least two leaf springs.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbHInventor: Pascal Marsollek
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Patent number: 10369661Abstract: An optical processing head capable of downsizing an apparatus while increasing the shaping accuracy of optical processing is disclosed. The optical processing head performs processing while moving, in a predetermined moving direction on a processing surface, an optical spot formed by condensing light emitted by a light source. The optical processing head includes an optical element that condenses light emitted by the light source to generate the optical spot of a shape elongated in the moving direction of the optical spot. Part of the optical spot is set as a processing region, the front side and/or rear side of the processing region in the moving direction is set as a pre-heating region and/or post-heating region, and a processing target object before and/or after processing in the region is heated.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ASSOCIATION FOR FUTURE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURINGInventors: Hiroshi Ohno, Yuji Sasaki, Mitsuo Sasaki, Takashi Obara, Kazuyuki Masukawa
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Patent number: 10372034Abstract: An imprint apparatus for forming a pattern of an imprint material on a substrate using a mold includes a heating unit, a generation unit, and a measurement unit. The heating unit irradiates a region to be processed on the substrate with light to heat the region to be processed. The generation unit generates irradiation amount distribution data, which indicates an irradiation amount distribution of light with which the heating unit is to irradiate the region to be processed. The measurement unit measures information about absorption of the light by the region to be processed. The generation unit generates the irradiation amount distribution data by correcting, using a result of measurement by the measurement unit, temporary irradiation amount distribution data temporarily generated based on a shape of the region to be processed taken before the region to be processed is heated by the heating unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuki Nakagawa, Kazuhiro Sato, Tsutomu Terao
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Patent number: 10375294Abstract: A focus detection apparatus includes an imaging element includes that a plurality of focus detection pixels, a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction value used to correct pixel signals based on an optical state before the imaging element performs imaging for still image capturing or imaging for focus detection, a correction unit that performs correction using the correction value simultaneously with reading the pixel signals from the focus detection pixels subsequent to the imaging for the still image capturing or the imaging for the focus detection by the imaging element, and a focus detection unit that performs focus detection based on the corrected pixel signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Tetsuo Kikuchi, Koichi Shintani
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Patent number: 10362936Abstract: Methods are provided including obtaining at least one image of a surgical region of a subject oriented for the surgical procedure using an OCT imaging system. An initial structural view of the surgical region to be used during the surgical procedure is constructed based on the obtained at least one OCT image. Parameters are computed as an end point for assessing an outcome of the surgical procedure using data derived from the OCT image. The surgical procedure is periodically assessed and clinical outcomes are monitored using changes to the OCT-derived initial structural view of the surgical region or changes to the computed at least one clinical parameter. It is determined if the surgical plan needs modification and it is modified during the surgical procedure. Operations repeat until it is determined that no more modifications are needed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Bioptigen, Inc.Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, Al-Hafeez Dhalla, Robert H. Hart
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Patent number: 10354376Abstract: A method for determining overlay between layers of a multilayer structure may include obtaining a given image representing the multilayer structure, obtaining expected images for layers of the multilayer structure, providing a combined expected image of the multilayer structure as a combination of the expected images of said layers, performing registration of the given image against the combined expected image, and providing segmentation of the given image, thereby producing a segmented image, and maps of the layers of said multilayered structure. The method may further include determining overlay between any two selected layers of the multilayer structure by processing the maps of the two selected layers together with the expected images of said two selected layers.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS ISRAEL LTD.Inventors: Yakov Weinberg, Ishai Schwarzband, Roman Kris, Itay Zauer, Ran Goldman, Olga Novak, Dhananjay Singh Rathore, Ofer Adan, Shimon Levi
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Patent number: 10353299Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a first layer including a layout of first shot regions each having a first size and a second layer including a layout of second shot regions each having a second size corresponding to a size including at least two first shot regions to be overlaid on each other, by first processing of forming the first layer in a process including scanning exposure and second processing of forming the second layer, the method including determining, for each of the first shot regions, a scanning direction when performing scanning exposure for the first shot region in the first processing so that combinations each including the scanning directions and the at least two first shot regions included in the second shot region in the first processing are identical in at least some of the second shot regions.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazushi Mizumoto
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Patent number: 10352694Abstract: A contactless dual-plane positioning method is disclosed. In this method, an X ray is provided. The X ray passes through a first test piece along a light incident axis. A scattering pattern generated by the X ray passing through the first test piece, and a scatting light intensity corresponding to the scattering pattern are obtained. According to the scattering light intensity, the first test piece is pivoted along a first axis or a second axis until the scattering intensity is greater than or equal to a predetermined intensity. At least three measurement distances between a second test piece and the first test piece are then obtained. According to the measurement distances, an included angle between the second test piece and the light incident axis is adjusted by pivoting the second test piece along a third axis or a fourth axis until the differences between any two measurement distances are less than a predetermined threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Guo-Dung Chen, Bo-Ching He, Wei-En Fu
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Patent number: 10353296Abstract: An immersion lithographic apparatus has adaptations to prevent or reduce bubble formation in one or more gaps in the substrate table by preventing bubbles escaping from the gap into the beam path and/or extracting bubbles that may form in the gap.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Bob Streefkerk, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Roelof Frederik De Graaf, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Martinus Hendrikus Antonius Leenders, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Michel Riepen
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Patent number: 10345723Abstract: A substrate handling system for handling a substrate, the substrate handling system including a holder for holding the substrate, a rotation device for rotating the holder around an axis perpendicular to a plane, and a mover for moving the holder along a path in the plane relative to the axis. Further, there is provided a lithographic apparatus including the substrate handling system. The substrate handling system may include a coupling device arranged to couple the holder to the mover or the rotation device in a first situation. The coupling device may be arranged to decouple the holder from the mover or rotation device in a second situation.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Michael Johannes Vervoordeldonk, Joeri Lof
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Patent number: 10338480Abstract: A simulation apparatus has: a first processing part configured to obtain a value of a parameter in a first set relating to the forming of the pattern; a second processing part configured to obtain a value of a parameter in a second set that is at least partially same as the parameter in the first set and relating to the forming of the pattern; and an integration processing part configured to evaluate, based on the value of the parameter in the first set and the value of the parameter in the second set, a state of the pattern formed on the substrate and a forming condition when the pattern is formed, and to determine based on the result of the evaluation whether or not to make at least one of the first processing part and the second processing part recalculate the value of the parameter in the corresponding set.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoyuki Matsuyama, Shintaro Kudo, Hirotaka Kohno
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Patent number: 10338476Abstract: A reflective optical element, in particular for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus or a mask inspection apparatus. According to one aspect, the reflective optical element has an optically effective surface, a substrate (405, 505), a reflection layer system (410, 510) and at least one porous outgassing layer (450, 550), which at least intermittently releases particles adsorbed in the outgassing layer (450, 550) when the optically effective surface (400a, 500a) is irradiated by electromagnetic radiation.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: CARL ZEISS SMT GMBHInventor: Peter Huber
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Patent number: 10331048Abstract: A mirror, in particular for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, has an optically effective surface, a mirror substrate (205, 305), a reflection layer (220, 320), which is configured to provide the mirror with a reflectivity of at least 50% for electromagnetic radiation with a predetermined operating wavelength incident on the optically effective surface (200a, 300a) at angles of incidence in relation to the respective surface normals of at least 65°, and a substrate protection layer (210, 310) which is arranged between the mirror substrate (205, 305) and the reflection layer (220, 320). The substrate protection layer has a transmission of less than 0.1% for EUV radiation.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2018Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: CARL ZEISS SMT GMBHInventors: Oliver Dier, Kerstin Hild, Hartmut Enkisch, Matus Kalisky
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Patent number: 10331038Abstract: A real time software and array control software application platform which maintains the ability to manage the synchronization between substrate alignments and image projection systems during maskless lithography patterning in a manufacturing process is disclosed. The application coordinates and controls the image projection systems such that discrepancies in and misalignments of the substrate may be determined and accounted for in real time. The image projection systems may run in parallel and may be controlled by a central processor.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Uwe Hollerbach, Thomas L. Laidig, Mark Hunt, Don Starses
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Patent number: 10324384Abstract: An immersion lithographic apparatus including: a liquid confinement structure configured to supply and confine immersion liquid to an immersion space between a final lens element of a projection system and a surface of the substrate and/or of a substrate table; and a passageway-former between the projection system and the liquid confinement structure, and a passageway between the passageway-former and an optically active part of the final lens element, the passageway being in liquid communication via an opening with the immersion space and extending radially outwardly, with respect to an optical axis of the projection system, at least to an edge of an exposed bottom surface of the final lens element and being constructed and configured such that in use it is filled with liquid from the immersion space by capillary action.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Gerben Pieterse, Theodorus Wilhelmus Polet, Johannes Jacobus Matheus Baselmans, Willem Jan Bouman, Theodorus Marinus Modderman, Cornelius Maria Rops, Bart Smeets, Koen Steffens, Ronald Van Der Ham
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Patent number: 10325794Abstract: A purge device includes a supply flow rate adjuster, which adjusts a supply flow rate of a purge gas supplied to a storage container through a supply pipe, and an intake flow rate adjuster, which adjusts an intake flow rate of the purge gas taken in from an inside of the storage container through a discharge pipe to prevent the pressure of the inside of the storage container from becoming negative relative to an outside of the storage container. The supply flow rate adjuster adjusts the supply flow rate in at least two stages including a first flow rate and a second flow rate that is higher than the first flow rate. When the supply flow rate is the first flow rate, the intake flow rate adjuster sets the intake flow rate to zero.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.Inventors: Masanao Murata, Takashi Yamaji
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Patent number: 10317346Abstract: A method for inspecting a spatial light modulator includes: performing such control that in an inspection target area in an array of mirror elements, the mirror elements in a first state in which incident light is given a phase change amount of 0 and the mirror elements in a second state in which incident light is given a phase change amount of 180° (?) become arrayed in a checkered pattern; guiding light having passed the inspection target area to a projection optical system with a resolution limit coarser than a width of an image of one mirror element, to form a spatial image; and inspecting a characteristic of the spatial light modulator from the spatial image. This method allows us to readily perform the inspection of the characteristic of the spatial light modulator having the array of optical elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Tomoharu Fujiwara
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Patent number: 10311198Abstract: A sample comprising an overlay target is presented. The overlay target comprises at least one pair of patterned structures, the patterned structures of the pair being accommodated in respectively bottom and top layers of the sample with a certain vertical distance h between them, wherein a pattern in at least one of the patterned structures has at least one pattern parameter optimized for a predetermined optical overlay measurement scheme with a predetermined wavelength range.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2015Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.Inventors: Gilad Barak, Tal Verdene, Michal Yachini, Dror Shafir, Changman Moon, Shay Wolfling
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Patent number: 10310384Abstract: While a wafer stage moves linearly in a Y-axis direction, surface position information of a wafer surface at a plurality of detection points set at a predetermined interval in an X-axis direction is detected by a multipoint AF system, and by a plurality of alignment systems arranged in a line along the X-axis direction, marks at different positions on the wafer are each detected, and a part of a chipped shot of the wafer is exposed by a periphery edge exposure system. This allows throughput to be improved when compared with the case when detection operation of the marks, detection operation of the surface position information (focus information), and periphery edge exposure operation are performed independently.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Yuichi Shibazaki
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Patent number: 10303069Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern forming method of forming a plurality of pattern layers on a substrate by using a plurality of lithography apparatuses including a first lithography apparatus and a second lithography apparatus, the method comprising a first step of forming a first pattern layer by the first lithography apparatus which adopts a die-by-die alignment method, based on alignment information obtained by using the die-by-die alignment method for a plurality of marks formed on the substrate by a lithography apparatus which adopts a global alignment method, and a second step of forming a second pattern layer so as to overlap with the first pattern layer by the second lithography apparatus, based on alignment information obtained by using the global alignment method for a plurality of shot regions formed on the substrate by the first lithography apparatus in the first step.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Eiji Sakamoto, Keiji Emoto, Yutaka Watanabe
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Patent number: 10303064Abstract: Disclosed are an optical system for conditioning a beam of radiation, and an illumination system and metrology apparatus comprising such an optical system. The optical system comprises one or more optical mixing elements in an optical system. The optical system defines at least a first optical mixing stage, at least a second optical mixing stage, and at least one transformation stage, configured such that radiation entering the second optical mixing stage includes a transformed version of radiation exiting the first optical mixing stage. The first and second optical mixing stages can be provided using separate optical mixing elements, or by multiple passes through the same optical mixing element. The transformation stage can be a Fourier transformation stage. Both spatial distribution and angular distribution of illumination can be homogenized as desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Sebastianus Adrianus Goorden, Teunis Willem Tukker, Johannes Matheus Marie De Wit, Jonas Mertes, Gerbrand Van Der Zouw
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Patent number: 10295713Abstract: A color filter substrate, a preparing method thereof and a display device are provided. The method includes: preparing a black matrix pattern and a color filter pattern on a substrate; preparing planarization layer and spacers including primary spacers and secondary spacers. The black matrix pattern includes primary areas and secondary areas, and the primary area has a width in the column direction of the black matrix pattern greater than the width of the secondary area in the column direction of the black matrix pattern. The primary spacers are located on primary areas of the black matrix pattern; and the secondary spacers are located on secondary areas of the black matrix pattern, the primary spacers have a height greater than that of the secondary spacers.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignees: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing BOE Display Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Changjun Zha, Min Li, Jingjing Jiang, Hongjiang Wu
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Patent number: 10290082Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a memory configured to store a plurality of image restoration filters depending on an F-number, and at least one processor coupled to the memory, and serving as an acquirer configured to acquire a plurality of first image restoration filters according to an imaging condition from among the plurality of image restoration filters, and an image restorer configured to perform a restoration process for an image through a predetermined calculation process based on the plurality of first image restoration filters. The image is obtained via an imaging optical system that includes an optical element having a transmittance distribution where a transmittance continuously changes in at least a partial area.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Fumihito Wachi
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Patent number: 10289009Abstract: A lithographic apparatus obtains a height map of a substrate and uses the height map when controlling imaging of the pattern to the substrate. The apparatus is arranged to disregard at least partially height anomalies when controlling the imaging. The height anomalies may be identified by processing the height map. For example, in some embodiments the height anomalies are identified using a shape recognition model. In some embodiments, a modified version of the height map is produced in which the height anomalies are at least partially removed, and the modified version of the height map is used in controlling the imaging. An anomaly map may be used together with the (unmodified) height map to control imaging.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Bram Van Hoof, Wim Tjibbo Tel
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Patent number: 10281821Abstract: An exposure apparatus includes a polarizing member polarizing illumination light, and a filter having at least one opening. The polarizing member includes a first polarizing unit and a second polarizing unit arranged so as to surround the first polarizing unit. The second polarizing unit is configured so as to polarize the illumination light entering the second polarizing unit in the circumferential direction along the outer circumference of the first polarizing unit. At least a portion of the first polarizing unit is configured to polarize the illumination light in the direction orthogonal to the polarization direction in a part of the second polarizing unit located on the side opposite to the central part of the first polarizing unit. The openings are arranged in the filter so that the illumination light at the post stage of the filter and the polarizing member includes the illumination light polarized by the first and second polarizing units.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventor: Seiji Matsuura
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Patent number: 10281830Abstract: A lithographic apparatus (100) includes a patterning device support structure (104) configured to support a patterning device (110), a gas inlet (116) configured to provide a gas flow (114) across a surface of the patterning device, and a temperature conditioning device (134) configured to condition the temperature of the gas flow based on a set point. The apparatus also includes a sensor (132) configured to measure a parameter indicative of an amount of heat added to at least one of the patterning device and a volume (126) between the patterning device and a lens (124) of a projection system (106) during operational use of the lithographic system. Further, the apparatus includes a controller (130) operatively coupled to the sensor and configured to adjust the set point based on the parameter measured by the sensor to control a temperature of the patterning device.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignees: ASML Netherlands B.V., ASML Holding N.V.Inventors: Laurentius Johannes Adrianus Van Bokhoven, Christopher Charles Ward, Marc Léon Van Der Gaag, Johan Gertrudis Cornelis Kunnen
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Patent number: 10281829Abstract: A vibration-assisted positioning stage comprising a stage, a roller bearing, an compliant joint interconnecting the roller bearing to the stage such that the compliant joint is sufficiently compliant in a direction of movement to permit reliable alignment of the stage and further permit dithering, and a dithering force actuator applying a dithering force directly to the roller bearing to permit the dithering of the stage. The dithering forces can be applied out of phase to minimize vibration of the stage. Furthermore, the controller of the stage can be employed to suppress any remnant vibrations of the stage due to dithering. A supervisory control system can intelligently adapt the parameters of the dithering signal to optimize the performance of the stage as friction changes.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Chinedum E. Okwudire, Xin Dong
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Patent number: 10281828Abstract: An exposure method includes, in a case of exposing unmeasurable shots which are arranged linearly and whose focus value cannot be measured and a measurable shot which is adjacent to the unmeasurable shots and whose focus value can be measured, exposing alternately the measurable shot and the unmeasurable shots such that the unmeasurable shots are exposed using the focus value of the adjacent measurable shot exposed immediately before the unmeasurable shots.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHOInventor: Kento Arimatsu
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Patent number: 10274843Abstract: An exposure apparatus includes: a stage on which a substrate is placed; a plurality of light irradiation units configured to emit light independently of each other, so as to form a strip-like irradiation area; a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the substrate relative to the irradiation area; a stage moving mechanism configured to move the stage relative to the irradiation area in a back and forth direction; and a control unit configured to make the exposure apparatus perform a first step that rotates the substrate relative to the irradiation area having a first illuminance distribution such that the whole surface of the substrate is exposed, and a second step that moves the substrate in the back and forth direction relative to the irradiation area having a second illuminance distribution while rotation of the substrate is being stopped, such that the whole surface of the substrate is exposed.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Seiji Nagahara, Masaru Tomono, Nobutaka Fukunaga, Gousuke Shiraishi, Yukie Minekawa
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Patent number: 10274828Abstract: A microlithography illumination system includes a first light source configured to generate pulses of light, a second light source configured to generate further pulses of light offset temporally relative to the pulses of light generated by the first light source, an array of optical elements digitally switchable between first and second switching positions, and a control device to drive the optical elements so that during use the switching position of the optical elements is unchanged while any of the first and second light sources generates a light pulse. In the first switching position of the optical elements, the array couples light pulses generated by the first light source into a common beam path of the illumination system. In the second switching position of the optical elements, the array couples light pulses generated by the second light source into a common beam path of the illumination system.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbHInventors: Markus Deguenther, Vladimir Davydenko, Thomas Korb, Johannes Eisenmenger
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Patent number: 10274833Abstract: An exposing method adapted to a maskless photolithography process. The exposing method includes reading an exposure file; obtaining a plurality of coordinate information corresponding to a plurality of patterns contained in the exposure file, according to the exposure file; generating graphical data, according to the plurality of coordinate information; generating scanning data corresponding to each of a plurality of polygon mirrors or each of at least one polygon mirror group, according to the graphical data and a configuration of the polygon mirrors, wherein every two rotation directions of every two adjacent polygon mirrors of the plurality of polygon mirrors are different, or every two rotation directions of every two adjacent polygon mirrors of the at least one polygon mirror group are different.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ka-Yi Yeh, Chun-Lung Lin, Shau-Yin Tseng