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US5387485A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Phase shift photomask

Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co Ltd
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Filing: 1993-11-29
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Granted: 1995-02-07
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Expires: 2013-11-29
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Abstract

Abstract A phase shift photomask for forming a fine-line pattern with high dimensional accuracy even at different focus positions. The phase shift photomask has a transparent substrate (1) of quartz, for example, and a light-shielding film (2) of chromium, for example, provided on the substrate (1). The light-shielding film (2) is partially removed to form a first opening pattern (4a) and a second opening pattern (4b) with a very small width which is annularly provided in a peripheral region adjacent to the first opening pattern (4a). The light-shielding film (2c) is left in each of the four corners of the second opening pattern (4b). In addition, a phase shifter layer 3 is provided over either of the first or second opening patterns (4a, 4b).

Inventors

  • 👤 Makoto Sukegawa
  • 👤 Naoya Hayashi

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-08 11:54
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F1/00; G03F1/26; G03F1/30

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim 105 words
A phase shift photomask having a first opening pattern (4a) formed by partially removing a light-shielding film (2) provided on a transparent substrate (1), a second opening pattern (4b) with a very small width which is annularly provided in a peripheral region adjacent to said first opening pattern (4a) by partially removing said light-shielding film (2), and a phase shifter layer (3) provided over either of the first or second opening patterns (4a, 4b), said phase shift photomask comprising a light-shielding film (2c) left in each of four corners of said second opening pattern (4b) so as to limit light transmitted through the four corners.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 105 words
A phase shift photomask having a first opening pattern (4a) formed by partially removing a light-shielding film (2) provided on a transparent substrate (1), a second opening pattern (4b) with a very small width which is annularly provided in a peripheral region adjacent to said first opening pattern (4a) by partially removing said light-shielding film (2), and a phase shifter layer (3) provided over either of the first or second opening patterns (4a, 4b), said phase shift photomask comprising a light-shielding film (2c) left in each of four corners of said second opening pattern (4b) so as to limit light transmitted through the four corners.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 32 words
A phase shift photomask according to claim 1, wherein said light-shielding film (2c) is left in an oblique line shape in each of the four corners of said second opening pattern (4b).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 32 words
A phase shift photomask according to claim 1, wherein said light-shielding film (2c) is left in a curved line shape in each of the four corners of said second opening pattern (4b).

References Cited (Backward Citations)

EP0492630A2 Cited
US5273850A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1998-02-06 1998-08-08 1999-02-07 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2002-02-06 2002-08-08 2003-02-07 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2006-02-06 2006-08-08 2007-02-07 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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