As the semiconductor industry attempts to increase the number of functions that will fit into the smallest space on a chip, it becomes increasingly important for new technologies to keep apace with these demands. Photomask technology is one of the key areas to achieving this goal. Although brief overviews of photomask technology exist in the literature, the Handbook of Photomask Manufacturing Technology is the first in-depth, comprehensive treatment of existing and emerging photomask technologies available. The Handbook of Photomask Manufacturing Technology features contributions from 40 internationally prominent authors from industry, academia, government, national labs, and consortia. These authors discuss conventional masks and their supporting technologies, as well as next-generation, non-optical technologies such as extreme ultraviolet, electron projection, ion projection, and x-ray lithography. The book begins with an overview of the history of photomask development. It then demonstrates the steps involved in designing, producing, testing, inspecting, and repairing photomasks, following the sequences observed in actual production. The text also includes sections on materials used as well as modeling and simulation. Continued refinements in the photomask-making process have ushered in the sub-wavelength era in nanolithography. This invaluable handbook synthesizes these refinements and provides the tools and possibilities necessary to reach the next generation of microfabrication technologies.

State-of-the-art semiconductor lithography combines the most advanced optical systems of our world with cleverly designed and highly optimized photochemical materials and processes to fabricate micro- and nanostructures that enable our modern information society. The precise fabrication and characterization of nanopatterns requires an in-depth understanding of all involved physical and chemical effects. This book supports such an understanding from a model-driven perspective, but without a heavy mathematical emphasis. The material for the book was compiled during many years of lecturing on optical lithography technology, physical effects, and modeling at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg and in preparation for dedicated courses on special aspects of lithography. The book is intended to introduce interested students with backgrounds in physics, optics, computational engineering, mathematics, chemistry, material science, nanotechnology, and other areas to the fascinating field of lithographic techniques for nanofabrication. It should also help senior engineers and managers expand their knowledge of alternative methods and applications.