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US3892973A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Mask structure for X-ray lithography

Assignee: AT&T Inc
•
Filing: 1974-02-15
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Granted: 1975-07-01
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Expires: 1994-02-15
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Abstract

Abstract A mask structure for use in an x-ray lithographic system comprises as the substrate thereof a Mylar film stretched over and bonded to a support ring. The stretched Mylar film exhibits an attractive combination of advantageous properties such as high planarity, dimensional stability, mechanical strength, low x-ray absorption, resistance to organic solvents, optical transparency, and ready availability in a variety of thicknesses with optical quality surfaces.

Inventors

  • 👤 Gerald Allan Coquin
  • 👤 Juan Ramon Maldonado
  • 👤 Dan Maydan

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-24 22:01
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F1/00; G03F1/22; G03F1/38; G03F1/48

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim 33 words
IN COMBINATION IN A MASK STRUCTURE, A DIMENSIONALLY STABLE SUPPORT MEMBER, A X-RAY TRANSPARENT HEAT-TREATED FILM STRETCHED OVER AND BONDED TO SAID SUPPORT MEMBER, AND AN X-RAY ABSORPTIVE PATTERN DISPOSED ON SAID FILM.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 33 words
IN COMBINATION IN A MASK STRUCTURE, A DIMENSIONALLY STABLE SUPPORT MEMBER, A X-RAY TRANSPARENT HEAT-TREATED FILM STRETCHED OVER AND BONDED TO SAID SUPPORT MEMBER, AND AN X-RAY ABSORPTIVE PATTERN DISPOSED ON SAID FILM.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 38 words
In combination in a mask structure, a dimensionally stable support member, an x-ray-transparent film stretched over and bonded to said support member, and an x-ray-absorptive pattern disposed on said film, wherein said film is made of polyethylene terephthalate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 38 words
In combination in a mask structure, a dimensionally stable support member, an x-ray-transparent film stretched over and bonded to said support member, and an x-ray-absorptive pattern disposed on said film, wherein said film is made of polyethylene terephthalate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 16 words
A combination as in claim 2 further including x-ray-transparent means for protecting said pattern from damage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 26 words
A combination as in claim 3 still further including a layer deposited on said film for absorbing all but a narrow preselected band of x-ray wavelengths.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 24 words
A combination as in claim 4 wherein said x-ray-transparent means comprises a layer of boron carbide deposited on said film to cover said pattern.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 13 words
A combination as in claim 5 wherein said pattern is made of gold.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 18 words
A combination as in claim 6 wherein said support member is shaped in the form of a ring.
Claim 10
Independent Claim 43 words
A method of fabricating an x-ray mask substrate comprising the steps of bonding peripheral portions of an x-ray-transparent film to a dimensionally stable support member, heat treating the film to impart a tautness thereto, and forming an x-ray-absorptive pattern on said taut film.
Claim 11
Independent Claim 43 words
A method of fabricating an x-ray mask substrate comprising the steps of bonding peripheral portions of an x-ray-transparent film to a dimensionally stable support member, heat treating the film to impart a tautness thereto, and forming an x-ray-absorptive pattern on said taut film.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 55 words
In combination in a mask structure, a dimensionally stable support member, an x-ray-transparent film stretched over and bonded to said support member, an x-ray-absorptive pattern disposed on said film, x-ray-transparent means for protecting said pattern from damage, and a layer deposited on said film for absorbing all but a narrow preselected band of x-ray wavelengths.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 55 words
In combination in a mask structure, a dimensionally stable support member, an x-ray-transparent film stretched over and bonded to said support member, an x-ray-absorptive pattern disposed on said film, x-ray-transparent means for protecting said pattern from damage, and a layer deposited on said film for absorbing all but a narrow preselected band of x-ray wavelengths.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3743842A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1978-06-30 1978-12-30 1979-07-01 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1982-06-30 1982-12-30 1983-07-01 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1986-06-30 1986-12-30 1987-07-01 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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