Applied Materials, Inc.

Etec Systems, Inc.

Glen E Howard

William J DeVore

Lydia J Young

Mark A Gesley

An electron source has an anode and a cathode that is capable of being negatively biased relative to the anode, the cathode having an electron emitting portion and a cathode axis. An electromagnetic radiation source is adapted to generate an electromagnetic radiation beam to heat the cathode. A lens is adapted to direct the electromagnetic radiation beam onto the cathode, the lens having a lens axis that forms an acute angle with, or is substantially parallel to, the cathode axis of the electron emitting portion.

Electron beam patterning with a heated electron source

An arc suppressor is provided for an electron gun of the type used e.g. in semiconductor lithography equipment. The arc suppressor prevents damaging emission properties of the electron gun either due to variation of the cathode work function or any damage to the emitter apex. The arc suppressor includes a resistance and an inductor in series with each electrode lead providing voltage or current to the various electrodes of the electron gun. The inductance is provided by a ferrite toroid which contains a plurality of holes in addition to the main central hole. The leads for each electrode are wrapped around the toroid through the various holes, with one hole being provided for each lead. Thus advantageously each lead is isolated magnetically from the others, reducing the transformer and capacitive effects that couple one lead to another.

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Livermore, CA, United States of America

Glen E Howard