Cymer, Inc.

Leyla Ramin

Disclosed is an electrode for a laser chamber comprising an alloy of a first metal having a first free energy of formation with fluorine greater than or equal to the free energy of formation with fluorine of copper, and a second metal having a second free energy of formation with fluorine less than the first free energy.

Prolonged life laser chamber electrode and laser having same

An electrode is formed of a bismuth brass alloy. The bismuth brass alloy contains about 30 weight percent to about 40 weight percent of zinc, about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent of bismuth, and the balance copper. The bismuth brass alloy has a microstructure that includes islands of bismuth dispersed within the base metal formed of copper and zinc and also includes bismuth at the grain boundaries of the base metal. As a large bulky atom with high resistivity against fluorine attack, bismuth segregates at the grain boundaries and blocks the fluorine diffusion into the lattice. In the presence of fluorine, the bismuth brass alloy forms a protective layer on the elongated surface of the body of the electrode. This protective layer inhibits reaction of the base metal formed of copper and zinc with fluorine and thereby preserves the surface of the electrode material.

Electrodes for laser chambers having extended lifetime

A discharge chamber for a deep ultraviolet (DUV) light source includes a housing; and a first electrode and a second electrode in the housing, the first electrode and the second electrode being separated from each other to form a discharge region between the first electrode and the second electrode, the discharge region being configured to receive a gain medium including at least one noble gas and a halogen gas. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode includes a metal alloy including more than 33% and less than 50% zinc by weight.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Leyla Ramin