Pattern transfer mask, mask inspection method and a mask inspection apparatus
First Claim
1. A mask inspection apparatus comprising:
- a charged particle beam generating source for irradiating a charged particle beam;
a shaped mask for shaping the charged particle beam to generate a shaped charged particle beam, the shaped charged particle beam being applied onto a mask formed with a pattern;
an electron lens for electro-optically magnifying an electro-optic mask image transmitted through the mask;
a fluorescent screen for converting the magnified electro-optic mask image to an optical mask image;
optically magnifying means for optically magnifying the optical mask image;
a camera for detecting a magnified optical mask image to obtain an image signal; and
means for inspecting the pattern for a defect on the basis of the image signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mask inspection apparatus of the present invention includes an electron gun for irradiating an electron beam onto a mask with a pattern formed thereon, an electron lens for magnifying an electro-optic mask image passed through the mask, a fluorescent screen for converting the magnified electro-optic mask image to an optical mask image, an optical lens for optically magnifying the optical mask image, a detector for detecting the magnified optical mask image, and a comparator for inspection a defect in the pattern on the basis of the image. By doing so, it is possible to suppress aberrations resulting from the electro-optic magnification and, in addition, inspect the pattern with a high resolution through optical magnification. It is also possible to inspect the mask at its area and to inspect a defect at high speeds.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A mask inspection apparatus comprising:
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a charged particle beam generating source for irradiating a charged particle beam; a shaped mask for shaping the charged particle beam to generate a shaped charged particle beam, the shaped charged particle beam being applied onto a mask formed with a pattern; an electron lens for electro-optically magnifying an electro-optic mask image transmitted through the mask; a fluorescent screen for converting the magnified electro-optic mask image to an optical mask image; optically magnifying means for optically magnifying the optical mask image; a camera for detecting a magnified optical mask image to obtain an image signal; and means for inspecting the pattern for a defect on the basis of the image signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A mask inspection apparatus comprising:
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a charged particle beam generating source for irradiating a charged particle beam; a shaped mask for shaping the charged particle beam to generate a shaped charged particle beam, the shaped charged particle beam being applied onto a mask formed with a pattern; an aperture for eliminating at least a portion of a scattering beam from an electro-optic mask image, passed through the mask, with a shade corresponding to the pattern formed there; and means for inspecting a defect in the pattern on the basis of the eliminated electro-optic mask image.
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Specification