OPTICAL SYSTEM
20180101105 ยท 2018-04-12
Inventors
Cpc classification
G03F7/70833
PHYSICS
G03F7/70316
PHYSICS
G03F7/70241
PHYSICS
G03F7/70258
PHYSICS
G03F7/70275
PHYSICS
International classification
Abstract
The disclosure provides an optical system, having a first optical control loop, which is set up to regulate a position and/or spatial orientation of a first optical element relative to a first module sensor frame, and a first module control loop, which is set up to regulate a position and/or spatial orientation of the first module sensor frame relative to a base sensor frame. Related components and methods are also provided
Claims
1. An optical system, wherein at least one of the following holds: i) the optical system comprises: a first optical control loop configured to regulate a position and/or spatial orientation of a first optical element relative to a first module sensor frame; a first module control loop configured to regulate a position and/or spatial orientation of the first module sensor frame relative to a base sensor frame; and a first actuator configured to position and/or spatially orient the first optical element, the first actuator being supported on a first module holding frame; and ii) the optical system comprises: a second optical control loop configured to regulate a position and/or spatial orientation of a second optical element relative to a second module sensor frame; a second module control loop configured to regulate a position and/or spatial orientation of the second module sensor frame relative to the base sensor frame; and a second actuator configured to position and/or spatially orient the second optical element, the second actuator being supported on a second module holding frame.
2. The optical system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the following holds: i) the first optical control loop comprises a first sensor configured to capture the position and/or spatial orientation of the first optical element relative to the first module sensor frame, wherein the first actuator configured to position and/or spatially orient the first optical element in dependence on the captured position and/or spatial orientation of the first optical element; and ii) the second optical control loop comprises a second sensor configured to capture the position and/or spatial orientation of the second optical element relative to the second module sensor frame, wherein the second actuator configured to position and/or spatially orient the second optical element in dependence on the captured position and/or spatial orientation of the second optical element.
3. The optical system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the following holds: i) the first module control loop comprises: a third sensor configured to capture the position and/or spatial orientation of the first module sensor frame relative to the base sensor frame; and a third actuator configured to position and/or spatially orient the first module sensor frame in dependence on the captured position and/or spatial orientation of the first module sensor frame; and ii) the second module control loop comprises: a fourth sensor configured to capture the position and/or spatial orientation of the second module sensor frame relative to the base sensor frame; and a fourth actuator configured to position and/or spatially orient the second module sensor frame in dependence on the captured position and/or spatial orientation of the second module sensor frame.
4. The optical system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the following holds: i) the first module control loop and the first optical control loop are configured to interact with each other so that the position and orientation of the first and second optical elements are regulatable in each case in all six degrees of freedom relative to the base sensor frame; and ii) the second module control loop and the second optical control loop are configured to interact with each other so that the position and orientation of the first and second optical elements are regulatable in each case in all six degrees of freedom relative to the base sensor frame.
5. The optical system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the following holds: the third actuator supports the first module holding frame on a base holding frame, and the fourth actuator supports the second module holding frame on the base holding frame; the first module comprises the first optical element, the first module sensor frame, the first sensor, the first module holding frame and the first actuator; the second module comprises the second optical element, the second module sensor frame, the second sensor, the second module holding frame and the second actuator; and the first and/or second modules is/are interchangeable between the base sensor frame and the base holding frame.
6. The optical system of claim 1, wherein both i) and ii) hold.
7. The optical system of claim 6, wherein: the first optical control loop comprises a first sensor configured to capture the position and/or spatial orientation of the first optical element relative to the first module sensor frame, wherein the first actuator configured to position and/or spatially orient the first optical element in dependence on the captured position and/or spatial orientation of the first optical element; and the second optical control loop comprises a second sensor configured to capture the position and/or spatial orientation of the second optical element relative to the second module sensor frame, wherein the second actuator configured to position and/or spatially orient the second optical element in dependence on the captured position and/or spatial orientation of the second optical element.
8. The optical system of claim 7, wherein: the first module control loop comprises: a third sensor configured to capture the position and/or spatial orientation of the first module sensor frame relative to the base sensor frame; and a third actuator configured to position and/or spatially orient the first module sensor frame in dependence on the captured position and/or spatial orientation of the first module sensor frame; and the second module control loop comprises: a fourth sensor configured to capture the position and/or spatial orientation of the second module sensor frame relative to the base sensor frame; and a fourth actuator configured to position and/or spatially orient the second module sensor frame in dependence on the captured position and/or spatial orientation of the second module sensor frame.
9. The optical system of claim 8, wherein: the first module control loop and the first optical control loop are configured to interact with each other so that the position and orientation of the first and second optical elements are regulatable in each case in all six degrees of freedom relative to the base sensor frame; and the second module control loop and the second optical control loop are configured to interact with each other so that the position and orientation of the first and second optical elements are regulatable in each case in all six degrees of freedom relative to the base sensor frame.
10. The optical system of claim 9, wherein: the third actuator supports the first module holding frame on a base holding frame, and the fourth actuator supports the second module holding frame on the base holding frame; the first module comprises the first optical element, the first module sensor frame, the first sensor, the first module holding frame and the first actuator; the second module comprises the second optical element, the second module sensor frame, the second sensor, the second module holding frame and the second actuator; and the first and/or second modules is/are interchangeable between the base sensor frame and the base holding frame.
11. An inspection system, comprising: an optical system according to claim 1, wherein the inspection system is configured to inspect a photomask.
12. A projection system, comprising: an optical system according to claim 1, wherein the projection system is a lithography projection system.
13. An apparatus, comprising: an optical system according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a lithography apparatus.
14. An optical system, comprising: optical elements; actuators; a holding frame holding the optical elements so that the optical elements are positionable and/or spatially orientable via the actuators; a sensor frame mechanically decoupled from the holding frame; and sensors configured to capture a position and/or spatial orientation of a respective optical element relative to the sensor frame, wherein the holding frame encloses a volume, and the sensor frame is arranged partially or entirely within said volume.
15. The optical system of claim 14, wherein the sensor frame comprises a plurality of arms projecting from a base body, and each of at least two of the arms comprises one of the sensors.
16. The optical system of claim 15, wherein the base body and the projecting arms are configured in one part or in one piece.
17. The optical system of claim 16, further comprising a device configured to capture a change in position, a change in spatial orientation, and/or a deformation of the sensor frame or parts thereof with respect to a reference outside the holding frame.
18. The optical system of claim 17, wherein the device comprises an interferometer.
19. The optical system of claim 18, wherein the interferometer comprises a measurement section along which electromagnetic radiation is sent and which extends via two reflection points on the sensor frame.
20. An inspection system, comprising: an optical system according to claim 14, wherein the inspection system is configured to inspect a photomask.
21. A projection system, comprising: an optical system according to claim 14, wherein the projection system is a lithography projection system.
22. An apparatus, comprising: an optical system according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus is a lithography apparatus.
23. A method for regulating an optical system, the method comprising at least one of the following: i) regulating a position and/or spatial orientation of a first optical element relative to a first module sensor frame in a first optical control loop, and regulating a position and/or spatial orientation of the first module sensor frame relative to a base sensor frame in a first module control loop; and ii) regulating a position and/or spatial orientation of a second optical element relative to a second module sensor frame in a second optical control loop, and regulating a position and/or spatial orientation of the second module sensor frame relative to the base sensor frame in a second module control loop.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0096] In the text that follows, the disclosure is explained in more detail on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0109] Unless otherwise indicated, the same reference signs in the figures denote elements that are the same or functionally the same. It should also be noted that the illustrations in the figures are not necessarily to scale.
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[0111] The beam shaping system 102 has an EUV light source 108, a collimator 110 and a monochromator 112. A plasma source or a synchrotron, which emit radiation in the EUV range (extreme ultraviolet range), that is to say for example in the wavelength range from 0.1 nm to 30 nm, may for example be provided as the EUV light source 108. The radiation emitted by the EUV light source 108 is first focused by the collimator 110, after which the desired operating wavelength is filtered out by the monochromator 112. Consequently, the beam shaping system 102 adapts the wavelength and the spatial distribution of the light emitted by the EUV light source 108. The EUV radiation 114 generated by the EUV light source 108 has a relatively low transmissivity through air, for which reason the beam guiding spaces in the beam shaping system 102, in the illumination system 104 and in the projection system 106 are evacuated.
[0112] In the depicted example, the illumination system 104 includes a first mirror 116 and a second mirror 118. These mirrors 116, 118 may for example be formed as facet mirrors for pupil shaping and conduct the EUV radiation 114 to a photomask 120.
[0113] The photomask 120 is likewise formed as a reflective optical element and may be arranged outside the systems 102, 104, 106. The photomask 120 has a structure which is imaged onto a wafer 122 or the like in a reduced fashion via the projection system 106. For this purpose, the projection system 106 has in the beam guiding space for example a third mirror 124 and a fourth mirror 126. It should be noted that the number of mirrors of the EUV lithography apparatus 100 is not restricted to the number represented. A greater or lesser number of mirrors can also be provided. Furthermore, the mirrors, as a rule, are curved on their front side for beam shaping.
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[0115] The optical system 200 has a holding frame 202 (in the present case also base holding frame), a sensor frame 204 (in the present case also base sensor frame) and, by way of example, optical elements in the form of the two mirrors 124, 126. The optical system 200 furthermore has two sensors 206a, 206b. A corresponding modular sensor frame 208a, 208b and a corresponding modular holding frame 210a, 210b are provided for each of the two mirrors 124, 126.
[0116] A sensor 206a, 206b has a transmitting and receiving unit 212 and a corresponding measurement object 214, which sends an optical signal back to the transmitting and receiving unit 212. The position and/or spatial orientation of one of the mirrors 124, 126 can be determined on the basis of the signal that is sent back. The transmitting and receiving unit 212 of the sensor 206a, 206b is preferably attached to the sensor frame 204. In this case, the measurement object 214, which sends the signal back to the transmitting and receiving unit 212, is arranged at the respective modular sensor frame 208a, 208b, which is associated with the corresponding mirror 124, 126. Alternatively, the measurement object 214 can also be attached to the sensor frame 204. The transmitting and receiving unit 212 is then attached to the modular sensor frame 208a, 208b, which is associated with the corresponding mirror 124, 126. At least part of a respective sensor 206a, 206b is accordingly attached to the sensor frame 204.
[0117] The optical system 200 has a module control loop 216a, 216b for each of the two mirrors 124, 126. Each of the module control loops 216a, 216b depicted in
[0118] The optical system 200 depicted in
[0119] The sensor 224a, 224b has a transmitting and receiving unit 226 and a corresponding measurement object 228, which sends a signal back to the transmitting and receiving unit 226. The position and/or spatial orientation of one of the mirrors 124, 126 relative to the modular sensor frame 208a, 208b can be determined on the basis of the signal that is sent back. The transmitting and receiving unit 226 is preferably attached to the modular sensor frame 208a, 208b. In this case, the measurement object 228 is arranged at the mirror 124, 126. Alternatively, the arrangement can also be the other way around. At least part of the sensor 224a, 224b is accordingly attached to the modular sensor frame 208a, 208b.
[0120] One of the mirrors 124, 126, the corresponding modular sensor frame 208a, 208b and/or the corresponding modular holding frame 210a, 210b can in each case form a module 232a, 232b. The respective module 232a, 232b can be installed and removed from the optical system 200 as a component.
[0121] Alternatively, the optical system 200 does not have a modular holding frame 210a, 210b and/or a modular sensor frame 208a, 208b for each mirror 124, 126 (or for no mirror 124, 126). Positioning and/or spatial orientation of the mirrors 124, 126 is performed for the mirrors 124, 126 without associated modular holding frame 210a, 210b and modular sensor frame 208a, 208b only via the optical control loops 233a, 233b.
[0122] The mirrors 124, 126 are always capable of being positioned and spatially oriented in six degrees of freedom. This ability to be positioned and spatially oriented can be achieved by way of the module and/or optical control loop 216a, 216b, 233a, 233b. In the sum, the ability to be positioned and spatially oriented in six degrees of freedom, i.e. the ability to be positioned and spatially oriented in three spatial directions and at three angles, is always achieved by way of the control loops 216a, 216b, 233a, 233b.
[0123] The actuators 218a, 218b and the actuators 222a, 222b form a cascaded system. By way of example, the module control loop 216a, 216b can increase the actuation range of the mirror 124, 126 and thus ideally complement the optical control loop 233a, 233b, which is highly precise but in turn limited in the actuation range. This permits both coarse and fine adjustment.
[0124] The sensor frame 204 is arranged partially or completely within a volume V (see
[0125] The respective modular sensor frame 208a, 208b can be connected to the respective modular holding frame 210a, 210b via in particular oscillation-decoupling connecting elements 230 (see
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[0127] The sensor frame 204 has a base body 301 and, projecting therefrom, a first arm 302, a second arm 304, and a third arm 306. Consequently, the sensors 206a, 206b can be arranged near the modular sensor frames 208a, 208b. Alternatively, the sensor frame can also be configured in the form of a scaffold. In a further alternative, a plurality of arms of the sensor frame 204 can form a star shape. The arms 302, 304, 306 and the base body 301 are configured in one part or in one piece.
[0128] The measurement distance, or the measurement section, 308 is the distance between the transmitting and receiving unit 212 and the measurement body 214 and is less than 8 mm, preferably less than 4 mm and with further preference less than 1 mm. A small measurement distance 308 permits very accurate measurement of the position and/or of the spatial orientation of the modular sensor frame 208 and thus of the mirror 124, 126. The small measurement distance 308 is achieved by way of the arms 302, 304, 306 having the sensors 206a, 206b and reaching to the modular sensor frames 208a, 208b.
[0129] The sensor frame 204 shown in
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[0132] The measurement mirror 506 and the optical component 508 are fixedly connected to the sensor frame 204. The optical component 508 has, on its side facing the measurement mirror 506, a reference surface 518. The reference surface 518 is inclined relative to the measurement mirror 506. The radiation reflected at the measurement mirror 506, illustrated by way of a third ray 520 and a fourth ray 522, is directed via the deflection mirror 516 and through the opening 510 back into the interferometer component 504. In the process, the radiation passes for a second time through the optical component 508. Owing to the reference surface 518 being inclined relative to the measurement mirror 506, the third and fourth rays 520, 522 have different optical paths and phases. As a consequence, an interferogram 524 can be seen in the interferometer component 504. The different optical paths and phases of the third and fourth rays 520, 522 are symbolized by way of the returning fourth ray 522 starting only at the reference surface 518.
[0133] A measurement section 526 is located between the measurement mirror 506 and the optical component 508. If the length of the sensor frame 204 changes, the length of the measurement section 526 will also change. This change in length can be read in the interferogram 524.
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[0136] The concave mirror 604 is fixedly connected to the sensor frame 204 using a connecting element 616. The grating 606 is likewise fixedly connected to the sensor frame 204. If the sensor frame 204 bends, the concave mirror 604 will be tilted. This is symbolized by way of the curved double-headed arrow 618. As a result, the moir measurement section 620 is lengthened or shortened, and the image of the left-hand part 610 of the grating 606 will be shifted to the right-hand part 612 of the grating 606. This effects a change in the moir pattern, which is detected by way of the camera 602.
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[0141] The measurement of the position and/or spatial orientation of the mirror 124, 126 in step S2 can be effected in a contact-free manner. Furthermore, the measurement of the position and/or spatial orientation of the mirror 124, 126 in step S2 can be effected using one or more optical sensors 206a, 206b, 224a, 224b.
[0142] Exemplary embodiments for an optical system 200 of an EUV lithography apparatus with a wavelength of the operating light of between 0.1 and 30 nm have been explained. However, the disclosure is not restricted to EUV lithography apparatuses and may also be applied to other lithography apparatuses. A DUV (deep ultraviolet) lithography apparatus having a wavelength of the operating light of between 30 and 250 nm is mentioned here by way of example. The optical system 200 can furthermore also be used in a photomask inspection system for inspecting a photomask 120.
[0143] Although the disclosure has been described on the basis of various exemplary embodiments, it is not in any way restricted to them but rather can be modified in a wide variety of ways.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0144] 100 EUV lithography apparatus [0145] 102 Beam shaping system [0146] 104 Illumination system [0147] 106 Projection system [0148] 108 EUV light source [0149] 110 Collimator [0150] 112 Monochromator [0151] 114 EUV radiation [0152] 116 First mirror [0153] 118 Second mirror [0154] 120 Photomask [0155] 122 Wafer [0156] 124 Third mirror [0157] 126 Fourth mirror [0158] 200 Optical system [0159] 202 Holding frame [0160] 204 Sensor frame [0161] 206a, 206b Sensor [0162] 208a, 208b Modular sensor frame [0163] 210a, 210b Modular holding frame [0164] 212 Transmitting and receiving unit [0165] 214 Measurement object [0166] 216a, 216b Module control loop [0167] 218a, 218b Actuator [0168] 222a, 222b Actuator [0169] 224a, 224b Sensor [0170] 226 Transmitting and receiving unit [0171] 228 Measurement object [0172] 230 Connecting element [0173] 232a, 232b Module [0174] 233a, 233b Optical control loop [0175] 300 Hole [0176] 301 Base body [0177] 302 First arm [0178] 304 Second arm [0179] 306 Third arm [0180] 308 Measurement distance [0181] 500 Part [0182] 501 Reference [0183] 502 Phase-shifting interferometer [0184] 504 Interferometer component [0185] 506 Measurement mirror [0186] 508 Optical component [0187] 510 Opening [0188] 512 First ray [0189] 514 Second ray [0190] 516 Deflection mirror [0191] 518 Reference surface [0192] 520 Third ray [0193] 522 Fourth ray [0194] 524 Interferogram [0195] 526 Measurement section [0196] 600 Interferometer with moir measurement technology [0197] 602 Camera [0198] 604 Concave mirror [0199] 606 Grating [0200] 608 Light source [0201] 610 Part of the grating [0202] 612 Part of the grating [0203] 614 Observation optical unit [0204] 616 Connecting element [0205] 618 Curved double-headed arrow [0206] 620 Moir measurement section [0207] 700 Plane mirror [0208] V Volume