Jenoptik Technologie Gmbh

Jenoptik Optical Systems Gmbh

Xtreme Technologies Gmbh

Bernd Seher

Lutz Mueller

Frank Reuther

Stefan Franz

Max Christian Schuermann

Thomas Missalla

Rudi Neuland

Gunter Scheiding

Beam expander

A plasma radiation source is improved in such a way that the lifetime of the optics which is limited by the influence of debris is appreciably increased. A gas curtain through which the radiation proceeding from a source region in a vacuum chamber is emitted at a defined solid angle for debris suppression along an axis of the mean propagation direction of the radiation exits as a radially directed supersonic gas jet from a propulsion nozzle of a gas jet vacuum pump, which propulsion nozzle is arranged on the axis. The gas curtain is directed to an annular mixing nozzle that is arranged coaxial to the axis and is guided out of the vacuum chamber by a diffuser. This makes it possible to use source arrangements having an optimal conversion efficiency but extensive debris.

Plasma radiation source and device for creating a gas curtain for plasma radiation sources

A device for manipulating a synchrotron beam bundle is intended to produce properties of the beam bundle, under vacuum conditions, which are adapted to the respective application of deep X-ray lithography, in particular, which are adapted to the scanning regimen. Pairs of diaphragms which are displaceable relative to one another are provided between the object table and an inlet window within a vacuum chamber containing an object table for receiving an object to be irradiated, which object table is adjustable by a scanning movement relative to the synchrotron beam bundle. The pair of diaphragms for which the direction of relative displacement of the diaphragms coincides with the scanning movement is coupled with the scanning movement. Further, a filter chamber is arranged upstream of the vacuum chamber and contains filters which can be inserted into the synchrotron beam bundle. The device is for use in irradiating equipment for deep X-ray lithography which are used to fabricate microsystems components by means of a technique known as the LIGA process (lithography with synchrotron radiation, electroforming and plastics molding).

Device for manipulating a synchrotron beam bundle

In an irradiation device for deep x-ray lithography the adjustment precision necessary for the irradiation is to be ensured and influences, which act uncontrolled on the adjusted position, substantially eliminated. An object stand is provided which is surrounded by a vacuum chamber, secured to a carrier and is movable with positioning means with respect to a beam and which has a holder suitable not only to receive an article to be irradiated but also to receive an adjusting element. Between the carrier, object stand and positioning means on the one hand and the vacuum chamber on the other hand there is a first isolating, flexible connection and between wall elements, of which one is connected to the carrier and the other is fixed to the frame, there is a second isolating, flexible connection, the surfaces of the two isolating, flexible connections acting against the external air pressure being of the same size. The vacuum chamber and a space defined by the wall elements with the second flexible connection are coupled together for pressure balancing. Such irradiation devices are usable for manufacturing technical microsystem components in accordance with a technology which has become known under the name LIEA process (Lithography with Synchrotron Radiation, Galvano shaping Forming Technology with Plastics).

Irradiation device for deep x-ray lithography

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Jena, Germany

Bernd Seher