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JP4642140B2 - Four-tone photomask, method for using four-tone photomask, and method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Four-tone photomask, method for using four-tone photomask, and method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device Download PDF

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JP4642140B2
JP4642140B2 JP2010134739A JP2010134739A JP4642140B2 JP 4642140 B2 JP4642140 B2 JP 4642140B2 JP 2010134739 A JP2010134739 A JP 2010134739A JP 2010134739 A JP2010134739 A JP 2010134739A JP 4642140 B2 JP4642140 B2 JP 4642140B2
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道明 佐野
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03FPHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
    • G03F1/00Originals for photomechanical production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g., masks, photo-masks, reticles; Mask blanks or pellicles therefor; Containers specially adapted therefor; Preparation thereof
    • G03F1/54Absorbers, e.g. of opaque materials
    • G03F1/58Absorbers, e.g. of opaque materials having two or more different absorber layers, e.g. stacked multilayer absorbers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01LSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L21/00Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
    • H01L21/02Manufacture or treatment of semiconductor devices or of parts thereof
    • H01L21/027Making masks on semiconductor bodies for further photolithographic processing not provided for in group H01L21/18 or H01L21/34
    • H01L21/0271Making masks on semiconductor bodies for further photolithographic processing not provided for in group H01L21/18 or H01L21/34 comprising organic layers
    • H01L21/0273Making masks on semiconductor bodies for further photolithographic processing not provided for in group H01L21/18 or H01L21/34 comprising organic layers characterised by the treatment of photoresist layers
    • H01L21/0274Photolithographic processes
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/1303Apparatus specially adapted to the manufacture of LCDs
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02FOPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/1306Details
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03FPHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
    • G03F1/00Originals for photomechanical production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g., masks, photo-masks, reticles; Mask blanks or pellicles therefor; Containers specially adapted therefor; Preparation thereof
    • G03F1/54Absorbers, e.g. of opaque materials
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03FPHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
    • G03F1/00Originals for photomechanical production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g., masks, photo-masks, reticles; Mask blanks or pellicles therefor; Containers specially adapted therefor; Preparation thereof
    • G03F1/68Preparation processes not covered by groups G03F1/20 - G03F1/50
    • G03F1/80Etching
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03FPHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
    • G03F7/00Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
    • G03F7/20Exposure; Apparatus therefor
    • G03F7/2051Exposure without an original mask, e.g. using a programmed deflection of a point source, by scanning, by drawing with a light beam, using an addressed light or corpuscular source
    • G03F7/2059Exposure without an original mask, e.g. using a programmed deflection of a point source, by scanning, by drawing with a light beam, using an addressed light or corpuscular source using a scanning corpuscular radiation beam, e.g. an electron beam
    • G03F7/2063Exposure without an original mask, e.g. using a programmed deflection of a point source, by scanning, by drawing with a light beam, using an addressed light or corpuscular source using a scanning corpuscular radiation beam, e.g. an electron beam for the production of exposure masks or reticles
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01LSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L21/00Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
    • H01L21/02Manufacture or treatment of semiconductor devices or of parts thereof
    • H01L21/027Making masks on semiconductor bodies for further photolithographic processing not provided for in group H01L21/18 or H01L21/34
    • H01L21/0271Making masks on semiconductor bodies for further photolithographic processing not provided for in group H01L21/18 or H01L21/34 comprising organic layers
    • H01L21/0273Making masks on semiconductor bodies for further photolithographic processing not provided for in group H01L21/18 or H01L21/34 comprising organic layers characterised by the treatment of photoresist layers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01LSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L21/00Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
    • H01L21/02Manufacture or treatment of semiconductor devices or of parts thereof
    • H01L21/027Making masks on semiconductor bodies for further photolithographic processing not provided for in group H01L21/18 or H01L21/34
    • H01L21/033Making masks on semiconductor bodies for further photolithographic processing not provided for in group H01L21/18 or H01L21/34 comprising inorganic layers
    • H01L21/0334Making masks on semiconductor bodies for further photolithographic processing not provided for in group H01L21/18 or H01L21/34 comprising inorganic layers characterised by their size, orientation, disposition, behaviour, shape, in horizontal or vertical plane
    • H01L21/0337Making masks on semiconductor bodies for further photolithographic processing not provided for in group H01L21/18 or H01L21/34 comprising inorganic layers characterised by their size, orientation, disposition, behaviour, shape, in horizontal or vertical plane characterised by the process involved to create the mask, e.g. lift-off masks, sidewalls, or to modify the mask, e.g. pre-treatment, post-treatment

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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  • Preparing Plates And Mask In Photomechanical Process (AREA)
  • Exposure And Positioning Against Photoresist Photosensitive Materials (AREA)

Description

本発明は、液晶表示装置(Liquid Crystal Display:以下、LCDと称する)の薄膜トランジスタ(Thin Film Transistor:以下、TFTと称する)などの製造に好適に使用される4階調フォトマスクの製造方法、及びこの4階調フォトマスクの製造方法に用いられるフォトマスクブランクに関する。   The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a four-tone photomask suitably used for manufacturing a thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as TFT) of a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display: hereinafter referred to as LCD) and the like, and The present invention relates to a photomask blank used in the manufacturing method of this four-tone photomask.

光透過率が3段階以上の多段階に変化する多階調フォトマスクが、特許文献1に開示されている。この多階調フォトマスクは、光学素子の屈折面や反射面を創成する際に使用される。   A multi-tone photomask whose light transmittance changes in multiple stages of three or more stages is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This multi-tone photomask is used when creating a refracting surface or a reflecting surface of an optical element.

上記公報記載の多階調フォトマスクは、まず、透光性基板上に形成された金属化合物等の膜上にレジスト膜を形成し、このレジスト膜を露光して描画し、現像して第1レジストパターンを形成する。そして、この第1レジストパターンをマスクにして上記金属化合物等の膜をエッチングする。   In the multi-tone photomask described in the above publication, first, a resist film is formed on a film of a metal compound or the like formed on a light-transmitting substrate, the resist film is exposed, drawn, developed, and developed. A resist pattern is formed. Then, the film of the metal compound or the like is etched using the first resist pattern as a mask.

次に、上記金属化合物等の膜上に再度レジスト膜を形成し、このレジスト膜を露光・描画して現像し、第2レジストパターンを形成する。そして、この第2レジストパターンをマスクにして上記金属化合物等の膜を再度エッチングする。上述のレジストパターンの形成と金属化合物等の膜のエッチングとを所望回数繰り返すことで、多階調のフォトマスクを製造している。   Next, a resist film is formed again on the metal compound film, and the resist film is exposed, drawn and developed to form a second resist pattern. Then, using the second resist pattern as a mask, the metal compound film or the like is etched again. A multi-tone photomask is manufactured by repeating the above-described resist pattern formation and etching of a film of a metal compound or the like a desired number of times.

特開平9−146259号公報JP 9-146259 A

ところが、上記公報記載の多階調フォトマスクの製造方法では、金属化合物等の膜をエッチングする回数と、そのエッチング加工用のレジストパターンを形成するための露光・描画回数とが同一回数であるため、露光・描画回数が増大してしまう。例えば、光透過率を4段階に変化させる4階調のフォトマスクを製造するためには、露光・描画回数を3回実施しなければならない。   However, in the multi-tone photomask manufacturing method described in the above publication, the number of times of etching a film such as a metal compound is the same as the number of times of exposure / drawing for forming a resist pattern for the etching process. The number of exposure / drawing increases. For example, in order to manufacture a four-gradation photomask that changes the light transmittance in four steps, the number of exposure / drawing operations must be performed three times.

本発明の目的は、上述の事情を考慮してなされたものであり、4階調のフォトマスクをフォトグラフィ工程により少ない描画回数で製造できる4階調のフォトマスクの製造方法、及びこの製造方法に用いられるフォトマスクブランクを提供することにある。   An object of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and a manufacturing method of a four-tone photomask capable of manufacturing a four-tone photomask with a small number of drawing operations by a photolithography process, and the manufacturing method. It is to provide a photomask blank used in the manufacturing process.

本発明の第1の態様は、
遮光部、透光部、及びそれぞれ異なる光透過率の第1半透光部と第2半透光部を有し、被転写体上に膜厚が段階的又は連続的に異なるレジストパターンを形成する4階調フォトマスクであって、
前記第1半透光部は、透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第1半透光膜が設けられて構成され、
前記第2半透光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第2半透光膜が設けられて構成され、
前記第2半透光部と第1半透光部とは露光光の光透過率が異なり、
前記遮光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、前記第1半透光膜、遮光膜、及び前記第2半透光膜が積層されて構成されることを特徴とする、4階調フォトマスクである。
The first aspect of the present invention is:
A light-shielding portion, a light-transmitting portion, and a first semi-transparent portion and a second semi-transparent portion having different light transmittances, and a resist pattern having different thicknesses is formed stepwise or continuously on the transfer target. A four-tone photomask,
The first semi-transparent portion is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive first semi-transparent film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The second semi-transparent portion is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive second semi-transparent film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The second semi-transmission part and the first semi-transmission part have different light transmittances of exposure light,
The four-tone photo, wherein the light-shielding portion is configured by laminating the first semi-light-transmitting film, the light-shielding film, and the second semi-light-transmitting film on the surface of the light-transmitting substrate. It is a mask.

本発明の第2の態様は、
被転写体上に、前記遮光部に対応する部分の膜厚が最も厚く、前記第1半透光部に対応する部分で膜厚が次に厚く、前記第2半透光部に対応する部分で膜厚が薄く、前記透光部に対応する部分で膜がないレジストパターンを形成するものであることを特徴とする、上記第1の態様に記載の4階調フォトマスクである。
The second aspect of the present invention is:
The portion corresponding to the light-shielding portion on the transfer body is the thickest, the portion corresponding to the first semi-transparent portion is the next thickest, and the portion corresponding to the second semi-transparent portion The four-tone photomask according to the first aspect is characterized in that a resist pattern having a thin film thickness and having no film at a portion corresponding to the light transmitting portion is formed.

本発明の第3の態様は、
前記第1半透光部と第2半透光部の、露光光の光透過率が20〜50%であることを特徴とする、上記第1又は第2の態様に記載の4階調フォトマスクである。
The third aspect of the present invention is:
The four-tone photo according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first translucent part and the second semi-transparent part have an exposure light transmittance of 20 to 50%. It is a mask.

本発明の第4の態様は、
前記第1半透光膜と前記遮光膜は、互いのエッチングに対して耐性を有する膜であることを特徴とする、上記第1〜第3の態様のいずれかに記載の4階調フォトマスクである。
The fourth aspect of the present invention is:
The four-tone photomask according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first semi-transparent film and the light-shielding film are films having resistance to mutual etching. It is.

本発明の第5の態様は、
前記第2半透光膜と前記遮光膜は、同種のエッチングガス又はエッチング液によって、エッチングが可能な材料からなることを特徴とする、上記第1〜第4の態様のいずれかに記載の4階調フォトマスクである。
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention,
The said 2nd translucent film | membrane and the said light-shielding film | membrane consist of the material which can be etched with the same kind of etching gas or etching liquid, 4 in any one of the said 1st-4th aspect characterized by the above-mentioned. It is a gradation photomask.

本発明の第6の態様は、
前記第1半透光膜は、モリブデンシリサイドを含み、前記第2半透光膜及び前記遮光膜はクロムを主成分とすることを特徴とする、上記第1〜第5の態様のいずれかに記載の4階調フォトマスクである。
The sixth aspect of the present invention is:
The first semi-transparent film includes molybdenum silicide, and the second semi-transparent film and the light-shielding film have chromium as a main component. The four-tone photomask described.

本発明の第7の態様は、
遮光部、透光部、及びそれぞれ異なる光透過率の第1半透光部と第2半透光部を有する、4階調フォトマスクの使用方法であって、
前記第1半透光部は、透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第1半透光膜が設けられて構成され、
前記第2半透光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第2半透光膜が設けられて構成され、
前記第2半透光部と第1半透光部とは露光光の光透過率が異なり、
前記遮光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、前記第1半透光膜、遮光膜、及び前記第2半透光膜が積層されて構成される4階調フォトマスクを用いて露光し、被転写体上にレジストパターンを形成し、
前記透光部に対応する部分で、前記被転写体に第1エッチングを施し、
前記レジストパターンのうち前記第2半透光部に対応する部分を除去し、前記被転写体に第2エッチングを施し、
更に、前記レジストパターンのうち前記第1半透光部に対応する部分を除去し、前記被転写体に第3エッチングを施すことを含む、4階調フォトマスクの使用方法である。
The seventh aspect of the present invention is
A method of using a four-tone photomask having a light-shielding portion, a light-transmitting portion, and a first semi-transmissive portion and a second semi-transmissive portion having different light transmittances,
The first semi-transparent portion is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive first semi-transparent film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The second semi-transparent portion is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive second semi-transparent film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The second semi-transmission part and the first semi-transmission part have different light transmittances of exposure light,
The light-shielding portion is exposed using a four-tone photomask configured by laminating the first semi-transparent film, the light-shielding film, and the second semi-transparent film on the surface of the translucent substrate. , Forming a resist pattern on the transfer object,
First transfer is performed on the transfer object at a portion corresponding to the translucent portion,
Removing a portion of the resist pattern corresponding to the second semi-translucent portion, and performing a second etching on the transfer object;
Furthermore, it is a method of using a four-tone photomask that includes removing a portion of the resist pattern corresponding to the first semi-translucent portion and performing a third etching on the transferred object.

本発明の第8の態様は、
遮光部、透光部、及びそれぞれ異なる光透過率の第1半透光部と第2半透光部を有し、被転写体上に膜厚が段階的又は連続的に異なるレジストパターンを形成する4階調フォトマスクであって、
前記第1半透光部は、透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第1半透光膜が設けられて構成され、
前記第2半透光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第1半透光膜と光半透過性の第2半透光膜が積層されて構成され、
前記遮光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、前記第1半透光膜、前記第2半透光膜及び遮光膜が積層されて構成されることを特徴とする、
4階調フォトマスクである。
The eighth aspect of the present invention is
A light-shielding portion, a light-transmitting portion, and a first semi-transparent portion and a second semi-transparent portion having different light transmittances, and a resist pattern having different thicknesses is formed stepwise or continuously on the transfer target. A four-tone photomask,
The first semi-transparent portion is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive first semi-transparent film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The second semi-transmissive part is configured by laminating a light semi-transmissive first semi-transmissive film and a light semi-transmissive second semi-transmissive film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The light-shielding part is configured by laminating the first semi-transparent film, the second semi-transparent film, and the light-shielding film on the surface of the translucent substrate.
This is a four-tone photomask.

本発明の第9の態様は、
被転写体上に、前記遮光部に対応する部分の膜厚が最も厚く、前記第2半透光部に対応する部分で膜厚が次に厚く、前記第1半透光部に対応する部分で薄く、透光部に対応する部分で膜がないレジストパターンを形成するものであることを特徴とする、上記第8の態様に記載の4階調フォトマスクである。
The ninth aspect of the present invention provides
The portion corresponding to the light-shielding portion on the transfer body is thickest, the portion corresponding to the second semi-transparent portion is the next thickest, and the portion corresponding to the first semi-transparent portion The four-tone photomask according to the eighth aspect is characterized in that a resist pattern having no film is formed at a portion corresponding to the light transmitting portion.

本発明の第10の態様は、
前記第1半透光部と第2半透光部は、露光光の光透過率が20〜50%であることを特徴とする、上記第8又は第9の態様に記載の4階調フォトマスクである。
The tenth aspect of the present invention provides
The four-tone photo according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the first semi-transmissive portion and the second semi-transmissive portion have an exposure light transmittance of 20 to 50%. It is a mask.

本発明の第11の態様は、
前記第2半透光膜と前記遮光膜は、互いのエッチングに対して耐性を有する膜であることを特徴とする、上記第8〜第10の態様のいずれかに記載の4階調フォトマスクである。
The eleventh aspect of the present invention is
The four-tone photomask according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, wherein the second semi-transparent film and the light-shielding film are films resistant to mutual etching. It is.

本発明の第12の態様は、
前記第1半透光膜と前記遮光膜は、同種のエッチングガス又はエッチング液によってエッチング可能な材料からなることを特徴とする、上記第8〜第11の態様のいずれかに記載の4階調フォトマスクである。
The twelfth aspect of the present invention provides
The four gradations according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, wherein the first semi-transparent film and the light-shielding film are made of a material that can be etched with the same kind of etching gas or etching solution. It is a photomask.

本発明の第13の態様は、
前記第2半透光膜は、モリブデンシリサイドを含み、前記第1半透光膜及び前記遮光膜はクロムを主成分とすることを特徴とする、上記第8〜第12の態様のいずれかに記載の4階調フォトマスクである。
The thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides
The second semi-transparent film includes molybdenum silicide, and the first semi-transparent film and the light-shielding film have chromium as a main component, according to any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects. The four-tone photomask described.

本発明の第14の態様は、
遮光部、透光部、及びそれぞれ異なる光透過率の第1半透光部と第2半透光部を有する、4階調フォトマスクの使用方法であって、
前記第1半透光部は、透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第1半透光膜が設けられて構成され、
前記第2半透光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第1半透光膜と光半透過性の第2半透光膜が積層されて構成され、
前記遮光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、前記第1半透光膜、前記第2半透光膜及び遮光膜が積層されて構成される4階調フォトマスクを用いて露光し、被転写体上にレジストパターンを形成し、
前記透光部に対応する部分で、被転写体に第1エッチングを施し、
前記レジストパターンのうち前記第1半透光部に対応する部分を除去し、前記被転写体に第2エッチングを施し、
更に、前記レジストパターンのうち前記第2半透光部に対応する部分を除去し、前記被転写体に第3エッチングを施すことを含む、
4階調フォトマスクの使用方法である。
The fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides
A method of using a four-tone photomask having a light-shielding portion, a light-transmitting portion, and a first semi-transmissive portion and a second semi-transmissive portion having different light transmittances,
The first semi-transparent portion is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive first semi-transparent film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The second semi-transmissive part is configured by laminating a light semi-transmissive first semi-transmissive film and a light semi-transmissive second semi-transmissive film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The light shielding portion is exposed using a four-tone photomask configured by laminating the first semi-transmissive film, the second semi-transmissive film, and the light shielding film on the surface of the translucent substrate, Form a resist pattern on the transfer target,
At a portion corresponding to the light-transmitting portion, a first etching is performed on the transfer object,
Removing a portion of the resist pattern corresponding to the first semi-translucent portion, and performing a second etching on the transfer object;
Furthermore, the portion corresponding to the second semi-transparent portion of the resist pattern is removed, and a third etching is performed on the transfer object.
This is a method of using a four-tone photomask.

本発明の第15の態様は、
前記第1エッチングは、被転写体における、第1膜、第2膜、及び第3膜に対して施され、
前記第2エッチングは、被転写体における、第2膜及び第3膜に対して施され、
前記第3エッチングは、被転写体における、第3膜に対して施されることを特徴とする、上記第7又は第14の態様に記載の4階調フォトマスクの使用方法である。
The fifteenth aspect of the present invention provides
The first etching is performed on the first film, the second film, and the third film in the transfer object;
The second etching is performed on the second film and the third film in the transfer object,
The method for using a four-tone photomask according to the seventh or fourteenth aspect, wherein the third etching is performed on a third film in the transfer target.

本発明の第16の態様は、
前記レジストパターンの除去は、アッシングによることを特徴とする、上記第7、第14又は第15の態様に記載の4階調フォトマスクの使用方法である。
The sixteenth aspect of the present invention provides
The method of using a four-tone photomask according to the seventh, fourteenth, or fifteenth aspect, wherein the resist pattern is removed by ashing.

本発明の第17の態様は、
上記第7、第14、第15又は第16の態様に記載の使用方法を含む、液晶表示装置の製造方法である。
The seventeenth aspect of the present invention provides
It is a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device including the usage method as described in the said 7th, 14th, 15th or 16th aspect.

本発明の第18の態様は、
遮光部、透光部、及びそれぞれ異なる光透過率の第1半透光部と第2半透光部を有する4階調フォトマスクであって、被転写体に膜厚が段階的又は連続的に異なるレジストパターンを形成する4階調フォトマスクの製造に用いるフォトマスクブランクであって、
透光性基板上に、第1半透光膜、第2半透光膜及び遮光膜が順次成膜され、
前記第2半透光膜と前記遮光膜は、互いのエッチングに対して耐性を有する膜であり、
前記第1半透光膜と前記遮光膜は、同種のエッチングガス又はエッチング液によりエッチング可能な材料により構成されることにより、フォトリソグラフィ工程において2回の描画により、前記4階調フォトマスクが製造できることを特徴とする、
4階調フォトマスク製造用フォトマスクブランクである。
The eighteenth aspect of the present invention provides
A four-tone photomask having a light-shielding part, a light-transmitting part, and a first semi-transparent part and a second semi-transparent part having different light transmittances, wherein the film thickness is stepwise or continuous on the transfer object A photomask blank used for manufacturing a four-tone photomask for forming different resist patterns in
A first semi-transparent film, a second semi-transparent film, and a light shielding film are sequentially formed on the translucent substrate,
The second semi-transparent film and the light shielding film are films having resistance to mutual etching,
The first semi-transparent film and the light-shielding film are made of a material that can be etched with the same kind of etching gas or etching solution, so that the four-tone photomask is manufactured by drawing twice in a photolithography process. It is characterized by being able to
This is a photomask blank for producing a four-tone photomask.

本発明によれば、透光性基板上に、互いのエッチングに対し耐性を有する材料からなる第1半透光膜と遮光膜とが順次成膜され、この遮光膜上に、好ましくは遮光膜と同様のエッチングが可能な材料からなる第2半透光膜が成膜されることから、互いにエッチング耐性がある膜とない膜との組合せにより、フォトリソグラフィ工程によって描画回数を低減して4階調フォトマスクを製造できる。   According to the present invention, the first semi-transparent film and the light shielding film made of materials having resistance to mutual etching are sequentially formed on the light transmissive substrate, and the light shielding film is preferably formed on the light shielding film. Since the second semi-transparent film made of the same material that can be etched is formed, the number of times of drawing is reduced by the photolithography process by combining the film having etching resistance and the film having no etching resistance. A toned photomask can be manufactured.

また、本発明によれば、透光性基板上に、第1半透光膜、第2半透光膜及び遮光膜が順次成膜され、第1半透光膜と遮光膜とが同様のエッチングが可能であり、これらの第1半透光膜及び遮光膜と第2半透光膜とが互いのエッチングに対して耐性を有する材料からなることから、互いにエッチング耐性がある膜とない膜との組合せにより、フォトリソグラフィ工程によって描画回数を低減して4階調フォトマスクを製造できる。   According to the invention, the first semi-transparent film, the second semi-transparent film, and the light-shielding film are sequentially formed on the translucent substrate, and the first semi-transparent film and the light-shielding film are the same. Since the first semi-transparent film, the light-shielding film, and the second semi-transparent film are made of a material having resistance to mutual etching, a film having no etching resistance and a film having no etching resistance can be used. By combining with, a four-tone photomask can be manufactured by reducing the number of times of writing by a photolithography process.

本発明に係る4階調フォトマスクの製造方法における第1の実施の形態である4階調グレートーンマスクの製造工程を示す工程図である。It is process drawing which shows the manufacturing process of the 4 gradation gray tone mask which is 1st Embodiment in the manufacturing method of the 4 gradation photomask which concerns on this invention. 図1の製造工程により製造された4階調グレートーンマスクを示し、(A)が平面図、(B)が側断面図である。4A and 4B show a four-tone gray-tone mask manufactured by the manufacturing process of FIG. 1, in which FIG. 本発明に係る4階調フォトマスクの製造方法における第2の実施の形態である4階調グレートーンマスクの製造工程を示す工程図である。It is process drawing which shows the manufacturing process of the 4 gradation gray tone mask which is 2nd Embodiment in the manufacturing method of the 4 gradation photomask which concerns on this invention. 図3の製造工程により製造された4階調グレートーンマスクを示し、(A)が平面図、(B)が側断面図である。4A and 4B show a four-tone gray-tone mask manufactured by the manufacturing process of FIG. 3, in which FIG. 3A is a plan view and FIG.

以下、本発明を実施するための最良の形態を、図面に基づき説明する。
[A]第1の実施の形態(図1、図2)
図1は、本発明に係る4階調フォトマスクの製造方法における第1の実施の形態である4階調グレートーンマスクの製造工程を示す工程図である。図2は、図1の製造工程により製造された4階調グレートーンマスクを示し、(A)が平面図、(B)が側断面図である。
The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[A] First embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2)
FIG. 1 is a process diagram showing a manufacturing process of a four-tone gray-tone mask according to the first embodiment of the method for manufacturing a four-tone photomask according to the present invention. 2A and 2B show a four-tone gray-tone mask manufactured by the manufacturing process of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A is a plan view and FIG. 2B is a side sectional view.

図2に示すグレートーンマスク10は、例えば液晶表示装置(LCD)の薄膜トランジスタ(TFT)やカラーフィルタ、またはプラズマディスプレイパネル(PDP)などを製造するために用いられるものであり、被転写体11上に、膜厚が段階的または連続的に異なるレジストパターン12を形成するものである。尚、図2(B)中において符号19A、19B、19Cは、被転写体11において積層された膜を示す。   A gray tone mask 10 shown in FIG. 2 is used for manufacturing, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT), a color filter, a plasma display panel (PDP), or the like of a liquid crystal display (LCD). In addition, the resist patterns 12 having different film thicknesses are formed stepwise or continuously. In FIG. 2B, reference numerals 19A, 19B, and 19C denote films stacked on the transfer object 11.

上記グレートーンマスク10は、当該グレートーンマスク10の使用時に露光光を遮光(光透過率が略0%)させる遮光部13と、露光光を略100%透過させる透光部14と、露光光の透過率を20〜50%程度に低減させる第1半透光部15A及び第2半透光部15Bとを有して構成される。このように、遮光部13及び透光部14の他に半透光部を有するフォトマスクがグレートーンマスクと称される。上記第1半透光部15Aと第2半透光部15Bとは光透過率が異なり、本実施の形態では、第1半透光部15Aの光透過率が第2半透光部15Bの光透過率よりも低く設定されている。従って、上記グレートーンマスク10は、露光光の透過率が4段階に異なる4階調のグレートーンマスクとなっている。   The gray tone mask 10 includes a light shielding portion 13 that shields exposure light (light transmittance is approximately 0%) when the gray tone mask 10 is used, a light transmitting portion 14 that transmits approximately 100% of the exposure light, and exposure light. The first semi-transmissive portion 15A and the second semi-transmissive portion 15B are configured to reduce the transmittance of the light to about 20 to 50%. In this way, a photomask having a semi-transparent part in addition to the light-shielding part 13 and the translucent part 14 is referred to as a gray tone mask. The first semi-transmissive portion 15A and the second semi-transmissive portion 15B have different light transmittances. In this embodiment, the light transmittance of the first semi-transmissive portion 15A is that of the second semi-transmissive portion 15B. It is set lower than the light transmittance. Therefore, the gray tone mask 10 is a four-tone gray tone mask having different exposure light transmittances in four stages.

上記第1半透光部15Aは、ガラス基板等の透光性基板16の表面に光半透過性の第1半透光膜17Aが設けられて構成される。また、第2半透光部15Bは、透光性基板16の表面に光半透過性の第2半透光膜17Bが設けられて構成される。更に、遮光部13は、透光性基板16の表面に、上記第1半透光膜17A、遮光膜18及び上記第2半透光膜17Bが順次積層されて構成される。   The first semi-transparent portion 15A is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive first semi-transparent film 17A on the surface of a translucent substrate 16 such as a glass substrate. The second semi-transparent portion 15B is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive second semi-transparent film 17B on the surface of the translucent substrate 16. Further, the light shielding portion 13 is configured by sequentially laminating the first semi-transmissive film 17A, the light-shielding film 18 and the second semi-transmissive film 17B on the surface of the translucent substrate 16.

上記第1半透光膜17Aは、金属とシリコンを含む薄膜であり、モリブデンシリサイド(MoSi)を主成分とする膜が好ましく、例えばMoSi(MoSi2)、MoSiN、MoSiON、MoSiCON等が挙げられる。また、第2半透光膜17B及び遮光膜18は、クロムを主成分とする膜であり、遮光膜18はクロム、第2半透光膜17Bは窒化クロム、酸化クロム、酸窒化クロム、フッ化クロム等が好ましい。第1半透光部15Aの光透過率は、第1半透光膜17Aの膜材質と膜厚との選定によって設定される。また、第2半透光部15Bの光透過率は、第2半透光膜17Bの膜材質と膜厚との選定によって設定される。更に、遮光部13の光透過率は、第1半透光膜17A、第2半透光膜17B及び遮光膜18の膜材質と膜厚との選定によって設定される。   The first semi-transparent film 17A is a thin film containing metal and silicon and is preferably a film mainly composed of molybdenum silicide (MoSi). Examples thereof include MoSi (MoSi 2), MoSiN, MoSiON, and MoSiCON. The second semi-transparent film 17B and the light shielding film 18 are films mainly composed of chromium. The light shielding film 18 is chromium, and the second semi-transparent film 17B is chromium nitride, chromium oxide, chromium oxynitride, fluorine. Chromium oxide is preferred. The light transmittance of the first semi-transparent portion 15A is set by selecting the film material and film thickness of the first semi-transparent film 17A. Further, the light transmittance of the second semi-transparent portion 15B is set by selecting the film material and film thickness of the second semi-transparent film 17B. Further, the light transmittance of the light shielding portion 13 is set by selecting the film materials and film thicknesses of the first semi-transmissive film 17A, the second semi-transmissive film 17B, and the light-shielding film 18.

上述のような4階調のグレートーンマスク10を使用したとき、遮光部13では露光光が透過せず、第2半透光部15Bでは露光光が低減され、第1半透光部15Aでは、第2半透光部15Bよりも露光光が更に低減されるため、被転写体11上に付着したレジスト膜(ポジ型フォトレジスト膜)は、遮光部13に対応する部分で膜厚が最も高くなり、第1半透光部15Aに対応する部分で膜厚が次に厚くなり、第2半透光部15Bに対応する部分で膜厚が薄くなり、透光部14に対応する部分で膜がないレジストパターン12を形成する。なお、レジスト膜をネガ型フォトレジスト膜とした場合には、各部に対応するレジスト膜の膜厚は上記の逆になる。   When the four-tone gray-tone mask 10 as described above is used, the exposure light is not transmitted through the light shielding portion 13, the exposure light is reduced at the second semi-transparent portion 15B, and the first semi-transparent portion 15A. Since the exposure light is further reduced as compared with the second semi-transparent portion 15B, the resist film (positive photoresist film) adhering to the transferred body 11 has the largest thickness at the portion corresponding to the light shielding portion 13. The film thickness becomes higher next in the portion corresponding to the first semi-transparent portion 15A, the film thickness becomes thinner in the portion corresponding to the second semi-transparent portion 15B, and in the portion corresponding to the translucent portion 14. A resist pattern 12 having no film is formed. If the resist film is a negative photoresist film, the resist film thickness corresponding to each part is the reverse of the above.

そして、レジストパターン12の膜のない部分(透光部14に対応する部分)で、被転写体11における例えば膜19A、19B及び19Cに第1エッチングを実施する。続いて、レジストパターン12の膜のうち最も膜厚が薄い部分(第2半透光部15Bに対応する部分)をアッシング等によって除去し、この部分(第2半透光部15Bに対応する部分)で、被転写体11における例えば膜19B及び19Cに第2エッチングを実施する。続いて、レジストパターン12の膜のうち次に膜厚が薄い部分(第1半透光部15Aに対応する部分)をアッシング等によって除去し、この部分(第1半透光部15Aに対応する部分)で、被転写体11における例えば膜19Cに第3エッチングを実施する。このようにして、1枚のグレートーンマスク10を用いて、従来のフォトマスク3枚分の工程が実施されることになり、マスク枚数が削減される。   Then, first etching is performed on, for example, the films 19 </ b> A, 19 </ b> B, and 19 </ b> C in the transferred object 11 at a portion of the resist pattern 12 where there is no film (a portion corresponding to the light transmitting portion 14). Subsequently, the thinnest portion (the portion corresponding to the second semi-transparent portion 15B) of the film of the resist pattern 12 is removed by ashing or the like, and this portion (the portion corresponding to the second semi-transparent portion 15B). Then, the second etching is performed on, for example, the films 19B and 19C in the transferred object 11. Subsequently, the next thinnest part (the part corresponding to the first semi-transparent part 15A) of the film of the resist pattern 12 is removed by ashing or the like, and this part (corresponding to the first semi-transparent part 15A). For example, the third etching is performed on the film 19 </ b> C of the transfer target 11. In this manner, the process for three conventional photomasks is performed using one graytone mask 10, and the number of masks is reduced.

ところで、上述のような4階調グレートーンマスク10を製造する製造工程を、図1を用いて以下に述べる。   A manufacturing process for manufacturing the above-described four-tone gray-tone mask 10 will be described below with reference to FIG.

まず、透光性基板16の表面に、第1半透光膜17A、遮光膜18を順次成膜する工程を実施してフォトマスクブランク20を形成し、準備する(図1(A))。この第1半透光膜17Aと遮光膜18は、グレートーンマスク10の製造工程において、互いのエッチングに対し耐性を有する膜になっている。たとえば、第1半透光膜17Aは、クロム用エッチングガスまたは液に対して耐性を有し、遮光膜18は、MoSi用エッチングガスまたは液に対して耐性を有する素材(材料)を選択することが出来る。   First, a photomask blank 20 is formed by preparing a first semi-transparent film 17A and a light-shielding film 18 on the surface of the translucent substrate 16 to prepare (FIG. 1A). The first semi-transmissive film 17A and the light shielding film 18 are films having resistance to mutual etching in the manufacturing process of the gray tone mask 10. For example, the first semi-transparent film 17A is resistant to a chromium etching gas or liquid, and the light shielding film 18 is a material (material) that is resistant to an MoSi etching gas or liquid. I can do it.

次に、上記フォトマスクブランク20の遮光膜18上にレジスト膜(ポジ型フォトレジスト膜)を成膜する。続いて、このレジスト膜を電子線またはレーザーを用いた描画装置によって露光して描画し、現像して、第1レジストパターン21を形成する(図1(B))。この第1レジストパターン21は、製造されるグレートーンマスク10の透光部14及び第2半透光部15Bを開口領域とする形状に形成される。   Next, a resist film (positive photoresist film) is formed on the light shielding film 18 of the photomask blank 20. Subsequently, the resist film is exposed and drawn by a drawing apparatus using an electron beam or a laser, and developed to form a first resist pattern 21 (FIG. 1B). The first resist pattern 21 is formed in a shape having the light-transmitting portion 14 and the second semi-light-transmitting portion 15B of the manufactured gray-tone mask 10 as opening regions.

次に、この第1レジストパターン21が形成されたフォトマスクブランク20の遮光膜18を、クロム用エッチングガスまたは液を用い、第1レジストパターン21をマスクにしてドライエッチングまたはウェットエッチングする(図1(C))。このエッチングにより、遮光膜18に遮光膜パターン22が形成される。また、第1半透光膜17Aは、クロム用エッチングガスまたは液に対して耐性を有することから、この遮光膜18のエッチング時にはエッチングされにくい。   Next, the light-shielding film 18 of the photomask blank 20 on which the first resist pattern 21 is formed is dry-etched or wet-etched using a chromium etching gas or liquid with the first resist pattern 21 as a mask (FIG. 1). (C)). By this etching, a light shielding film pattern 22 is formed on the light shielding film 18. Further, since the first semi-transparent film 17A is resistant to the etching gas or liquid for chromium, it is difficult to etch when the light shielding film 18 is etched.

遮光膜パターン22の形成後、第1レジストパターン21を剥離し(図1(D))、その後、遮光膜パターン22をマスクにし、第1半透光膜17Aをドライまたはウェットエッチングして第1半透光膜パターン23を形成する(図1(E))。または、上記遮光膜パターン22の形成後、第1レジストパターン21及び遮光膜パターン22をマスクにし、第1半透光膜17Aをドライまたはウェットエッチングして第1半透光膜パターン23を形成し、その後に上記第1レジストパターン21を剥離してもよい。これらのウェットまたはドライエッチングにおいて、遮光膜18は、MoSi用エッチングガスまたは液に対して耐性を有するため、この第1半透光膜17Aのエッチング時にエッチングされることがない。また、上記MoSi用エッチング液としては、例えば弗化水素酸、珪弗化水素酸、弗化水素アンモニウムから選ばれる少なくとも一つの弗素化合物と、過酸化水素、硝酸、硫酸から選ばれる少なくとも一つの酸化剤を含むものが使用される。   After the formation of the light shielding film pattern 22, the first resist pattern 21 is peeled off (FIG. 1D), and then the first semi-transparent film 17A is dry or wet etched using the light shielding film pattern 22 as a mask. A semi-transparent film pattern 23 is formed (FIG. 1E). Alternatively, after the light shielding film pattern 22 is formed, the first semi-transparent film pattern 23 is formed by dry or wet etching the first semi-transparent film 17A using the first resist pattern 21 and the light shielding film pattern 22 as a mask. Thereafter, the first resist pattern 21 may be peeled off. In these wet or dry etching, since the light shielding film 18 is resistant to the etching gas or liquid for MoSi, it is not etched during the etching of the first semi-transparent film 17A. The MoSi etching solution includes, for example, at least one fluorine compound selected from hydrofluoric acid, silicohydrofluoric acid, and ammonium hydrogen fluoride, and at least one oxidation selected from hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid. The one containing the agent is used.

上述のようにして第1半透光膜パターン23を形成後、遮光膜18上及び露出した透光性基板16上に第2半透光膜17Bを成膜して、他のフォトマスクブランク24、すなわち、透光性基板16と、この透光性基板16上に第1半透光膜17Aと遮光膜18とが積層されたパターンと、露出した透光性基板16上及び当該パターン上に成膜された第2半透光膜17Bと、を有するフォトブランクマスク24を形成する(図1(F))。なお、第2半透光膜17Bと遮光膜18とは、グレートーンマスク10の製造工程において、互いのエッチングに対して耐性が小さい膜である。すなわち、第2半透光膜17Bと遮光膜18とは、同種のエッチングガスまたは液によってエッチングが可能な素材(材料)により構成される。   After forming the first semi-transparent film pattern 23 as described above, a second semi-transparent film 17B is formed on the light shielding film 18 and the exposed translucent substrate 16, and another photomask blank 24 is formed. That is, the translucent substrate 16, the pattern in which the first semi-transparent film 17A and the light-shielding film 18 are laminated on the translucent substrate 16, the exposed translucent substrate 16 and the pattern. A photo blank mask 24 having the formed second semi-transmissive film 17B is formed (FIG. 1F). Note that the second semi-transparent film 17B and the light shielding film 18 are films having low resistance to mutual etching in the manufacturing process of the gray tone mask 10. That is, the second semi-transparent film 17B and the light shielding film 18 are made of a material (material) that can be etched with the same kind of etching gas or liquid.

次に、上記フォトマスクブランク24の第2半透光膜17B上にレジスト膜を成膜する。続いて、このレジスト膜を前述と同様に露光して描画し、現像して、第2レジストパターン25を形成する(図1(G))。この第2レジストパターン25は、透光部14及び第1半透光部15Aを開口領域とする形状に形成される。   Next, a resist film is formed on the second semi-transparent film 17B of the photomask blank 24. Subsequently, the resist film is exposed, drawn and developed in the same manner as described above to form a second resist pattern 25 (FIG. 1G). The second resist pattern 25 is formed in a shape having the light transmitting portion 14 and the first semi-light transmitting portion 15A as an opening region.

次に、第2レジストパターン25をマスクにして、前記クロム用エッチングガスまたは液を用い遮光膜18及び第2半透光膜17Bをドライまたはウェットエッチングする(図1(H))。その後、残存する第2レジストパターン25を除去(剥離)して、第1半透光膜17Aからなる第1半透光部15A、第2半透光膜17Bからなる第2半透光部15B、第1半透光膜17A、第2半透光膜17B及び遮光膜18が積層されてなる遮光部13を有する4階調のグレートーンマスク10を製造する(図1(I))。   Next, using the second resist pattern 25 as a mask, the light shielding film 18 and the second semi-transparent film 17B are dry or wet etched using the chromium etching gas or liquid (FIG. 1H). Thereafter, the remaining second resist pattern 25 is removed (peeled), and the first semi-transmissive portion 15A made of the first semi-transmissive film 17A and the second semi-transmissive portion 15B made of the second semi-transmissive film 17B. Then, the four-tone gray-tone mask 10 having the light-shielding portion 13 formed by laminating the first semi-transparent film 17A, the second semi-transparent film 17B, and the light-shielding film 18 is manufactured (FIG. 1I).

以上のように構成されたことから、上記実施の形態によれば、次の効果を奏する。グレートーンマスク10の製造工程によれば、透光性基板16と、この透光性基板16上に第1半透光膜17Aと遮光膜18とが積層されたパターンと、この透光性基板16の露出面及び当該パターン上に成膜された第2半透光膜17Bと、を有するフォトブランクマスク24が形成される。そして、第1半透光膜17Aと遮光膜18とは互いのエッチングに対し耐性を有する膜であり、また、遮光膜18と第2半透光膜17Bとは同様のエッチング剤によってエッチングが可能な膜である。このように、互いにエッチング耐性が大きい膜と相対的に小さい膜との組合せにより、フォトリソグラフィ工程による描画回数を2回に低減して、4階調のフォトマスク10を製造できる。   With the configuration as described above, according to the above embodiment, the following effects are obtained. According to the manufacturing process of the gray tone mask 10, the translucent substrate 16, the pattern in which the first semi-transparent film 17A and the light shielding film 18 are laminated on the translucent substrate 16, and the translucent substrate. A photo blank mask 24 having 16 exposed surfaces and a second semi-transparent film 17B formed on the pattern is formed. The first semi-transparent film 17A and the light-shielding film 18 are films resistant to mutual etching, and the light-shielding film 18 and the second semi-transparent film 17B can be etched with the same etching agent. It is a simple film. As described above, the combination of the film having a high etching resistance and the film having a relatively small etching resistance reduces the number of times of drawing in the photolithography process to two, thereby manufacturing the four-tone photomask 10.

[B]第2の実施の形態(図3、図4)
図3は、本発明に係る4階調フォトマスクの製造方法における第2の実施の形態である4階調グレートーンマスクの製造工程を示す工程図である。図4は、図3の製造工程により製造された4階調グレートーンマスクを示し、(A)が平面図、(B)が側断面図である。この第2の実施の形態において、前記第1の実施の形態と同様な部分は、同一の符号を付すことにより説明を省略する。
[B] Second embodiment (FIGS. 3 and 4)
FIG. 3 is a process diagram showing a manufacturing process of a 4-tone gray-tone mask which is the second embodiment in the method of manufacturing a 4-tone photomask according to the present invention. 4A and 4B show a four-tone gray-tone mask manufactured by the manufacturing process of FIG. 3, in which FIG. 4A is a plan view and FIG. 4B is a side sectional view. In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

図4に示すグレートーンマスク30も、例えば液晶表示装置(LCD)の薄膜トランジスタ(TFT)やカラーフィルタ、またはプラズマディスプレイパネル(PDP)などを製造するために用いられるものであり、被転写体31上に、膜厚が段階的または連続的に異なるレジストパターン32を形成するものである。   The gray tone mask 30 shown in FIG. 4 is also used for manufacturing, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT), a color filter, or a plasma display panel (PDP) of a liquid crystal display device (LCD). In addition, resist patterns 32 having different film thicknesses stepwise or continuously are formed.

上記グレートーンマスク30は、当該グレートーンマスク30の使用時に露光光を遮光(光透過率が略0%)させる遮光部33と、露光光を略100%透過させる透光部34と、露光光の透過率を20〜50%程度に低減させる第1半透光部35A及び第2半透光部35Bとを有して構成される。上記第1半透光部35Aと第2半透光部35Bとは光透過率が異なり、本実施の形態では、第1半透光部35Aの光透過率が第2半透光部35Bの光透過率よりも高く設定されている。従って、上記グレートーンマスク30も、前記グレートーンマスク10と同様に、露光光の透過率が4段階に異なる4階調のグレートーンマスクとなっている。   The gray-tone mask 30 includes a light-blocking portion 33 that blocks exposure light (light transmittance is approximately 0%) when the gray-tone mask 30 is used, a light-transmitting portion 34 that transmits approximately 100% of the exposure light, and exposure light. The first semi-transmissive portion 35A and the second semi-transmissive portion 35B are configured to reduce the transmittance of the light to about 20 to 50%. The first semi-transmissive part 35A and the second semi-transmissive part 35B have different light transmittances. In the present embodiment, the light transmittance of the first semi-transmissive part 35A is the same as that of the second semi-transmissive part 35B. It is set higher than the light transmittance. Accordingly, the gray tone mask 30 is also a four-tone gray tone mask having different exposure light transmittances in four stages, like the gray tone mask 10.

上記第1半透光部35Aは、ガラス基板等の透光性基板16の表面に光半透過性の第1半透光膜37Aが設けられて構成される。また、第2半透光部35Bは、透光性基板16の表面に、上記第1半透光膜37Aと光半透過性の第2半透光膜37Bとが積層されて構成される。更に、遮光部33は、透光性基板16の表面に、上記第1半透光膜37A、第2半透光膜37B及び遮光膜38が順次積層されて構成される。   The first semi-transparent portion 35A is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive first semi-transparent film 37A on the surface of a translucent substrate 16 such as a glass substrate. The second semi-transmissive portion 35B is configured by laminating the first semi-transmissive film 37A and the light semi-transmissive second semi-transmissive film 37B on the surface of the translucent substrate 16. Further, the light shielding portion 33 is configured by sequentially stacking the first semi-transmissive film 37A, the second semi-transmissive film 37B, and the light shielding film 38 on the surface of the translucent substrate 16.

上記第2半透光膜37Bは、金属とシリコンを含む薄膜であり、モリブデンシリサイド(MoSi)を主成分とする膜が好ましく、例えばMoSi(MoSi2)、MoSiN、MoSiON、MoSiCON等が挙げられる。また、第1半透光膜37A及び遮光膜38は、クロムを主成分とする膜であり、遮光膜38はクロム、第1半透光膜37Aは窒化クロム、酸化クロム、酸窒化クロム、フッ化クロム等が好ましい。第1半透光部35Aの光透過率は、第1半透光膜37Aの膜材質と膜厚との選定によって設定される。また、第2半透光部35Bの光透過率は、第1半透光膜37A及び第2半透光膜37Bのそれぞれの膜材質と膜厚との選定によって設定される。   The second semi-transparent film 37B is a thin film containing metal and silicon and is preferably a film mainly composed of molybdenum silicide (MoSi). Examples thereof include MoSi (MoSi2), MoSiN, MoSiON, and MoSiCON. The first semi-transparent film 37A and the light-shielding film 38 are films mainly composed of chromium, the light-shielding film 38 is chromium, and the first semi-transparent film 37A is chromium nitride, chromium oxide, chromium oxynitride, fluorine. Chromium oxide is preferred. The light transmittance of the first semi-transparent portion 35A is set by selecting the film material and thickness of the first semi-transparent film 37A. The light transmittance of the second semi-transmissive part 35B is set by selecting the film material and the film thickness of the first semi-transmissive film 37A and the second semi-transmissive film 37B.

上述のような4階調のグレートーンマスク30を使用したとき、遮光部33では露光光が透過せず、第1半透光部35Aでは露光光が低減され、第2半透光部35Bでは、第1半透光部35Aよりも露光光が更に低減されるため、被転写体31上に付着したレジスト膜(ポジ型フォトレジスト膜)は、遮光部33に対応する部分で膜厚が最も高くなり、第2半透光部35Bに対応する部分で膜厚が次に厚くなり、第1半透光部35Aに対応する部分で膜厚が薄くなり、透光部34に対応する部分で膜がないレジストパターン32を形成する。なお、レジスト膜をネガ型フォトレジスト膜とした場合には、各部に対応するレジスト膜の膜厚は上記の逆になる。   When the four-tone gray-tone mask 30 as described above is used, the exposure light is not transmitted through the light shielding portion 33, the exposure light is reduced at the first semi-transmissive portion 35A, and the second semi-transmissive portion 35B. Since the exposure light is further reduced as compared with the first semi-translucent portion 35A, the resist film (positive type photoresist film) adhering to the transfer target 31 has the largest thickness at the portion corresponding to the light shielding portion 33. The film thickness becomes higher next at the portion corresponding to the second semi-transparent portion 35B, the film thickness becomes thinner at the portion corresponding to the first semi-transparent portion 35A, and at the portion corresponding to the translucent portion 34. A resist pattern 32 having no film is formed. If the resist film is a negative photoresist film, the resist film thickness corresponding to each part is the reverse of the above.

そして、レジストパターン32の膜のない部分(透光部34に対応する部分)で、被転写体31における例えば膜19A、19B及び19Cに第1エッチングを実施する。続いて、レジストパターン32の膜のうち最も膜厚が薄い部分(第1半透光部35Aに対応する部分)をアッシング等によって除去し、この部分(第1半透光部35Aに対応する部分)で、被転写体31における例えば膜19B及び19Cに第2エッチングを実施する。続いて、レジストパターン32の膜のうち次に膜厚が薄いが薄い部分(第2半透光部35Bに対応する部分)をアッシング等によって除去し、この部分(第2半透光部35Bに対応する部分)で、被転写体31における例えば膜19Cに第3エッチングを実施する。このようにして、1枚のグレートーンマスク30を用いて、従来のフォトマスク3枚分の工程が実施されることになり、マスク枚数が削減される。   Then, first etching is performed on, for example, the films 19 </ b> A, 19 </ b> B, and 19 </ b> C in the transfer target 31 at a portion of the resist pattern 32 where there is no film (a portion corresponding to the light transmitting portion 34). Subsequently, the thinnest portion (portion corresponding to the first semi-translucent portion 35A) of the film of the resist pattern 32 is removed by ashing or the like, and this portion (portion corresponding to the first semi-transparent portion 35A). ), The second etching is performed on, for example, the films 19B and 19C in the transfer target 31. Subsequently, the thinnest part (the part corresponding to the second semi-transparent part 35B) of the film of the resist pattern 32 is removed by ashing or the like, and this part (the second semi-transparent part 35B) is removed. In the corresponding portion), for example, the third etching is performed on the film 19C in the transfer target 31. In this way, the process for three conventional photomasks is performed using one graytone mask 30, and the number of masks is reduced.

ところで、上述のような4階調グレートーンマスク30を製造する製造工程を、図3を用いて以下に述べる。   A manufacturing process for manufacturing the above-described four-tone gray-tone mask 30 will be described below with reference to FIG.

まず、透光性基板16の表面に、第1半透光膜37A、第2半透光膜37B及び遮光膜38を順次成膜する工程を実施してフォトマスクブランク40を形成し、準備する(図3(A))。ここで、第2半透光膜37Bと遮光膜38とは、グレートーンマスク30の製造工程において、互いのエッチングに対し耐性を有する膜になっている。たとえば、第2半透光膜37Bは、クロム用エッチングガスまたは液に対して耐性を有し、遮光膜38は、MoSi用エッチングカスまたは液に対して耐性を有する素材(材料)を選択することが出来る。また、第1半透光膜37Aは、遮光膜38と同様なエッチングが可能な材料からなり、従って、第1半透光膜37Aと遮光膜38は、互いのエッチングに対し耐性の小さい膜である。すなわち、第1半透光膜37Aと遮光膜38とは、同種のエッチングガスまたは液によってエッチングが可能な素材(材料)により構成される。   First, a step of sequentially forming a first semi-transparent film 37A, a second semi-transparent film 37B, and a light shielding film 38 on the surface of the translucent substrate 16 is performed to form and prepare a photomask blank 40. (FIG. 3 (A)). Here, the second semi-transparent film 37 </ b> B and the light shielding film 38 are films having resistance to mutual etching in the manufacturing process of the gray tone mask 30. For example, the second semi-transparent film 37B is resistant to a chromium etching gas or liquid, and the light shielding film 38 is a material (material) that is resistant to MoSi etching residue or liquid. I can do it. The first semi-transparent film 37A is made of a material that can be etched in the same manner as the light-shielding film 38. Therefore, the first semi-transparent film 37A and the light-shielding film 38 are films having low resistance to mutual etching. is there. That is, the first semi-transmissive film 37A and the light shielding film 38 are made of a material that can be etched with the same kind of etching gas or liquid.

次に、上記フォトマスクブランク40の遮光膜38上にレジスト膜(ポジ型フォトレジスト膜)を成膜する。続いて、このレジスト膜を電子線またはレーザーを用いた描画装置によって露光して描画し、現像して、第1レジストパターン41を形成する(図3(B))。この第1レジストパターン41は、製造されるグレートーンマスク30の透光部34及び第1半透光部35Aを開口領域とする形状に形成される。   Next, a resist film (positive photoresist film) is formed on the light shielding film 38 of the photomask blank 40. Subsequently, the resist film is exposed and drawn by a drawing apparatus using an electron beam or a laser, and developed to form a first resist pattern 41 (FIG. 3B). The first resist pattern 41 is formed in a shape having the light-transmitting portion 34 and the first semi-light-transmitting portion 35A of the manufactured gray-tone mask 30 as opening regions.

次に、この第1レジストパターン41が形成されたフォトマスクブランク40の遮光膜38を、クロム用エッチングガスまたは液を用い、第1レジストパターン41をマスクにしてドライエッチングまたはウェットエッチングする(図3(C))。このエッチングにより、遮光膜38に遮光膜パターン42が形成される。また、第2半透光膜37Bは、クロム用エッチングガスまたは液に対して耐性を有することから、この遮光膜38のエッチング時にはエッチングされにくい。   Next, the light-shielding film 38 of the photomask blank 40 on which the first resist pattern 41 is formed is dry-etched or wet-etched using a chromium etching gas or liquid with the first resist pattern 41 as a mask (FIG. 3). (C)). By this etching, a light shielding film pattern 42 is formed on the light shielding film 38. Further, since the second semi-transparent film 37B is resistant to the etching gas or liquid for chromium, it is difficult to etch when the light shielding film 38 is etched.

遮光膜パターン42の形成後、第1レジストパターン41を剥離し、その後、遮光膜パターン42をマスクにし、第2半透光膜37Bをドライまたはウェットエッチングして第2半透光膜パターン43を形成する(図3(D))。または、上記遮光膜パターン42の形成後、第1レジストパターン41及び遮光膜パターン42をマスクにし第2半透光膜37Bをドライまたはウェットエッチングして第2半透光膜パターン43を形成し、その後に上記第1レジストパターン41を剥離してもよい。これらのウェットまたはドライエッチングにおいて、遮光膜38及び第1半透光膜37Aは、MoSi用エッチングガスまたは液に対して耐性を有するため、この第2半透光膜37Bのエッチング時にはエッチングされにくい。   After the formation of the light shielding film pattern 42, the first resist pattern 41 is peeled off, and then, using the light shielding film pattern 42 as a mask, the second semi-transmissive film 37B is dry or wet etched to form the second semi-transmissive film pattern 43. It is formed (FIG. 3D). Alternatively, after the formation of the light shielding film pattern 42, the second semitransparent film 37B is dry or wet etched using the first resist pattern 41 and the light shielding film pattern 42 as a mask to form the second semitransparent film pattern 43, Thereafter, the first resist pattern 41 may be peeled off. In these wet or dry etching, the light-shielding film 38 and the first semi-transparent film 37A are resistant to the etching gas or liquid for MoSi, so that they are not easily etched when the second semi-transparent film 37B is etched.

上述のようにして第2半透光膜パターン43を形成後、遮光膜38上及び露出した第1半透光膜37A上にレジスト膜を成膜する。続いて、このレジスト膜を前述と同様に露光して描画し、現像して、第2レジストパターン44を形成する(図3(E))。この第2レジストパターン44は、透光部34及び第2半透光部35Bを開口領域とする形状に形成される。   After forming the second semi-transparent film pattern 43 as described above, a resist film is formed on the light shielding film 38 and the exposed first semi-transparent film 37A. Subsequently, the resist film is exposed, drawn and developed in the same manner as described above to form a second resist pattern 44 (FIG. 3E). The second resist pattern 44 is formed in a shape having the translucent portion 34 and the second semi-transparent portion 35B as opening regions.

次に、第2レジストパターン44をマスクにして、前記クロム用エッチングガスまたは液を用い、遮光膜38及び第1半透光膜37Aをドライまたはウェットエッチングする(図3(F))。その後、残存する第2レジストパターン44を除去(剥離)して、第1半透光膜37Aからなる第1半透光部35A、第1半透光膜37A及び第2半透光膜37Bが積層されてなる第2半透光部35B、第1半透光膜37A、第2半透光膜37B及び遮光膜38が積層されてなる遮光部33を有する4階調のグレートーンマスク30を製造する(図3(G))。   Next, using the second resist pattern 44 as a mask, the light shielding film 38 and the first semi-transparent film 37A are dry or wet etched using the chromium etching gas or liquid (FIG. 3F). Thereafter, the remaining second resist pattern 44 is removed (peeled), and the first semi-transmissive portion 35A, the first semi-transmissive film 37A, and the second semi-transmissive film 37B made of the first semi-transmissive film 37A are formed. A four-tone gray-tone mask 30 having a light-shielding portion 33 in which a second semi-transparent portion 35B, a first semi-transparent film 37A, a second semi-transparent film 37B, and a light-shielding film 38 are laminated. Manufacture (FIG. 3G).

以上のように構成されたことから、上記実施の形態によれば、次の効果を奏する。グレートーンマスク30の製造工程によれば、透光性基板16と、透光性基板16上に順次積層された第1半透光膜37A、第2半透光膜37B及び遮光膜38と、を有するフォトブランクマスク40が形成される。ここで、第2半透光膜37Bと遮光膜38とは互いのエッチングに対し耐性を有する膜であり、また、第1半透光膜37Aと遮光膜38とは同様のエッチング剤によってエッチングが可能な膜である。このように、互いにエッチング耐性が大きい膜と相対的に小さい膜との組合せにより、フォトリソグラフィ工程による描画回数を2回に低減して、4階調のフォトマスク10を製造できる。   With the configuration as described above, according to the above embodiment, the following effects are obtained. According to the manufacturing process of the gray tone mask 30, the translucent substrate 16, the first semi-transparent film 37A, the second semi-transparent film 37B, and the light shielding film 38 sequentially stacked on the translucent substrate 16, A photo blank mask 40 having the above is formed. Here, the second semi-transparent film 37B and the light-shielding film 38 are films that are resistant to mutual etching, and the first semi-transparent film 37A and the light-shielding film 38 are etched by the same etching agent. It is a possible membrane. As described above, the combination of the film having a high etching resistance and the film having a relatively small etching resistance reduces the number of times of drawing in the photolithography process to two, thereby manufacturing the four-tone photomask 10.

以上、本発明を上記実施の形態に基づいて説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではない。   As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the said embodiment, this invention is not limited to this.

10 グレートーンマスク(フォトマスク)
13 遮光部
14 透光部
15A 第1半透光部
15B 第2半透光部
16 透光性基板
17A 第1半透光膜
17B 第2半透光膜
18 遮光膜
20 フォトマスクブランク
21 第1レジストパターン
24 フォトマスクブランク
25 第2レジストパターン
30 グレートーンマスク(フォトマスク)
33 遮光部
34 透光部
35A 第1半透光部
35B 第2半透光部
37A 第1半透光膜
37B 第2半透光膜
38 遮光膜
40 フォトマスクブランク
41 第1レジストパターン
44 第2レジストパターン
10 Gray tone mask (photomask)
13 light-shielding part 14 light-transmitting part 15A first semi-light-transmitting part 15B second semi-light-transmitting part 16 light-transmitting substrate 17A first semi-light-transmitting film 17B second semi-light-transmitting film 18 light-shielding film 20 photomask blank 21 first Resist pattern 24 Photomask blank 25 Second resist pattern 30 Gray tone mask (photomask)
33 light-shielding part 34 light-transmitting part 35A first semi-light-transmitting part 35B second semi-light-transmitting part 37A first semi-light-transmitting film 37B second semi-light-transmitting film 38 light-shielding film 40 photomask blank 41 first resist pattern 44 second Resist pattern

Claims (11)

遮光部、透光部、及びそれぞれ異なる光透過率の第1半透光部と第2半透光部を有し、被転写体上に膜厚が段階的又は連続的に異なるレジストパターンを形成する4階調フォトマスクであって、
前記第1半透光部は、透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第1半透光膜が設けられて構成され、
前記第2半透光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第2半透光膜が設けられて構成され、
前記第2半透光部と第1半透光部とは露光光の光透過率が異なり、
前記遮光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、前記第1半透光膜、遮光膜、及び前記第2半透光膜が積層されて構成され、かつ、
前記第1半透光膜と前記遮光膜は、互いのエッチングに対して耐性を有する膜であり、
前記第2半透光膜と前記遮光膜は、同種のエッチングガス又はエッチング液によって、エッチングが可能な材料からなるものであることを特徴とする、4階調フォトマスク。
A light-shielding portion, a light-transmitting portion, and a first semi-transparent portion and a second semi-transparent portion having different light transmittances, and a resist pattern having different thicknesses is formed stepwise or continuously on the transfer target. A four-tone photomask,
The first semi-transparent portion is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive first semi-transparent film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The second semi-transparent portion is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive second semi-transparent film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The second semi-transmission part and the first semi-transmission part have different light transmittances of exposure light,
The light shielding portion is configured by laminating the first semi-transmissive film, the light shielding film, and the second semi-transmissive film on the surface of the translucent substrate , and
The first semi-transmissive film and the light-shielding film are films having resistance to mutual etching,
Said second HanToruHikarimaku and the light-shielding film, the etching gas or etchant of the same type, characterized by der Rukoto made of etched material capable, 4 tone photomasks.
被転写体上に、前記遮光部に対応する部分の膜厚が最も厚く、前記第1半透光部に対応する部分で膜厚が次に厚く、前記第2半透光部に対応する部分で膜厚が薄く、前記透光部に対応する部分で膜がないレジストパターンを形成するものであることを特徴とする、請求項1に記載の4階調フォトマスク。   The portion corresponding to the light-shielding portion on the transfer body is the thickest, the portion corresponding to the first semi-transparent portion is the next thickest, and the portion corresponding to the second semi-transparent portion The four-tone photomask according to claim 1, wherein a resist pattern having a thin film thickness and having no film at a portion corresponding to the light transmitting portion is formed. 前記第1半透光部と第2半透光部の、露光光の光透過率が20〜50%であることを特徴とする、請求項1又は2に記載の4階調フォトマスク。   3. The four-tone photomask according to claim 1, wherein a light transmittance of exposure light between the first semi-transmissive part and the second semi-transmissive part is 20 to 50%. 4. 前記第1半透光膜は、モリブデンシリサイドを含み、前記第2半透光膜及び前記遮光膜はクロムを主成分とすることを特徴とする、請求項1〜のいずれかに記載の4階調フォトマスク。 The first HanToruHikarimaku comprises molybdenum silicide, the second HanToruHikarimaku and the light blocking layer is characterized by mainly composed of chromium, 4 according to any one of claims 1 to 3 Tone photomask. 請求項1に記載の4階調フォトマスクを用いて露光し、被転写体上にレジストパターンを形成し、
前記透光部に対応する部分で、前記被転写体に第1エッチングを施し、
前記レジストパターンのうち前記第2半透光部に対応する部分を除去し、前記被転写体に第2エッチングを施し、
更に、前記レジストパターンのうち前記第1半透光部に対応する部分を除去し、前記被転写体に第3エッチングを施すことを含む、4階調フォトマスクの使用方法。
It exposes using the 4 gradation photomask of Claim 1, forms a resist pattern on a to-be-transferred body,
First transfer is performed on the transfer object at a portion corresponding to the translucent portion,
Removing a portion of the resist pattern corresponding to the second semi-translucent portion, and performing a second etching on the transfer object;
Further, a method for using a four-tone photomask, comprising: removing a portion of the resist pattern corresponding to the first semi-translucent portion and performing a third etching on the transfer target.
遮光部、透光部、及びそれぞれ異なる光透過率の第1半透光部と第2半透光部を有し、被転写体上に膜厚が段階的又は連続的に異なるレジストパターンを形成する4階調フォトマスクであって、
前記第1半透光部は、透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第1半透光膜が設けられて構成され、
前記第2半透光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、光半透過性の第1半透光膜と光半透過性の第2半透光膜が積層されて構成され、
前記遮光部は、前記透光性基板の表面に、前記第1半透光膜、前記第2半透光膜及び遮光膜が積層されて構成され、かつ、
前記第2半透光膜と前記遮光膜は、互いのエッチングに対して耐性を有する膜であり、
前記第1半透光膜と前記遮光膜は、同種のエッチングガス又はエッチング液によってエッチング可能な材料からなることを特徴とする、4階調フォトマスク。
A light-shielding portion, a light-transmitting portion, and a first semi-transparent portion and a second semi-transparent portion having different light transmittances, and a resist pattern having different thicknesses is formed stepwise or continuously on the transfer target. A four-tone photomask,
The first semi-transparent portion is configured by providing a light semi-transmissive first semi-transparent film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The second semi-transmissive part is configured by laminating a light semi-transmissive first semi-transmissive film and a light semi-transmissive second semi-transmissive film on the surface of the translucent substrate,
The light shielding portion is configured by laminating the first semi-transmissive film, the second semi-transmissive film, and a light shielding film on the surface of the translucent substrate , and
The second semi-transparent film and the light shielding film are films having resistance to mutual etching,
Wherein said light shielding film is first HanToruHikarimaku, characterized Rukoto such etchable material by etching gas or etchant same type, 4 gradations photomask.
被転写体上に、前記遮光部に対応する部分の膜厚が最も厚く、前記第2半透光部に対応する部分で膜厚が次に厚く、前記第1半透光部に対応する部分で薄く、透光部に対応する部分で膜がないレジストパターンを形成するものであることを特徴とする、請求項に記載の4階調フォトマスク。 The portion corresponding to the light-shielding portion on the transfer body is thickest, the portion corresponding to the second semi-transparent portion is the next thickest, and the portion corresponding to the first semi-transparent portion The four-tone photomask according to claim 6 , wherein the resist pattern is a thin and thin resist pattern having no film at a portion corresponding to the light transmitting portion. 前記第1半透光部と第2半透光部は、露光光の光透過率が20〜50%であることを特徴とする、請求項又はに記載の4階調フォトマスク。 The first semi-light-transmitting portion and the second semi-light-transmitting portion is characterized by light transmittance of the exposure light is 20% to 50%, 4 tone photo mask according to claim 6 or 7. 前記第2半透光膜は、モリブデンシリサイドを含み、前記第1半透光膜及び前記遮光膜はクロムを主成分とすることを特徴とする、請求項のいずれかに記載の4階調フォトマスク。 Said second HanToruHikarimaku comprises molybdenum silicide, the first HanToruHikarimaku and the light-shielding film is characterized by mainly composed of chromium, 4 according to any one of claims 6-8 Tone photomask. 請求項6に記載の4階調フォトマスクを用いて露光し、被転写体上にレジストパターンを形成し、
前記透光部に対応する部分で、被転写体に第1エッチングを施し、
前記レジストパターンのうち前記第1半透光部に対応する部分を除去し、前記被転写体に第2エッチングを施し、
更に、前記レジストパターンのうち前記第2半透光部に対応する部分を除去し、前記被転写体に第3エッチングを施すことを含む、4階調フォトマスクの使用方法。
It exposes using the 4 gradation photomask of Claim 6, forms a resist pattern on a to-be-transferred body,
At a portion corresponding to the light-transmitting portion, a first etching is performed on the transfer object,
Removing a portion of the resist pattern corresponding to the first semi-translucent portion, and performing a second etching on the transfer object;
Further, a method for using a four-tone photomask, comprising: removing a portion of the resist pattern corresponding to the second semi-translucent portion and performing a third etching on the transfer target.
請求項又は10に記載の使用方法を含む、液晶表示装置の製造方法。 The manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display device containing the usage method of Claim 5 or 10 .
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