US5275894A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Phase shifting mask
Assignee: NEC Corp
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Filing: 1991-12-24
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Granted: 1994-01-04
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Expires: 2011-12-24
Abstract
Abstract A phase shifting mask includes an opaque layer having three adjacent apertures which comprise a predetermined pattern, and at least two phase shifters each having a different shift amount. At least two of the apertures are covered with the phase shifters so that a phase difference between each two adjacent apertures is approximately 120° (1/3λ). Therefore, light intensity at a medial area between each two adjacent aperture is decreased in comparison with independent lights passing through the apertures.
Inventors
- 👤 Hiroyoshi Tanabe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 10:09
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F1/00; G03F1/26; G03F1/30; G03F1/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A phase shifting mask comprising: a photo-mask member having three adjacent apertures which are a part of a predetermined mask pattern; and at least two phase shifters for covering at least two of said three adjacent apertures to provide said three adjacent apertures with three phase shift amounts φ1, φ2 and φ3; wherein said three phase shift amounts φ1, φ2 and φ3 meet below equations; |φ1-φ2+n×360°|≃120.degree. |φ2-φ3+m×360°|≃120.degree. |φ3-φ1+k×360°|≃120.degree. when n, m and k are arbitrary integers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A phase shifting mask comprising: a photo-mask member having three adjacent apertures which are a part of a predetermined mask pattern; and at least two phase shifters for covering at least two of said three adjacent apertures to provide said three adjacent apertures with three phase shift amounts φ1, φ2 and φ3; wherein said three phase shift amounts φ1, φ2 and φ3 meet below equations; |φ1-φ2+n×360°|≃120.degree. |φ2-φ3+m×360°|≃120.degree. |φ3-φ1+k×360°|≃120.degree. when n, m and k are arbitrary integers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
83 words
A phase shifting mask comprising: a transparent substrate; a shading layer formed on said transparent substrate to have a plurality of apertures comprising three adjacent apertures which comprise a predetermined pattern; and at least two phase shifters each having a different shift amount to shift a phase of coherent illumination transmitting therethrough; wherein at least two of said three adjacent apertures are covered with said at least two phase shifters so that phase difference between each two adjacent apertures is 100° to 140°.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
83 words
A phase shifting mask comprising: a transparent substrate; a shading layer formed on said transparent substrate to have a plurality of apertures comprising three adjacent apertures which comprise a predetermined pattern; and at least two phase shifters each having a different shift amount to shift a phase of coherent illumination transmitting therethrough; wherein at least two of said three adjacent apertures are covered with said at least two phase shifters so that phase difference between each two adjacent apertures is 100° to 140°.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A phase shifting mask, according to claim 2, wherein: said phase difference between each two adjacent apertures is 120° (1/3λ).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A phase shifting mask, according to claim 2 or 3 wherein: said phase shifter has a fine structure and holds said shading layer in addition to means for phase shifting.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A phase shifting mask, according to claim 2, wherein: said at least two phase shifters have shift amounts of 120° (1/3λ) and 240° (2/3λ), respectively; and a remaining one of said adjacent apertures is not provided with a phase shifter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A phase shifting mask, according to claim 2, wherein: said at least two phase shifters comprises three phase shifters having shift amounts of 60° (1/6 λ), 180° (1/2λ) and 300° (5/6 λ), respectively.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-01-03 | 1997-07-05 | 1998-01-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-01-03 | 2001-07-05 | 2002-01-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-01-03 | 2005-07-05 | 2006-01-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |