JP5755068B2 - Narrowband laser spectral width adjustment device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a spectrum of a narrow-band laser that adjusts the spectral width of a narrow-band laser that operates by alternately repeating a burst period in which laser light having a narrow band is continuously pulsed and an oscillation pause period in which oscillation is stopped. In particular, the present invention relates to a width adjustment method, and is a device that stabilizes the spectral width of an initial period of one burst period.

  As semiconductor integrated circuits are miniaturized and highly integrated, improvement in resolving power is demanded in semiconductor exposure apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as “exposure apparatuses”). For this reason, the wavelength of light emitted from the exposure light source is being shortened. As a light source for exposure, a gas laser device is used instead of a conventional mercury lamp. Currently, KrF excimer lasers that emit ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 248 nm and ArF excimer lasers that emit ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 193 nm are used as gas laser devices for exposure.

  As the next-generation exposure technology, immersion exposure, in which the apparent wavelength of the exposure light source is shortened by filling the space between the exposure lens on the exposure apparatus and the wafer with a liquid and changing the refractive index, has been studied. Yes. When immersion exposure is performed using an ArF excimer laser as an exposure light source, the wafer is irradiated with ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 134 nm in water. This technique is called ArF immersion exposure (or ArF immersion lithography).

  As the next generation light source for exposure, there is an EUV light source, and there is a possibility that an immersion technique is performed using an F2 laser as an exposure light source. In this case, the wafer is irradiated with ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 115 nm.

  Since the spontaneous amplitudes of KrF and ArF excimer lasers are as wide as about 350 to 400 pm, when these projection lenses are used, chromatic aberration is generated and the resolution is lowered. Therefore, it is necessary to narrow the spectral line width (spectral width) of the laser light emitted from the gas laser device until the chromatic aberration becomes negligible. For this reason, a narrow band module (Line Narrow Module) having a narrow band element (etalon, grating, etc.) is provided in the laser resonator of the gas laser device, and the narrow band of the spectral width is realized. A laser whose spectral width is thus narrowed is called a narrow-band laser. In general, the spectral width of a laser is expressed by the full width at half maximum. As shown in FIG. 32A, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) refers to the spectral width of the portion of the laser light spectrum where the light intensity is half the peak value.

  Accurate evaluation of the imaging performance of the exposure apparatus can be performed by optical simulation calculation from the optical system data of the exposure apparatus and the spectral profile of the laser. From this optical simulation calculation result, it is known that the imaging performance of the exposure apparatus is greatly influenced not only by the full width at half maximum of the spectrum of the laser light but also by the bottom component of the spectrum. Therefore, a new definition of the spectral width of E95 width (also referred to as spectral purity width) has been devised. As shown in FIG. 32B, the E95 width is an index indicating the spectral width of an area where 95% of the energy is concentrated in the laser light spectrum area. There is a correlation between the E95 width and the imaging performance of the optical system of the exposure apparatus, and in order to guarantee the quality of the integrated circuit, it is required to suppress the E95 width to 0.5 pm or less, for example.

  Spectral widths such as E95 width and full width at half maximum can be changed by changing the wavefront of laser light, for example. As one of techniques for changing the wavefront of laser light, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for changing the curvature of a grating.

  Some narrow-band lasers include, for example, a spectral width adjustment mechanism that adjusts the spectral width of laser light as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a spectral width detection unit that detects the spectral width of laser light, and spectral width detection And a laser controller for controlling the operation of the spectral width adjustment mechanism so that the spectral width of the laser beam to be output next approaches the target value based on the spectral width detected by the unit, and feedback control using these configurations Has been done.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an example of an E95 width adjustment method using a spectrum width adjustment mechanism as disclosed in Patent Document 1. In this method, the curvature of the grating is changed by feedforward control using a predetermined E95 width fluctuation model, and the fluctuation of the E95 width due to the thermal load is suppressed.

  At the time of wafer exposure, the exposure apparatus is operated so as to alternately repeat exposure and stage movement while performing so-called step-and-repeat or step-and-scan. In accordance with this operation, the narrow-band laser is a burst that alternately repeats a burst period that continuously oscillates a pulsed laser beam that is narrowed according to exposure and an oscillation pause period that oscillates and stops as the stage moves. Drive in mode.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-312048 (FIG. 4) US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0114958

  When the narrow-band laser is operated in the burst mode, a phenomenon occurs in which the spectral width of the laser beam deviates from the allowable range in the period from the first pulse to a predetermined pulse in one burst period. Consider this phenomenon.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram showing changes in the spectrum width according to the progress of the pulse. Here, as an example, the repetition frequency is 6 kHz, the E95 width is adopted as the spectrum width, the target value of the spectrum width is 0.4 pm, and the allowable range is ± 0.05 pm. As shown in FIG. 33, the E95 width fluctuates greatly from one pulse immediately after the oscillation suspension period to about 150 pulses and often deviates from the allowable range, but after about 150 pulses, the E95 width is almost stable within the allowable range. ing. The time constant of the E95 width is as short as 150/6000 = 0.025 s, and the E95 width cannot be stabilized with high accuracy by feedback control.

  In this specification, a period in which the spectrum width from the first pulse to a predetermined pulse in one burst period is not stable (a period from 1 pulse to 150 pulses in FIG. 33) is referred to as an unstable period. A period from the predetermined pulse to the last pulse (a period after 150 pulses in FIG. 33) is referred to as a stable period.

It is estimated that the phenomenon that the spectrum width of the laser beam deviates from the allowable range during the unstable period is caused by the following reasons.
(1) Change in light wavefront in discharge space (2) Change in light wavefront in optical element (3) Change in light wavefront due to generation of temperature distribution of purge gas in resonator A cause of the above (1) to (3) will be described. .

  FIG. 34 is a view showing the structure of the laser chamber, FIG. 34 (a) is a top view of the narrow-band laser, and FIG. 34 (b) is a side view of the narrow-band laser. FIG. 34 (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 34 (b).

  Discharge electrodes 21 and 22 facing each other are provided inside the laser chamber 20, and laser gas is sealed. On the rear side of the laser chamber 20, a narrowband module 30 having an optical element for narrowing the laser light, such as the prisms 32 and 33 and the grating 31, is provided in the housing 35, and on the front side of the laser chamber 20. Is provided with an output coupler 50 housed in a housing 55.

  A slit 90r is provided on the optical path between the laser chamber 20 and the casing 35 of the band narrowing module 30, and the optical path is blocked from outside air by a bellows type tubular member 92. The casing 35 is provided with a purge gas (N2) supply port 35in, and the bellows type tubular member 92 is provided with a purge gas (N2) discharge port 92out. The casing 35 and the bellows type tubular member 92 are in communication with each other. Therefore, the purge gas supplied from the supply port 35in flows through the inside of the casing 35 and the bellows type tubular member 92 and is discharged from the discharge port 92out. .

  Similarly, a slit 90 f is provided on the optical path between the laser chamber 20 and the housing 55 including the output coupler 50, and the optical path is blocked from outside air by a bellows type tubular member 93. The casing 55 is provided with a purge gas (N2) supply port 55in, and the bellows type tubular member 93 is provided with a purge gas (N2) discharge port 93out. The casing 55 and the bellows type tubular member 93 communicate with each other, and therefore the purge gas supplied from the supply port 55in flows through the inside of the casing 55 and the bellows type tubular member 93 and is discharged from the discharge port 93out. .

(1) Change of light wavefront in discharge space As shown in FIG. 34 (c), the space between the discharge electrodes 21 and 22 is called a discharge space. Possible causes of the change in the light wavefront in the discharge space are (1.1) a change in gas density in the discharge space due to acoustic waves, and (1.2) a change in discharge position in the discharge space.

(1.1) Change in gas density in discharge space due to acoustic wave When a discharge is generated in the discharge space, an acoustic wave is generated. The acoustic wave propagates around the discharge space, but some components are reflected by structures in the laser chamber, the inner wall of the laser chamber, and the like, and return to the discharge space. When a discharge is generated at the timing when the reflected wave of the acoustic wave reaches the discharge space, a rough portion and a dense portion are generated in the laser gas density in the discharge space, so that the density of the laser gas density in the discharge space is increased. The optical wavefront in the optical axis direction in the discharge space is distorted, and the spectral width of the laser light changes.

  The degree of change in the spectral width varies depending on how much a reflected wave of the acoustic wave is present in the discharge space during discharge. That is, when a discharge occurs at a timing (a specific repetition frequency) at which the reflected wave of the acoustic wave returns to the discharge space, the wavefront of the light in the laser resonator is distorted, and the spectrum profile of the laser that oscillates is distorted. In this way, the degree of change in the spectral width is affected by the speed of the acoustic wave (sound speed) and the repetition frequency of the laser. As shown in FIG. 35, the spectral width (here, E95 width) depends on the repetition frequency of the laser. In FIG. 35, the change of the E95 width becomes large after about 2500 Hz. This is considered to be because the pulse interval is long at about 1000 to 2500 Hz, and the acoustic wave passes through the discharge space or disappears at the next discharge. It is done. Further, since the speed of sound changes depending on the temperature of the laser gas, the propagation speed of the acoustic wave changes due to the change of the temperature of the laser gas, and the spectrum width also changes as the propagation speed of the acoustic wave changes.

  As described above, the optical wavefront is distorted in the discharge space in the laser resonator according to the change in the gas density in the discharge space due to the acoustic wave, and the spectrum shape of the spectrum shape is changed accordingly.

(1.2) Change of discharge position in discharge space Generally, the wavefront of light due to discharge also depends on the electron density distribution. In the discharge space where the discharge energy is high, the electron density increases and the speed of the discharge light increases. On the other hand, in the discharge space where the discharge energy is low, the electron density is lower than in the space where the discharge energy is high, and the traveling speed of the discharge light is slow. Accordingly, when light is transmitted through a discharge space having an energy distribution in which the discharge energy is high in the central portion and the discharge energy decreases as the distance from the central portion increases, the wavefront of the light becomes convex. If the discharge space is compared to an optical element, it will function approximately as a cylindrical concave lens.

  Therefore, the following causes are presumed. For example, when the discharge direction is inclined during the unstable period at the beginning of the burst period and the discharge is shifted from the central part of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, the line connecting the minimum portions of the concave surface of the cylindrical concave lens is Equivalent to the tilted state. In such a case, when the concave lens is inclined with respect to the dispersion direction of the grating, the beam is similarly inclined with respect to the dispersion direction of the grating. Furthermore, since the gain distribution of the laser is inclined with respect to the dispersion direction of the grating, the spectrum shape changes, and as a result, the spectrum width becomes wider. When the interference fringes are observed with the Mach-Zehnder interferometer in the state of the discharge space at this time, the interference fringes as shown in FIG. When the discharge direction returns to vertical in the stable period of one burst period, the light spreads in a state where the discharge direction is perpendicular to the dispersion direction of the grating, and the gain distribution is in the dispersion direction of the grating. By being perpendicular to it, the spectral width is narrowed. When the interference fringes are observed with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer in the state of the discharge space at this time, the interference fringes as shown in FIG.

  As described above, the optical wavefront and gain distribution of the laser light in the laser resonator change according to the change in the discharge position in the discharge space, and the spectrum shape changes and the spectrum width changes accordingly.

(2) Change of Light Wavefront in Optical Element FIG. 37 is a diagram showing how the wavefront of light passing through the prism changes. The slopes 32a and 33a or the vertical surfaces 32b and 33b of the prisms 32 and 33 are coated with an antireflection (AR) film. If light absorption occurs in the films, the surfaces of the prisms 32 and 33 are unevenly heated. Distribution occurs. Due to such a phenomenon, for example, when plane wave light passes through the prism, transmitted light with a distorted wavefront is output. Further, even if light is absorbed in the base materials of the prisms 32 and 33, similarly, a non-uniform temperature distribution is generated on the surfaces of the prisms 32 and 33, so that transmitted light whose wavefront is distorted is output. Furthermore, when a non-uniform temperature distribution is generated in the grating 31 due to light absorption, diffracted light with a distorted wavefront is output.

  As described above, the optical wavefront of the laser light in the laser resonator changes in accordance with the occurrence of a non-uniform temperature distribution in the optical element, and accordingly, the spectrum shape changes and the spectrum width changes.

(3) Change of optical wavefront due to generation of temperature distribution of purge gas in resonator FIG. 38 is a diagram showing how laser light passes through a slit. As shown in FIG. 38, when the laser light passes through the slit 90r, the edge portion of the slit 90r is heated, and the temperature of the purge gas around the edge portion becomes high. Then, a non-uniform temperature distribution is generated in the purge gas in the opening of the slit 90r so that the temperature at the periphery of the opening is higher than that at the center of the opening. Further, the density distribution of the purge gas in the opening changes with laser oscillation. Due to such a phenomenon, for example, when plane wave light is transmitted through the slit 90r, transmitted light whose wavefront is distorted into a concave shape is output.

  As described above, the optical wavefront of the laser light in the laser resonator changes in accordance with the generation of the temperature distribution of the purge gas in the resonator, and accordingly, the spectrum shape changes and the spectrum width changes.

  In addition to the causes (1) to (3) described above, the following phenomenon causes the spectral width of the laser light output in the unstable period at the initial stage of the burst period to become inconsistent with the target value. May be out of the allowable range.

  FIG. 39 is a block diagram of a spectrum width control system in a general narrow-band laser. The monitor module 60 detects the spectral width of the laser beam output from the output coupler 50. The laser resonator includes an output coupler 50, a laser chamber 20, a spectral width adjusting mechanism 40, and a narrowband module 40 in which a wavelength dispersion element is arranged to narrow the spectral line width. The laser controller 80 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation command value of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 to the driver 10 so that the spectrum width of the output laser light detected by the monitor module 60 becomes a target value. The driver 10 operates the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 in accordance with the input operation command value.

  During the oscillation stop period, the spectrum width gradually shifts due to changes in the state of the laser resonator (for example, the temperature and gas state in the laser chamber 20, or the temperature of the optical element and the purge gas). However, since laser oscillation is not actually performed during the oscillation stop period, the laser beam itself is not output during the oscillation stop period, and the spectrum width is not detected as a matter of course. Here, the spectrum width during the oscillation stop period means the spectrum width of the laser beam that will be detected when laser oscillation occurs at each time point during the oscillation stop period.

  FIG. 40 is a diagram showing changes in spectrum width, burst ON / OFF changes, and changes in the operation amount of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism according to the passage of time in the prior art.

  As shown in FIG. 40B, the period before time t1 and the period after time t2 are in the burst ON state, and this period is the burst period. The period from time t1 to time t2 is the burst OFF state, and this period is the oscillation suspension period.

  In the burst period up to time t1, the monitor module 60 shown in FIG. 39 detects the E95 width E95 of the laser beam and sends a signal corresponding to the detected value E95 to the laser controller 80. The laser controller 80 obtains the operation command value V of the next pulse and sends an operation signal of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 corresponding to the operation command value V to the driver 10. The driver 10 operates the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 according to the operation signal. Thus, feedback control of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is performed. Here, feedback control is performed in a state where the E95 width is stable as shown in FIG. 40 (a), and the fluctuation of the operation command value V of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 becomes small as shown in FIG. 40 (c). .

  Next, in the oscillation suspension period from time t1 to time t2, since the spectrum width cannot be detected, an operation signal corresponding to the operation command value is not sent to the spectrum width adjustment mechanism 40, and the spectrum width adjustment mechanism 40 does not transmit the previous burst. Maintain the last operating position in the period. Here, since the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is not operated, the operation amount of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is kept constant as shown in FIG. on the other hand. During this time, the state in the laser chamber 20 changes, and the spectral width that would be detected as shown in FIG. 40 (a) gradually changes in one direction (in this case, the direction becomes thicker).

  In the burst period immediately after time t2, the spectrum width of the first pulse is increased by the amount shifted during the oscillation suspension period, and a value larger than the target value is detected. Based on this detected value, an operation signal corresponding to the operation command value is sent to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40, and feedback control for controlling the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is performed. However, if the difference between the detected spectrum width and the target value is large, the operation amount of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism 40 must be increased, and thus the operation of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism 40 may not be completed by the next pulse. . In this case, the spectral width of the laser light of the next pulse does not reach the target value. In such a state, feedback control is performed, and the spectrum width is gradually stabilized.

  As described above, due to various causes, the spectral width of the laser beam deviates from the allowable range in the unstable period from the first pulse of the burst period to the predetermined pulse. As a result, the quality of the integrated circuit pattern deteriorates and the device cannot be manufactured. In order to prevent this, it is only necessary to use the pulse oscillation during the unstable period for the exposure. In this case, the number of pulses in one burst must be increased in order to obtain a sufficient exposure amount. Therefore, the production efficiency is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and stabilizes the spectral width of the laser beam output in the unstable period at the initial stage of the burst period near the target value, and keeps the spectral width of the laser beam within an allowable range. Therefore, the purpose is to prevent the deterioration of the quality of the integrated circuit pattern and the reduction of the production efficiency.

The first invention is
To a narrow-band laser that operates by alternately repeating a burst period in which laser light having a narrow band is continuously pulsed and an oscillation pause period in which oscillation is stopped,
A spectral width adjustment mechanism for changing the spectral width of the laser beam;
A laser controller for controlling the operation of the spectral width adjusting mechanism;
A pause period measurement unit that measures the length of the oscillation pause period;
A command value storage for associating a spectrum width with an operation command value of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism for obtaining the spectrum width, and storing the spectrum width and the operation command value in association with the length of the oscillation pause period And
In a narrow-band laser spectral width adjusting device comprising:
The laser controller controls the operation of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism even during the oscillation pause period, and controls the spectrum width during the oscillation pause period,
The laser controller is in an unstable period at the beginning of the burst period,
Among the information stored in the command value storage unit,
The length of the stored oscillation period is equal to or approximate to the length of the oscillation pause period measured by the pause period measurement unit, and
The stored spectrum width and the target value of the spectrum width match or approximate
Read the operation command value corresponding to the information,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
By controlling the operation of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism by outputting an operation signal corresponding to the determined operation command value to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism,
Control the spectral width,
The laser controller performs feedback control after the unstable period.
It is characterized by that.

The second invention is the first invention,
The laser controller is used during an oscillation suspension period.
Among the information stored in the command value storage unit,
The length of the stored oscillation period is equal to or approximate to the length of the oscillation pause period measured by the pause period measurement unit, and
The stored spectrum width and the target value of the spectrum width match or approximate
Read the operation command value corresponding to the information,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
An operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is output to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism to control the operation of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism.
It is characterized by that.
The third invention is the second invention,
The command value storage unit further stores the spectral width and the operation command value in association with the repetition frequency of the narrow band laser,
The laser controller is used during an oscillation suspension period.
Among the information stored in the command value storage unit,
The stored repetition frequency matches or approximates the repetition frequency, and
Match or approximate the length of the stored oscillation period and the length of the oscillation pause period measured by the immediately preceding pause period measurement unit; and
The stored spectrum width and the target value of the spectrum width match or approximate
Read the operation command value corresponding to the information,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
An operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is output to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism to control the operation of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism.
It is characterized by that.

The first, second, and third inventions relate to an apparatus that stabilizes the spectral width of laser light during an unstable period by suppressing fluctuations in the spectral width according to the length of the oscillation pause period during the oscillation pause period.

  A narrow-band laser that operates by alternately repeating a burst period in which pulsed laser light having a narrow band is continuously oscillated and an oscillation pause period in which oscillation is stopped is a spectral width (for example, E95) of laser light output from the laser chamber. (Width) is adjusted by the operation of the actuator, a laser controller that outputs the operation command value of the actuator, a command value storage unit that stores the operation command value, and the length of the oscillation pause period A rest period measuring unit.

  The command value storage unit stores the operation command value and the spectrum width in association with each other, and also stores the operation command value and the spectrum width associated with each other in the length of the oscillation suspension period and the repetition of the narrowband laser. It is stored in association with the frequency.

  During the oscillation pause period, the laser controller matches or approximates the pause period measured by the pause period measurement unit and the repetition frequency, and matches or approximates the spectrum width that matches or approximates the target value of the spectrum width. The operation command value being read is read from the command value storage unit. Then, an operation command value to be actually used is obtained based on the read operation command value, and an operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is transmitted to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism. If the command value storage unit has a spectrum width that matches the target value of the spectrum width, the read operation command value and the calculated operation command value will match, but match the target value of the spectrum width. If the spectrum width to be performed is not in the command value storage unit, the operation command value read at that time may coincide with or may be different from the obtained operation command value.

  The actuator of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism operates according to the operation signal transmitted from the laser controller. Thus, the spectral width adjustment mechanism is controlled as the oscillation pause period elapses.

  In the case of a narrow-band laser that operates with a constant repetition frequency, the repetition frequency need not be stored in the command value storage unit.

The fourth invention is:
To a narrow-band laser that operates by alternately repeating a burst period in which laser light having a narrow band is continuously pulsed and an oscillation pause period in which oscillation is stopped,
A spectral width adjustment mechanism for changing the spectral width of the laser beam;
A laser controller for controlling the operation of the spectral width adjusting mechanism;
A pause period measurement unit that measures the length of the oscillation pause period;
A command value storage for associating a spectrum width with an operation command value of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism for obtaining the spectrum width, and storing the spectrum width and the operation command value in association with the length of the oscillation pause period And
In a narrow-band laser spectral width adjusting device comprising:
The laser controller is in an unstable period at the beginning of the burst period,
Among the information stored in the command value storage unit,
The length of the stored oscillation period is equal to or approximate to the length of the oscillation pause period measured by the pause period measurement unit, and
The stored spectrum width and the target value of the spectrum width match or approximate
Read the operation command value corresponding to the information,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
By controlling the operation of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism by outputting an operation signal corresponding to the determined operation command value to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism,
Control the spectral width,
The laser controller performs feedback control after the unstable period.
It is characterized by that.

A fifth invention is the fourth invention,
A command value storage unit for associating a spectrum width with an operation command value of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism for obtaining the spectrum width, and storing the spectrum width and the operation command value in association with a pulse number; ,
A spectrum width detector for detecting the spectrum width of the laser light,
The laser controller is for each pulse or every plurality of pulses from the first pulse of a burst period to a predetermined pulse,
From the command value storage unit, read the operation command value corresponding to the spectrum width and the spectrum width that matches or approximates the target value of the spectrum width that matches the pulse number at that time,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
An operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is output to the spectrum width adjustment mechanism to control the operation of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism,
The spectrum width detected by the spectrum width detection unit and the operation command value obtained by the laser controller are associated with each other, and the spectrum width and the operation command value are associated with the pulse number at the time, and the command value Store in memory
It is characterized by that.
According to a sixth invention, in the fifth invention,
Provided with a pause period measurement unit that measures the length of the oscillation pause period,
The command value storage unit further stores the spectral width and the operation command value in association with the repetition frequency of the narrowband laser and the length of the oscillation pause period,
The laser controller is for each pulse or every plurality of pulses from the first pulse of a burst period to a predetermined pulse,
From the command value storage unit, it matches or approximates the pulse number at that time, the repetition frequency of the narrow-band laser, and the length of the previous oscillation pause period measured by the pause period measurement unit, or the target value of the spectrum width or Read the approximate spectral width and the operation command value corresponding to that spectral width,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
An operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is output to the spectrum width adjustment mechanism to control the operation of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism,
The spectrum width detected by the spectrum width detector and the operation command value obtained by the laser controller are associated with each other, and the spectrum width and the operation command value are associated with the current pulse number and the repetition of the narrow-band laser. The command value storage unit stores the frequency in association with the length of the previous oscillation suspension period measured by the suspension period measurement unit.
It is characterized by that.

The fourth , fifth, and sixth inventions stabilize the spectral width of the laser light in the unstable period at the beginning of the burst period by controlling the spectral width in the unstable period based on the data in the burst period before the previous time. Relates to the device.

  A narrow-band laser that operates by alternately repeating a burst period in which pulsed laser light having a narrow band is continuously oscillated and an oscillation pause period in which oscillation is stopped is a spectral width (for example, E95) of laser light output from the laser chamber. (Width) is adjusted by the operation of the actuator, a laser controller that outputs the operation command value of the actuator, a command value storage unit that stores the operation command value, and the length of the oscillation pause period A pause period measurement unit; and a spectrum width detection unit that detects a spectrum width of the laser beam.

  The command value storage unit stores the operation command value and the spectrum width in association with each other, and also stores the operation command value and the spectrum width associated with each other in the pulse number, the repetition frequency of the narrowband laser, and the immediately preceding frequency. Is stored in association with the length of the oscillation pause period.

  During the unstable period at the beginning of the burst period, the laser controller matches or approximates the pulse number at that time, the length of the previous pause period measured by the pause period measurement unit, and the repetition frequency, and matches the target value of the spectrum width. Alternatively, the approximate spectrum width and the operation command value associated with the spectrum width are read from the command value storage unit. Then, an operation command value to be actually used is obtained based on the read operation command value, and an operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is transmitted to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism. If the command value storage unit has a spectrum width that matches the target value of the spectrum width, the read operation command value and the calculated operation command value will match, but match the target value of the spectrum width. If the spectrum width to be performed is not in the command value storage unit, the operation command value read at that time may coincide with or may be different from the obtained operation command value.

  The actuator of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism operates according to the operation signal transmitted from the laser controller. Thus, the spectrum width adjusting mechanism is controlled for each pulse as the oscillation pause period elapses. The spectrum width of the laser light is detected by the spectrum width detector.

  The laser controller associates the obtained operation command value with the spectrum width detected by the spectrum width detector, and associates the associated operation command value and spectrum width with the pulse number at that time and the repetition frequency of the narrowband laser. And stored in association with the length of the previous oscillation pause period.

  In the case of a narrow-band laser that operates with a constant repetition frequency, the repetition frequency need not be stored in the command value storage unit. Further, in the case of a narrow-band laser that operates with a constant oscillation pause period, the length of the oscillation pause period need not be stored in the command value storage unit.

  According to the first and second inventions, the spectral width control is performed during the oscillation pause period according to the length of the oscillation pause period, so that the spectrum width in the unstable period caused by the fluctuation of the spectrum width during the oscillation pause period is reduced. The difference between the target value and the measured value is reduced. For this reason, the spectrum width in the unstable period is relatively stable from the first pulse and falls within the allowable range. As a result, quality deterioration of the integrated circuit pattern can be prevented, and since it can be used for exposure from the first pulse of the burst, it is possible to prevent a decrease in production efficiency.

  According to the third and fourth inventions, the spectrum width control is performed during the unstable period based on the actual results such as the measured value of the spectrum width measured during the previous unstable period and the operation command value of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism at that time. Thus, the difference between the target value of the spectrum width and the measured value during the unstable period is reduced. For this reason, the spectrum width in the unstable period is relatively stable from the first pulse and falls within the allowable range. As a result, quality deterioration of the integrated circuit pattern can be prevented, and since it can be used for exposure from the first pulse of the burst, it is possible to prevent a decrease in production efficiency.

The figure which shows one structural example of the apparatus structure for adjusting the spectral width of a narrow-band laser apparatus. The figure which shows the structure of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism which concerns on a 1st form, and the positional relationship of an output coupler, a spectrum width adjustment mechanism, a laser chamber, and a narrow-band module. The figure which shows the structure of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism which concerns on a 2nd form. The figure which shows the relationship between the relative position of the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 at the time of using the spectrum width adjustment mechanism which concerns on a 2nd form, E95 width | variety, and a laser output relative value. The figure which shows the positional relationship of the structure of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism which concerns on a 3rd form, a spectrum width adjustment mechanism, a laser chamber, and a narrow-band-width module. The figure which shows a mode that the spectrum width adjustment part was provided in the rear side of the laser chamber. The figure which shows the structure of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism which concerns on a 4th form. The figure which shows a mode that the spectrum width adjustment part which concerns on a 4th form was provided in the band-narrowing module. The figure which shows the structure of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism which concerns on a 5th form. The figure which shows a mode that the spectrum width adjustment part which concerns on a 5th form was provided in the band-narrowing module. The figure which shows the structure of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism which concerns on a 6th form. The figure which shows the structure of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism which concerns on a 7th form. The figure which shows a mode that E95 width adjustment part was provided in MO of the double chamber system. The figure which shows the positional relationship of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism which concerns on an 8th form, a laser chamber, and a narrow-band-width module. The figure which shows the structure of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism which concerns on an 8th form. The figure which shows a mode that the E95 width adjustment part was provided between PO and MO of a double chamber system. The figure which shows a mode that the cylindrical lens is arrange | positioned between MO and PO. The figure which shows a mode that the prism is arrange | positioned between MO and PO. The figure which shows a mode that the slit is arrange | positioned between MO and PO. The figure which shows the change of the E95 width | variety according to progress of time in a 1st case, the change of burst ON / OFF, and the change of the operation action command value of a spectrum width adjustment mechanism. The figure which shows the change of the E95 width | variety according to progress of time in a 2nd case, the change of burst ON / OFF, and the change of the operation amount of a spectrum width adjustment mechanism. The figure which shows the change of the E95 width | variety according to the time passage in a 3rd case, the change of burst ON / OFF, and the change of the operation amount of a spectrum width adjustment mechanism. The figure which shows the processing flow of a "main routine." The figure which shows the processing flow of "E95 width control data acquisition subroutine by adjustment oscillation." The figure which shows the processing flow of "E95 width control subroutine." The figure which shows the processing flow of "the spectrum width adjustment mechanism drive subroutine during an oscillation suspension." The figure which shows the processing flow of "the unstable period E95 width | variety prediction control subroutine." The figure which shows the processing flow of "the subroutine which reads the stored E95 width _| variety E95 _{k, f, T} and operation command value _{Vk, f, T} ". The figure which shows the processing flow of "the subroutine which calculates the operation command value Vk _{, f, T} used based on (DELTA) E95." The figure which shows the processing flow of a "stable period E95 width feedback control subroutine." The figure which shows E95 width | variety and operation command value with time passage in the case of controlling a spectrum width adjustment mechanism for every pulse and every several pulses. The figure for demonstrating FWHM and E95 width | variety. The figure which shows the change of the spectrum width according to progress of a pulse. The figure which shows the structure of a laser chamber. The figure which shows the relationship between a repetition frequency and E95 width | variety. The figure which shows the mode of the discharge between discharge electrodes, and the transmission surface of the light by discharge. The figure which shows a mode that the wave front of the light which permeate | transmits a prism changes. The figure which shows a mode that a laser beam passes a slit. The block diagram of the spectrum width control system in a general narrow-band laser. The figure which shows the change of the spectrum width according to the time passage in a prior art, the change of burst ON / OFF, and the change of the operation amount of a spectrum width adjustment mechanism.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The spectrum width includes FWHM, E95 width, and the like, but the present invention can be applied to any spectrum width. In the following description, the E95 width is mainly used as a specific example of the spectrum width.

  The feature of the present invention is that the spectrum width is controlled during the oscillation suspension period and the spectrum width is controlled according to the operation command value stored in advance during the unstable period. Although it can be expected that the spectrum width in the unstable period is stabilized by performing one of the controls, an embodiment in which both controls are performed will be described below.

First, the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a device configuration for adjusting the spectral width of a narrow-band laser device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the narrow-band laser device 1, a slit 90 r and a narrow-band module 30 are arranged on the optical path on the rear side (right side of the drawing) of the laser chamber 20, and the front side ( A slit 90f and a spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 are disposed on the optical path on the left side of the drawing, and a PR film is coated on the incident surface and an AR film on the outgoing surface on the optical path on the front side (left side of the drawing) of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40. Are coated with an output coupler 50 and a monitor module 60. The narrowband module 30 and the output coupler 50 constitute a resonator.

  Inside the laser chamber 20, a pair of discharge electrodes 21 and 22 are provided that are separated from each other by a predetermined distance, whose longitudinal directions are parallel to each other, and whose discharge surfaces are opposed to each other. Further, windows 23 and 24 are provided on the laser beam output portion on the optical axis of the laser beam in the laser chamber 20. The windows 23 and 24 are made of a material having transparency to laser light, such as CaF2. Both windows 23 and 24 are arranged with their outer surfaces arranged parallel to each other and at a Brewster angle to reduce reflection loss with respect to the laser beam.

  A laser gas is sealed in the laser chamber 20 as a laser medium. In the case of the F2 laser, the laser gas is a mixed gas of F2 gas and a buffer gas made of He, Ne or the like. In the case of a KrF excimer laser, the laser gas is a mixed gas of Kr gas and F2 gas and a buffer gas made of He, Ne or the like. In the case of an ArF excimer laser, the laser gas is a mixed gas of Ar gas and F2 gas and a buffer gas made of He, Ne, or the like. Supply and discharge of each gas is controlled by a gas supply / discharge mechanism (not shown).

  A high voltage is applied to the discharge electrodes 21 and 22 provided in the laser chamber 20 by the power supply circuit 70. When the voltage between the discharge electrodes 21 and 22 exceeds a predetermined voltage, discharge occurs. Then, the laser gas in the laser chamber 20 is excited to move to a high energy level, and then shifts to a low energy level. At this time, light is emitted.

  The narrowband module 30 is provided with optical elements such as prism beam expanders (hereinafter referred to as “prisms”) 32 and 33 and a grating 31 which is a wavelength dispersion element. Although two prisms are provided in FIG. 1, the number is arbitrary. The grating 31 and the prisms 32 and 33 are fixed to the casing of the band narrowing module 30 via a fixing member, but may be fixed in a rotatable manner. In this case, the prism 32 and the grating 31 are fixed to a rotation mechanism (not shown). The incident angle of the laser beam on the grating 31 and the prisms 32 and 33 is changed by driving the rotation mechanism. The band narrowing module 30 may be composed of an optical element such as an etalon that is a wavelength dispersion element and a total reflection mirror.

  The spectral width adjusting mechanism 40 includes an optical element for adjusting the spectral width of the laser light and an actuator that drives the optical element. In FIG. 1, the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is provided on the front side of the laser chamber 20, but it is not necessary to limit to this arrangement. In the case of a laser device provided with a single laser chamber, the spectral width adjusting mechanism 40 may be arranged in the resonator. Further, in the case of a so-called double chamber system laser apparatus having a plurality of laser chambers, the spectral width adjusting mechanism 40 may be disposed in the resonator of the oscillation stage laser or between the oscillation stage laser and the amplification stage laser. . Since several forms are conceivable for the configuration and arrangement of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40, they will be collectively described later with reference to FIGS.

  The monitor module 60 is provided with a beam splitter 61 and a monitor 62. The monitor 62 includes a monitor that detects the E95 width and the center wavelength, and a monitor that detects the energy of the laser beam. The monitor that detects the E95 width and the center wavelength includes, for example, an etalon spectrometer having a diffuser plate, an etalon, a condenser lens, a line sensor, and the like. The laser light incident on the monitor module 60 is divided by the beam splitter 61, a part of the laser light enters the monitor 62, and the rest is emitted to the outside. The monitor 62 detects the pulse energy, center wavelength, and spectral line width of the output laser light.

  The laser controller 80 outputs a signal corresponding to the command value of the charging voltage of the power supply circuit 70 to control the pulse energy of the laser. Further, the laser controller 80 responds to a command value for driving the rotation mechanism to which each optical element in the narrowband module 30 is fixed based on the center wavelength detected by the monitor 62 of the monitor module 60. A signal is output to control the center wavelength of the laser. Further, the laser controller 80 uses parameters such as the target value of the spectral width, the pulse number, the repetition frequency, and the oscillation pause time, and the spectral width stored in the command value storage unit 11 and the spectral width corresponding to the spectral width. The operation command value of the adjustment mechanism 40 is read, an operation command value used for actually controlling the spectrum width adjustment mechanism 40 is obtained based on the operation command value, and an operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is sent to the driver 10. Output and control the spectral line width.

  The driver 10 is provided for each actuator provided in the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 and operates the corresponding actuator according to the operation command value output from the laser controller 10.

The command value storage unit 11 can obtain the spectrum width and the spectrum width for each pulse number k, repetition frequency f, and length of the oscillation pause period from the first pulse to a predetermined pulse in one burst period. The operation command values of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 are stored in association with each other. For example, if the E95 width is adopted as the spectrum width and the actuator drive voltage value V is adopted as the operation command value, for example, the stored information is expressed as E95 _{k, f, T} , V _{k, f, T.} The This means that the E95 width is E95 _{k, f, T} when the operation command value of the k-th pulse whose repetition frequency is f and the length of the previous oscillation pause period is T is V _{k, f, T.} It is shown that. That is, the correspondence between the E95 width and the operation command value is also expressed as an E95-V curve. The information storage method is not limited to this. For example, a table in which the spectrum width E95, the operation command value V, the pulse number k, the repetition frequency f, and the length T of the oscillation pause period are associated with each other is prepared. Also good.

  Further, the command value storage unit 11 displays an E95-V curve indicating a correspondence relationship between a spectrum width, for example, E95 width E95, and an operation command value, for example, drive voltage value V, from a predetermined pulse to the last pulse in one burst period. Remember.

  In the case of a narrow-band laser that operates with a constant repetition frequency, it is not necessary to store the repetition frequency f in the command value storage unit 11. In the case of a narrow-band laser that operates with a constant oscillation pause period, the command value storage unit 11 does not have to store the length T of the oscillation pause period.

  The pause period measurement unit 12 detects the laser oscillation trigger output from the exposure apparatus 2 to the narrow-band laser apparatus 1 during the last pulse oscillation of the burst period, and then exposes the exposure apparatus during the first pulse oscillation of the next burst period. The elapsed time from the time point 2 when the laser oscillation trigger output to the narrow-band laser device 1 is detected, that is, the length T of the oscillation pause period is measured.

  The exposure apparatus 2 outputs a laser oscillation trigger to the narrow-band laser apparatus 1 according to a step-and-repeat or step-and-scan operation, and outputs a signal indicating a target repetition frequency in the next burst period. .

  The shutter 3 is provided at the exit of the narrow-band laser device 1 and opens and closes in response to an open / close command output from the laser controller 80 of the narrow-band laser device 1.

  Next, a specific configuration and arrangement form of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism according to the first embodiment and the positional relationship among the output coupler, the spectrum width adjusting mechanism, the laser chamber, and the narrowband module. 2A is a top view, and FIG. 2B is a side view. In the first embodiment, the wavefront of light is adjusted by changing the interval between two lenses. The light wavefront has a cylindrical shape, and the straight line connecting the apexes of the cylindrical shape is made substantially perpendicular to the wavelength dispersion surface of the wavelength selection element (grating) in the laser resonator to change the curvature of the wavefront of the cylindrical light. By doing so, the E95 width of the laser can be changed. In FIG. 2, the wavelength dispersion surface is defined as a direction perpendicular to a large number of grooves formed on the diffractive surface of the grating 31 in FIG. And coincides with the xz plane when the direction orthogonal to the diffraction surface of the grating 31 is the z-axis.

  The spectral width adjusting mechanism 40 shown in FIG. 2 includes a cylindrical concave lens 41 and a cylindrical convex lens 42 that are spaced apart from each other and can be adjusted in distance. The cylindrical concave lens 41 and the cylindrical convex lens 42 are arranged so that the central axis is located on the optical path in the laser resonator and the mechanical axis is substantially perpendicular to the wavelength dispersion plane of the grating 31. The central axis of the cylindrical concave lens 41 and the cylindrical convex lens 42 is a straight line connecting the centers of the radii of curvature of the cylindrical surfaces. The mechanical axis of the cylindrical concave lens 41 is a straight line connecting the most concave positions of the concave portions of the lens. The mechanical axis of the cylindrical convex lens 42 is a straight line connecting the highest positions of the concave portions of the lens. The cylindrical concave lens 41 is fixed to the upper surface of the moving plate 43. The moving plate 43 is movable along a linear guide 45 formed on the uniaxial stage 44. The uniaxial stage 44 is arranged so that the extending direction of the linear guide 45 is parallel to the optical axis.

  A convex portion 43a protruding in a convex shape is formed on one side surface of the moving plate 43, one end of the PZT element 48 abuts on the front surface of the convex portion 43a, and the head of the protruding portion 47 is located on the back surface of the convex portion 43a. The parts are in contact. The head of the pulse motor 46 is in contact with the other end of the PZT element 48. The pulse motor 46 and the PZT element 48 can expand and contract in the extending direction of the linear guide 45, and apply a pressing force in the direction of the protrusion 47 to the protrusion 43a by extension. Further, the protrusion 47 is connected to the head by a spring that can be expanded and contracted in the extending direction of the linear guide 45, and this spring applies an urging force in the direction of the pulse motor 46 and the PZT element 48 to the protrusion 43a. Therefore, the pulse motor 46 and the PZT element 48 expand and contract by inputting an operation signal corresponding to a command value transmitted from the controller 80 via the driver 10, and the moving plate 43 moves along the linear guide 45. .

  Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the pulse motor 46 and the PZT element 48 are provided, only one of them may be provided. The pulse motor 46 has a merit that the driving range is large, but has a demerit that the response is not so good. The PZT element 48 has a merit that the response is good, but has a demerit that the driving range is small. Therefore, if both are provided, it is possible to obtain a mechanism that covers each other's demerits, has a large driving range, and good responsiveness. The same can be said for other forms described below.

  The spectral width adjusting mechanism 40, the laser chamber 20, and the band narrowing module 30 are arranged in the orientation shown in FIG. That is, the center of curvature radius of each cylindrical surface of the cylindrical concave lens 41 and the cylindrical convex lens 42 provided in the narrowband module 30 is on the laser optical axis, and each mechanical axis of the cylindrical concave lens 41 and the cylindrical convex lens 42 is the grating 31. The spectral width adjusting mechanism 40, the laser chamber 20, and the narrowband module 30 are arranged so as to be parallel to a large number of grooves formed on the diffractive surface.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 3A is a top view, and FIG. 3B is a side view. In this embodiment, a plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 is provided instead of the cylindrical concave lens 41 shown in FIG. 2, and a plano-convex cylindrical lens 102 is provided instead of the cylindrical convex lens 42 shown in FIG. Except for the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 and the plano-convex cylindrical lens 102, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the case of the present embodiment, the planoconvex cylindrical lens 102 has the function of an output coupler, so the output coupler 50 shown in FIG. 1 is not necessary. The incident surface (surface near the laser chamber) of the planoconvex cylindrical lens 102 is coated with an antireflection (AR) film, and the exit surface (surface far from the laser chamber) is coated with a partial reflection (PR) film. Has been. The plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 is coated on both sides with an antireflection (AR) film. The center of curvature radius of the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 and the plano-convex cylindrical lens 102 is on the laser optical axis, and the mechanical axes of the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 and the plano-convex cylindrical lens 102 are formed on the diffraction surface of the grating 31. The point parallel to the groove is the same as that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the relative position of the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101, the E95 width, and the laser output relative value when the spectral width adjusting mechanism according to the second embodiment is used. In FIG. 4, a state where the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 and the plano-convex cylindrical lens 102 are separated by a predetermined distance is set to “1” as a relative position. Further, it is assumed that the relative position of the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 increases and the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 moves away from the plano-convex cylindrical lens 102.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the E95 width monotonously increased from 0.23 pm to 1.2 pm as the relative position of the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 increased. On the other hand, as the relative position of the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 increases from 1 to 9, the relative value of the laser output monotonously increases from 0.42 to 1.63, and the relative position of the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 increases from 9 to 11. The laser power monotonically decreased from 1.63 to 1.2 as it increased.

  For example, when the target value of the E95 width is set to 0.4 pm, the relative position of the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 is adjusted to 4.2. The relative value of the laser output in this state is 0.95.

  Among the relative positions of the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101, the range that can be driven by the PZT element 48 is about ± 1, and this range is ± 0.1 pm or more when converted into the E95 width. That is, the E95 width that can be controlled by the PZT element 48 is about ± 0.1 pm, and when it is necessary to control beyond this value, the plano-concave cylindrical lens 101 is driven by the pulse motor 46.

  FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism according to the third embodiment and the positional relationship between the spectrum width adjusting mechanism, the laser chamber, and the narrowband module. FIG. 5 is a top view. In the third embodiment, the wavefront of light is adjusted by changing the curvature of the cylindrical mirror.

  The spectral width adjusting mechanism 40 shown in FIG. 5 includes a cylindrical mirror 111 whose curvature is adjustable. In the present embodiment, a beam splitter 117 is disposed between the cylindrical mirror 111 and the laser chamber 20. Here, the beam splitter 117 functions as an output coupler. One end of two rods 112 is connected to both ends of the rear surface of the cylindrical mirror 111, and one end of a spring 113 is connected to the center of the rear surface of the cylindrical mirror 111 via a PZT element 116. The other ends of the two rods 112 are connected to a plate 114 disposed behind the cylindrical mirror 111, and the other end of the spring 113 is connected to the head of a pulse motor 115 disposed behind the cylindrical mirror 111. The pulse motor 115 is fixed with respect to the plate 114. The expansion / contraction directions of the pulse motor 115 and the PZT element 116 are the same.

  The cylindrical mirror 111 is arranged such that the center of curvature of the cylindrical surface is on the laser optical axis and the mechanical axis of the cylindrical surface is parallel to a number of grooves formed on the diffraction surface of the grating 31 (that is, on the wavelength dispersion surface). Are arranged so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other). The definition of the mechanical axis of the cylindrical surface is the same as the definition of the mechanical axis of the cylindrical concave lens 41 described above.

  When the pulse motor 115 or the PZT element 116 expands, the center of the cylindrical mirror 111 is pushed, and when the pulse motor 115 or the PZT element 116 retracts, the center of the cylindrical mirror 111 is pulled. In this way, the curvature of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical mirror 111 is adjusted.

  Up to this point, the configuration in which the spectrum width adjusting mechanism is arranged on the front side of the laser chamber has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 6, it is also possible to adjust the spectral width by arranging the spectral width adjusting mechanism 40 ′ on the rear side of the laser chamber 20. Next, this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism according to the fourth embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B show how the wavefront adjustment of different patterns is performed in the same spectral width adjustment mechanism. The configuration of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 ′ shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is identical to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 shown in FIG. 2 in many respects. The difference is that the cylindrical concave lens 121 is not fixed to the moving plate, but the cylindrical convex lens 122 is fixed to the moving plate.

  The spectral width adjusting mechanism 40 ′ shown in FIG. 7 includes a cylindrical concave lens 121 and a cylindrical convex lens 122 that are spaced apart from each other and can be adjusted in distance. The cylindrical concave lens 121 and the cylindrical convex lens 122 are coated on both surfaces with an antireflection (AR) film. The cylindrical convex lens 122 is such that the center of curvature of the cylindrical surface is on the laser optical axis, and the mechanical axis of the cylindrical surface is parallel to a number of grooves formed on the diffraction surface of the grating 31 (that is, the mechanical axis is The cylindrical concave lens 121 is disposed on the rear side of the laser chamber 20 (so as to be substantially orthogonal to the wavelength dispersion surface), the center of curvature of the cylindrical surface is on the laser optical axis, and the mechanical axis of the cylindrical surface is the diffraction surface of the grating 31. Are arranged on the rear side of the cylindrical convex lens 122 so as to be parallel to a large number of grooves formed in the lens (that is, the mechanical axis is substantially perpendicular to the wavelength dispersion plane). The cylindrical convex lens 122 is fixed to the upper surface of the moving plate 123. The moving plate 123 is movable along a linear guide 125 formed on the uniaxial stage 124. The uniaxial stage 124 is arranged so that the extending direction of the linear guide 125 is parallel to the optical axis.

  A convex portion 123a protruding in a convex shape is formed on one side surface of the moving plate 123, one end of the PZT element 128 is in contact with the front surface of the convex portion 123a, and the head of the protruding portion 127 is located on the back surface of the convex portion 123a. The parts are in contact. The head of the pulse motor 126 is in contact with the other end of the PZT element 128. The pulse motor 126 and the PZT element 128 can expand and contract in the extending direction of the linear guide 125, and apply a pressing force in the direction of the protruding portion 127 to the protruding portion 123a by extension. The protrusion 127 is connected to the head by a spring that can be expanded and contracted in the direction in which the linear guide 125 extends. Therefore, the pulse motor 126 and the PZT element 128 expand and contract by inputting an operation signal corresponding to a command value transmitted from the controller 80 via the driver 10, and the moving plate 123 moves along the linear guide 125 accordingly. .

  As shown in FIG. 8, the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 ′ shown in FIG. 7 may be provided between the prism 33 and the grating 31 provided in the band narrowing module 30.

  FIG. 9 shows a configuration of a spectrum width adjusting mechanism according to the fifth embodiment. FIGS. 9A and 9B show how the wavefront adjustment of different patterns is performed in the same spectral width adjustment mechanism. The configuration of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 ′ shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B is identical to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 shown in FIG. 5 in many respects. The difference is that there is no beam splitter, and the light incident direction and the reflection direction are different.

  The spectral width adjusting mechanism 40 ′ shown in FIG. 9 includes a cylindrical mirror 131 whose curvature is adjustable. One end of two rods 132 is connected to both ends of the rear surface of the cylindrical mirror 131, and one end of a spring 133 is connected to the center of the rear surface of the cylindrical mirror 131 via a PZT element 136. The other ends of the two rods 132 are connected to a plate 134 disposed behind the cylindrical mirror 131, and the other end of the spring 133 is connected to the head of a pulse motor 135 disposed behind the cylindrical mirror 131. The pulse motor 135 is fixed with respect to the plate 134. The expansion / contraction directions of the pulse motor 135 and the PZT element 136 are the same.

  The cylindrical mirror 131 is arranged in such a direction that the incident direction and the reflection direction of the laser light are different. The cylindrical mirror 131 is disposed so that the mechanical axis of the cylindrical surface is parallel to a number of grooves formed on the diffraction surface of the grating 31. The definition of the mechanical axis of the cylindrical surface is the same as the definition of the mechanical axis of the cylindrical concave lens 41 described above.

  When the pulse motor 135 or the PZT element 136 expands, the center of the cylindrical mirror 131 is pushed, and when the pulse motor 135 or the PZT element 136 retracts, the center of the cylindrical mirror 131 is pulled. In this way, the curvature of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical mirror 131 is adjusted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 ′ shown in FIG. 9 may be provided between the prism 32 and the prism 33 provided in the narrowband module 30.

  FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the wavefront of the light is adjusted by changing the curvature of the grating provided in the narrowband module. The structure of the pulse motor used in the third and fifth embodiments is the curvature of the grating. Applies to adjustment.

  One end of two rods 142 is connected to both ends of the back surface of the grating 31, and one end of a spring 143 is connected to the center of the back surface of the grating 31 via a PZT element 146. The other ends of the two rods 142 are connected to a plate 144 disposed behind the grating 31, and the other end of the spring 143 is connected to the head of a pulse motor 145 disposed behind the grating 31. The pulse motor 145 is fixed with respect to the plate 144.

  When the pulse motor 145 or the PZT element 146 expands, the center of the grating 31 is pushed, and when the pulse motor 145 or the PZT element 146 retracts, the center of the grating 31 is pulled. In this way, the curvature of the diffractive surface is adjusted in a state where many grooves of the grating 31 are maintained in a straight line.

  FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a spectrum width adjusting mechanism according to the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the magnification of the beam incident on the grating 31 is adjusted by changing the rotation angle of the prism provided in the band narrowing module. When the incident beam is expanded in a direction perpendicular to the wavelength dispersion surface of the grating 31, the beam divergence angle is reduced, and the spectrum width is narrowed.

  The prism 32 is fixed to the rotary plate 151, and the rotary plate 151 is pivotally supported by the rotary stage 152. A convex portion 151a protruding in a convex shape is formed on the side surface of the rotating plate 151. One end of the PZT element 155 is in contact with the front surface of the convex portion 151a, and the head of the projection portion 154 is disposed on the back surface of the convex portion 151a. Are in contact. The head of the pulse motor 153 is in contact with the other end of the PZT element 155. The pulse motor 153 or the PZT element 155 applies a pressing force in the direction of the protruding portion 154 to the convex portion 151a by extension. The projecting portion 154 has a retractable spring connected to the head, and this spring applies an urging force in the direction of the pulse motor 153 and the PZT element 155 to the convex portion 151a. Accordingly, the rotating plate 151 rotates by the expansion and contraction of the pulse motor 153 or the PZT element 155.

  Although the prism 33 is fixed to the rotating plate 156, the structure thereof is the same as the structure in which the prism 32 is fixed to the rotating plate 151, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  When adjusting the spectral width, the pulse motor 153 or the PZT element 155 is adjusted to rotate the rotating plate 151 and the prism 32 while the laser oscillation wavelength is not changed, and the pulse motor 158 or the PZT element 160 is adjusted. Then, the rotating plate 156 and the prism 33 are rotated. At this time, the rotation direction of the rotation plate 151 and the prism 32 and the rotation direction of the rotation plate 156 and the prism 33 are reversed, and the respective rotation angles are made to coincide. Then, the beam magnification by the prisms 32 and 33 changes. As the magnification decreases, the spectrum width increases, and as the magnification increases, the spectrum width decreases.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 13, the present invention is also applicable to adjusting the E95 width in a narrow-band laser device having two laser chambers, a so-called double chamber system. Next, the form of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism in the double chamber system will be described.

  For example, the double chamber system includes an MO (oscillation stage laser) 200 that generates seed laser light and a PO (amplification stage laser) 300 that amplifies the laser light output from the MO 200. In the MO 200, a narrow-band module 230 is disposed on the rear side of the laser chamber 220, and an output coupler 250 is disposed on the front side. The narrow band module 230 is provided with a grating 231 and prisms 232 and 233. In PO300, a rear mirror 331 is disposed on the rear side of the laser chamber 320, and an output coupler 350 is disposed on the front side. In this embodiment, the rear mirror 331 is coated with a partial reflection (PR) film, and the reflectance of this film is, for example, 80 to 90%.

  In this embodiment, the MO 200 includes an output coupler 250, a spectral width adjusting mechanism, a laser chamber 220, and a narrow band module 230. Laser light with a narrow spectral width output from the MO 200 is reflected by the mirrors 501 and 502 and injected into the PO 300. In the PO 300, seed laser light is injected into the rear mirror 331 from the rear surface, and part of the seed laser light is transmitted through the rear mirror 331. The laser oscillates. The laser light output from the PO 300 is separated by the beam splitter 503, one laser light is output to the outside, and the other laser light is input to the monitor module 560. In the monitor module 560, the laser beam is separated by the beam splitter 561, the spectrum width and the center wavelength are detected by the wavelength monitor 562, and the pulse energy is detected by the energy monitor 563.

  You may provide the 1st-7th form mentioned above in the front side or rear side of the laser chamber 220 provided in MO200. FIG. 13 shows an arrangement when the first to third embodiments are applied to a double chamber system.

  FIG. 14 shows the positional relationship among the spectrum width adjusting mechanism, the laser chamber, and the narrowband module according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism according to the eighth embodiment, and shows the spectrum width adjusting mechanism as viewed from the direction A shown in FIG. In the eighth embodiment, the interval between the slits is adjusted.

  The spectrum width adjusting mechanism 240 forms a slit by two blades 401 and 402 that are movable in the dispersion direction of the grating 231. The blade 401 and the blade 402 are movably attached to a linear guide rail (not shown). The blade 401 receives an urging force in the direction of the blade 402 by a plunger screw 403 with a built-in spring, and the blade 402 receives an urging force in the direction of the blade 401 with a plunger screw 404 with a built-in spring. The head of the triangular member 405 is inserted between the blade 401 and the blade 402. The triangular member 405 is a plate-like member having the same thickness as the blades 401 and 402, and is movable in a direction parallel to the discharge direction of the laser chamber 220. The side surface of the triangular member 405 is slidably in contact with the blades 401 and 402, the bottom surface of the triangular member 405 is in contact with one end of the PZT element 407, and the other end of the PZT element 407 is in contact with the head of the pulse motor 406.

  As shown in FIG. 15B, when the pulse motor 406 or the PZT element 407 expands, the triangular member 405 moves between the blades 401 and 402. Then, the blades 401 and 402 move along the side surface of the triangular member 405 in the direction of separating. As shown in FIG. 15A, when the pulse motor 406 or the PZT element 407 is retracted, the triangular member 405 is retracted from between the blades 401 and 402. Then, the blades 401 and 402 move along the side surface of the triangular member 405 in the approaching direction. In this way, the slit interval changes.

  Since the grating 231 is an angle dispersive element, the spectral width of the MO 200 can be adjusted by adjusting the laser oscillation region of the MO 200 in the dispersion direction. In the configuration of FIG. 14, the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 240 according to the eighth embodiment is arranged on the front side of the laser chamber 220, but the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 240 according to the eighth embodiment is arranged on the rear side of the laser chamber 220. Alternatively, it may be arranged inside the narrowband module 230.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the double chamber system, the spectral width adjusting mechanism 410 may be disposed in the optical path between the MO 200 and the PO 300.

FIG. 17 shows a state where a cylindrical lens is arranged between the MO and PO.
A plano-convex cylindrical lens 411 and a plano-concave cylindrical lens 412 are arranged opposite to each other in the optical path between the MO 200 and the PO 300. Either the plano-convex cylindrical lens 411 or the plano-concave cylindrical lens 412 is movable along the optical axis. As the moving mechanism, for example, the same mechanism as that shown in FIG. 2 may be used. Further, instead of the plano-convex cylindrical lens 411 and the plano-concave cylindrical lens 412, a cylindrical convex lens and a cylindrical concave lens may be used.

  In general, when a dispersive element is disposed in a laser resonator, the wavelength distribution of an output laser beam is distributed along the dispersion direction of the dispersive element. For example, in FIG. 17, if the direction of the plane including the paper surface is the dispersion direction of the oscillation stage laser, the wavelength distribution of the output beam is generated in proportion to the position of the beam. Therefore, when the distance between the plano-convex cylindrical lens 411 and the plano-concave cylindrical lens 412 is adjusted, the beam that is effectively injected into the laser resonator of the PO300 among the beams in the dispersion direction of the dispersive element (grating 231) mounted on the MO 200. Can be adjusted. As a result, the spectral width of the laser light amplified and oscillated by PO300 can be changed. When the beam is widened in the dispersion direction by adjusting the distance between the plano-convex cylindrical lens 411 and the plano-concave cylindrical lens 412, the spectrum width becomes narrow. On the other hand, when the beam is narrowed with respect to the dispersion direction of the grating 231 by adjusting the distance between the plano-convex cylindrical lens 411 and the plano-concave cylindrical lens 412, the spectrum width becomes wide.

FIG. 18 shows a state in which a prism is arranged between MO and PO.
Two prisms 421 and 422 are arranged in the optical path between the MO 200 and the PO 300. The two prisms 421 and 422 are rotatable. As the rotation mechanism, for example, the same mechanism as that shown in FIG. 12 may be used.

  The rotation direction of the prism 421 and the rotation direction of the prism 422 are reversed, and the respective rotation angles are matched. Then, the beam magnification by the prisms 421 and 422 changes. By adjusting the beam magnification, the beam width in the dispersion direction of the dispersion element (grating 231) mounted on the MO 200 can be adjusted among the beam widths injected into the PO 300, and injected into the laser resonator of the PO 300. The spectral width to be changed can be changed. As a result, the spectral width of the laser light amplified and oscillated by PO300 can be changed. When the beam magnification is increased by adjusting the rotation angle of the prisms 421 and 422, the spectrum width becomes narrower. On the other hand, if the beam magnification is reduced with respect to the dispersion direction of the grating 231 by adjusting the rotation angle of the prisms 421 and 422, the spectrum width becomes wide.

FIG. 19 shows a state in which a slit is arranged between MO and PO.
A slit 431 is disposed in the optical path between the MO 200 and the PO 300. For example, the slit 431 may be the same as that shown in FIG.

  By adjusting the interval between the slits 431, the spectral width injected into the laser resonator of the PO 300 can be changed. As a result, the spectral width of the laser light amplified and oscillated by PO300 can be changed. When the interval between the slits 431 is increased, the spectrum width is increased. On the other hand, when the interval between the slits 431 is narrowed, the spectrum width is narrowed. In PO300, even if a beam narrower than the discharge width is injected, if the beam has a divergence angle, the output laser beam can be spread by reciprocating the light through the optical resonator of PO300.

  The present invention can also be applied to a narrow-band laser apparatus having three or more laser chambers. In this case as well, a spectrum width adjusting mechanism may be provided in the MO or between each stage. Furthermore, in the embodiments, an example of the MOPO system is shown as the double chamber system, but the present invention can be applied to a MOPA system double chamber system in which the laser beam is not installed in the amplification stage and the seed light is amplified as it is. is there.

  Next, a change in the operation command value V and a change in the E95 width E95 when the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is controlled during the oscillation suspension period will be described with reference to timing charts of the three cases shown in FIGS. . In the form shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, it is assumed that the control of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 during the laser oscillation, that is, the burst period, is all performed by the conventional feedback control.

As a first case, a basic operation, that is, an operation in the case where the target value E95t of the E95 width and the repetition frequency f are made constant during the oscillation suspension period will be described.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a change in E95 width, a burst ON / OFF change, and a change in the operation command value of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism with time in the first case.

  As shown in FIG. 20B, the period before time t1 and the period after time t2 are in the burst ON state, and this period is the burst period. The period from time t1 to time t2 is the burst OFF state, and this period is the oscillation suspension period.

  In the burst period up to time t1, the monitor module 60 shown in FIG. 1 detects the E95 width E95 of the laser beam and sends a signal corresponding to the detected value E95 to the laser controller 80. The laser controller 80 obtains the operation command value V of the next pulse and sends an operation signal of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 corresponding to the operation command value V to the driver 10. The driver 10 operates the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 according to the operation signal. Thus, feedback control of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is performed. Here, feedback control is performed in a state where the E95 width is stable as shown in FIG. 20 (a), and the fluctuation of the operation command value V of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism 40 becomes small as shown in FIG. 20 (c). .

  In the oscillation pause period from the time t1 to the time t2, the pause period measurement unit 12 measures the elapsed time T from the time when the last laser oscillation trigger of the previous burst period is detected, and a signal corresponding to the measured value is always displayed. Alternatively, it is sent to the laser controller 80 at regular intervals. The laser controller 80 obtains an operation command value V of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 based on the measured elapsed time T, and sends an operation signal corresponding to the operation command value V to the driver 10. The driver 10 operates the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 according to the operation command value V. As shown in FIG. 20C, the operation command value V of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is constantly adjusted even during the oscillation pause period. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20A, the E95 width E95 even during the oscillation pause period. Substantially matches the target value E95t. As described above, the E95 width E95 during the oscillation suspension period means the E95 width E95 of the laser beam that will be detected when laser oscillation is performed at each time point during the oscillation suspension period. .

  In the burst period immediately after time t2, feedback control of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is performed in the same manner as the burst period up to time t1. Since the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is operated during the oscillation suspension period, the E95 width E95 of the laser light detected by the monitor module 60 at the first pulse immediately after the oscillation suspension period is close to the target value E95t. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20A, the E95 width E95 is relatively stable from the beginning of the burst period. As shown in FIG. 20C, in the first few pulses in the burst period, the fluctuation of the operation command value V of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is large, but the fluctuation becomes smaller as the feedback control is repeated.

As a second case, the operation when changing the target value E95t of the E95 width during the oscillation suspension period will be described.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a change in the E95 width, a change in burst ON / OFF, and a change in the operation amount of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism with the passage of time in the second case.

  In the burst period up to time t1, feedback control of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is performed in the same manner as the burst period up to time t1 in the first case described with reference to FIG.

  In the oscillation pause period from time t1 to time ta1, the spectrum corresponding to the measured value T of the pause period measurement unit 12 is the same as the oscillation pause period from time t1 to time t2 in the first case described with reference to FIG. The width adjustment mechanism 40 is controlled.

  Assume that the target E95 width is changed from E95t1 to E95t2 at time ta1 during the oscillation suspension period. When the difference between E95t1 and E95t2 is small, it can be handled only by the control of the PZT element, but when the difference between E95t1 and E95t2 is large, it cannot be handled only by the control of the PZT element. Therefore, the laser controller 80 obtains an operation command value V1 for roughly bringing the E95 width to the target value E95t2, and sends an operation signal corresponding to the operation command value V1 to the driver of the pulse motor. The driver of the pulse motor operates the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 via the pulse motor in accordance with the operation command value V1. When the control of the pulse motor is completed at the time ta2, the laser controller 80 obtains the operation command value V2 of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 based on the elapsed time from the time ta2, and sends an operation signal corresponding to the operation command value V2 to the PZT element. To the driver. The driver of the PZT element operates the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 via the PZT element in accordance with the operation command value V2.

  In the burst period immediately after time t2, feedback control of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is performed in the same manner as the burst period immediately after time t2 in the first case described with reference to FIG. Even if the target value E95t is changed during the oscillation pause period, the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is operated. Therefore, the E95 width E95 of the laser light detected by the monitor module 60 at the first pulse immediately after the oscillation pause period is the target value. It becomes close to E95t. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21A, the E95 width E95 is relatively stable from the beginning of the burst period. As shown in FIG. 21C, the first few pulses in the burst period have a large fluctuation in the operation command value V of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40, but the fluctuation becomes smaller as the feedback control is repeated.

As a third case, an operation when the frequency f is repeatedly changed during the oscillation pause period will be described.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a change in the E95 width, a change in burst ON / OFF, and a change in the operation amount of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism with the passage of time in the third case.

  In the burst period up to time t1, feedback control of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is performed in the same manner as the burst period up to time t1 in the first case described with reference to FIG.

  In the oscillation pause period from time t1 to time ta1, the spectrum corresponding to the measured value T of the pause period measurement unit 12 is the same as the oscillation pause period from time t1 to time t2 in the first case described with reference to FIG. The width adjustment mechanism 40 is controlled.

  It is assumed that the repetition frequency is changed from f1 to f2 at time ta1 during the oscillation suspension period. In this case, the laser controller 80 obtains a difference ΔE95 (= E95f2−E95f1) between the E95 width E95f1 at the repetition frequency f1 and the E95 width E95f2 at the repetition frequency f2 based on the frequency characteristic of the E95 width as shown in FIG. , An operation command value V1 whose E95 width changes by ΔE95 is obtained, and an operation signal corresponding to the operation command value V1 is sent to the driver of the PZT element. The driver of the PZT element operates the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 via the PZT element in accordance with the operation command value V1. Since the PZT element operates at a high speed, the control start time ta1 and the control end time ta1 ′ of the PZT element substantially coincide. When the control of the PZT element is completed, the laser controller 80 obtains the operation command value V2 of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 based on the elapsed time from the time ta1 ', and sends the operation signal corresponding to the operation command value V2 to the driver of the PZT element. Send to. The driver of the PZT element operates the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 via the PZT element in accordance with the operation command value V2.

  In the burst period immediately after time t2, feedback control of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is performed in the same manner as the burst period immediately after time t2 in the first case described with reference to FIG. Even if the repetition frequency f is changed during the oscillation pause period, the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is operated, so that the E95 width E95 of the laser light detected by the monitor module 60 at the first pulse immediately after the oscillation pause period is the target value. It becomes close to E95t. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22A, the E95 width E95 is relatively stable from the beginning of the burst period. As shown in FIG. 22C, in the first few pulses in the burst period, the fluctuation of the operation command value V of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is large, but the fluctuation becomes smaller as the feedback control is repeated.

  Next, when the spectrum width is controlled during the oscillation pause period using the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and when the spectrum width is controlled in accordance with the spectrum width and the operation command value stored in advance during the unstable period Will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 23 is a processing flow of “main routine”.
The “main routine” includes an “E95 width control data acquisition subroutine by adjustment oscillation” (step 101) performed before actual exposure and an “E95 width control subroutine” (step 102) performed during actual exposure. Every time one burst period ends, it is determined whether or not the E95 width exceeds the allowable range (step 103). If the E95 width exceeds the allowable range, the "E95 width control data acquisition subroutine by adjustment oscillation" is again performed. (Step 101) is performed (Yes in Step 103). If the E95 width does not exceed the allowable range, the “E95 width control subroutine” (step 102) is subsequently executed (step 103, determination N).

  The “E95 width control data acquisition subroutine by adjustment oscillation” (step 101) changes the frequency f and the oscillation suspension time T for each burst while closing the shutter 3 and performing adjustment oscillation, and the operation command value storage unit 11 This is a subroutine for acquiring initial information of the E95 width E95 and the operation command value V stored in.

  The “E95 width control subroutine” (step 102) is a subroutine for controlling the E95 width during the oscillation pause period and the burst period.

FIG. 24 is a processing flow of the “E95 width control data acquisition subroutine using adjusted oscillation” shown in FIG.
When this subroutine is entered, an exposure prohibiting signal for instructing the shutter to close is sent from the laser controller 80 to the shutter 3, and the shutter 3 is closed (step 201).

In the subsequent steps (steps 204 to 208), the laser controller 80 stores the E95 width E95k _{, f, T} for each parameter of the pulse number k, the repetition frequency f, and the length T of the oscillation pause period in the operation command value storage unit 11. And the initial values of the operation command values V _{k, f and T} are stored, but before that, each parameter range, that is, the range of the repetition frequency f (minimum value fmin, maximum value fmax) and the step interval Δf of this range, The range of the oscillation pause period (minimum value Tmin, maximum value Tmax), the step interval ΔT of this range, and the last pulse number (n) of the unstable period are set (step 202). Then, as an initial value of each parameter, a repetition frequency f = fmin, an oscillation pause period T = Tmin, and a pulse number k = 1 are set (step 203).

Thereafter, in the “E95 width control subroutine”, pulse oscillation of one burst (oscillation pause period + burst period) is performed with the shutter 3 closed. At each pulse, the laser controller 80 stores the operation command values V 1 _{-n, f, T} and the E95 widths E 95 1 _{-n, f, T} detected at that time in the operation command value storage unit 11. 11 (step 204). When one burst is completed, the next repetition frequency f = f + Δf is set, and the “E95 width control subroutine” is performed (step 205). The laser controller 80 repeats the processing of steps 204 to 205 until the frequency f exceeds the maximum value fmax, and the operation command values V 1 to _n, f min to f _{max, T} and the E95 width E 95 1 _{to n} detected at that time. _{, Fmin to fmax, T} are stored in the operation command value storage unit 11 (N in Step 206). When the repetition frequency f exceeds the maximum value fmax (Yes in Step 206), the next oscillation pause period T = T + ΔT is set, and the “E95 width control subroutine” is performed (Step 207). The laser controller 80 repeats the processing of steps 204 to 207 until the oscillation pause period T exceeds the maximum value Tmax, and the operation command values V 1 to _{n, f min} to _f max, T min to T max and the E95 width E 95 detected at that time. _{1 to n, fmin to fmax,} and _{Tmin to Tmax} are stored in the operation command value storage unit 11 (N in Step 207).

Thus, the repetition frequency f and the oscillation pause period T are respectively changed, and the operation command values V _{k, f, and T for} each pulse corresponding to each repetition frequency f and each oscillation pause period _T are measured as the E95 width E95 _{k. , F, and T are} stored. When the oscillation suspension period T exceeds the maximum value Tmax (determination Y in step 208), all the initial values of the operation command values have been acquired. Therefore, the exposure that instructs the shutter 3 to open the shutter from the laser controller 80. An OK signal is sent, and the adjustment oscillation ends (step 209).

  FIG. 25 is a processing flow of the “E95 width control subroutine” shown in FIGS. The “E95 width control subroutine” includes an “oscillation paused spectrum width adjustment mechanism drive routine” (step 301) performed during the oscillation pause period, and an “unstable period E95 width prediction control” performed during the unstable period of the burst period. A "subroutine" (step 303) and a "stable period E95 width feedback control subroutine" (step 304) performed during the stable period of the burst period. The “oscillation paused E95 width adjustment mechanism drive subroutine” (step 301) is continued until the laser controller 80 of the narrow-band laser device 1 receives the laser oscillation trigger sent from the exposure apparatus 2 (step 302). The “stable period E95 width feedback control subroutine” (step 304) is continued until the burst period ends (step 305).

FIG. 26 is a process flow of the “oscillation paused spectrum width adjustment mechanism drive subroutine” shown in FIG.
Before the exposure of the semiconductor by the exposure apparatus 2, the exposure apparatus 2 sends a signal indicating the repetition frequency f of the next exposure and the target value E95t of the E95 width to the laser controller 80 of the narrow-band laser apparatus 1 (step) 401). The pause period measurement unit 12 continuously measures the length T of the oscillation pause period, converts the measured length T into a signal, and transmits the signal to the laser controller 80 (step 402).

The pulse number k during the oscillation pause period can be regarded as the first pulse of the burst. Therefore, after setting k = 1 (step 403), the laser controller 80 performs the first pulse of the burst in the “subroutine for reading the stored E95 widths E95 _{k, f, T} and operation command values V _{k, f, T} ”. For this control, the E95 widths E95 _{k, f, T} and the operation command values V _{k, f, T} stored in the command value storage unit 11 are read (step 404).

Next, the laser controller 80 calculates a difference ΔE95 = E95k _{, f, T−} E95t between the read E95 width E95k _{, f, T} and the target value E95t of the E95 width at that time (step 405). Then, the "operational command value for use based on ΔE95 V _{k, f,} a subroutine for calculating the _T", the operation instruction value V _k read and _{Derutai95, f,} based on the _T, the operation command to be actually used Values V _{k, f, and T} are obtained (step 406), and operation signals corresponding to the obtained operation command values V _{k, f, and T} are transmitted to the driver 10 (step 407). The spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is adjusted according to this operation signal.

FIG. 27 is a processing flow of the “unstable period E95 width prediction control subroutine” shown in FIG.
The monitor module 60 detects the E95 width of the laser beam for each pulse of laser oscillation and transmits it to the laser controller 80 (step 501). The detected E95 width E95 and the operation command value V of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism 40 at that time are associated with the pulse number k at that time, the repetition frequency f, and the length T of the previous oscillation pause period, E95 _{k, f, T} , _{Vk, f, T.} The E95 _{k, f, T} , V _{k, f, and T} are associated with each other and stored in the command value storage unit 11 (step 502).

After setting the next pulse number k = k + 1 (step 503), the laser controller 80 performs the following in the “subroutine for reading the stored E95 widths E95 _{k, f, T} and operation command values V _{k, f, T} ”. For the control at the time of pulse oscillation, the E95 widths E95 _{k, f, T} and the operation command values V _{k, f, T} stored in the command value storage unit 11 are read (step 504).

Next, the laser controller 80 calculates a difference ΔE95 = E95k _{, f, T−} E95t between the read E95 width E95k _{, f, T} and the target value E95t of the E95 width at that time (step 505). . Then, the "operational command value for use based on ΔE95 V _{k, f,} a subroutine for calculating the _T", the operation instruction value V _k read and _{Derutai95, f,} based on the _T, the operation command to be actually used Values V _{k, f, and T} are obtained (step 506), and operation signals corresponding to the operation command values V _{k, f, and T} are transmitted to the driver 10 (step 507). The spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is adjusted according to this operation signal.

  Steps 501 to 507 are repeated until the pulse number k exceeds n, that is, until the unstable period ends (step 508).

FIG. 28 is a processing flow of the “subroutine for reading stored E95 widths E95 _{k, f, T} and operation command values V _{k, f, T} ” shown in FIGS.
The laser controller 80 reads the repetition frequency f at that time and the length T of the previous oscillation suspension period (step 601).

Then, the laser controller 80 determines the target of E95 width from the information stored in the command value storage unit 11 based on the pulse number k at that time, the read repetition frequency f, and the length T of the previous oscillation pause period. _{E95 k} to or approximate matches the value _{E95t, f,} 'and its _{E95 k, f, T' T V k} stored _{with, f,} the _T 'read (step 602). Note that the read repetition frequency f and the length T of the previous oscillation pause period are the repetition frequency f and the oscillation pause period length T, which are parameters of E95 _{k, f, T} ′ and V _{k, f, T} ′. It does not have to be completely coincident with each other as long as it is approximate. _{E95 k} read _{here, f, T} 'and _{V k, f, T'} are respectively _{E95 k, f, T, V} k, f, and _T (step 603).

FIG. 29 is a processing flow of “subroutine for calculating operation command values V _{k, f, and T} used based on ΔE95” shown in FIGS. 26 and 27.
There is an E95-V curve between the E95 width E95 stored in the command value storage unit 11 and the operation command value V. Therefore, the laser controller 80 determines the operation command value obtained by the processing of the “subroutine for reading stored E95 widths E95 _{k, f, T} and operation command values V _{k, f, T} ” shown in FIG. The gradient (dV / dE95) = α at V _{k, f, T} is calculated (step 701). The gradient α is not calculated from the E95-V curve stored in the command value storage unit 11 but is stored in advance as a differential curve of the relationship between the operation command value V and the E95 width E95. The gradient α may be obtained directly from the curve.

Subsequent to step 701, the laser controller 80 performs the processing of the obtained gradient α and the “oscillation paused spectrum width adjustment mechanism drive subroutine” shown in FIG. 26 or the “unstable period E95 width prediction control subroutine” shown in FIG. and ΔE95 obtained in the process, shown in Figure 28 "stored E95 width _{E95 k, f, T} and operational command value _{V k, f,} a subroutine for reading the _T" operational command value _{V k} obtained in the process _{of, Using f and T} , operation command values Vk _{, f, T} = α · ΔE95 + Vk _{, f, T} actually used are _obtained (step 702).

Note that the operation command values V _{k, f, and T obtained} here are the values of the “subroutine for reading stored E95 widths E95 _{k, f, T} and operation command values V _{k, f, T} ” shown in FIG. in step 602, _{E95 k} coincides with the target value E95t the command value storage unit _{11, f,} 'when there is, as a result thereof _{E95 k, f, T' T} V stored with _{k, f, T} Matches ′.

FIG. 30 is a processing flow of the “stable period E95 width feedback control subroutine” shown in FIG.
The monitor module 60 detects the E95 width of the laser beam for each laser oscillation of one pulse and transmits it to the laser controller 80. The laser controller 80 reads the operation command value V used at that time (step 801).

  Next, the laser controller 80 calculates a difference ΔE95 = E95−E95t between the detected E95 width E95 and the target value E95t of the E95 width at that time (step 802).

  The laser controller 80 calculates the gradient (dV / dE95) = α at the operation command value V read in step 801 among the E95-V curves stored in the command value storage unit 11 (step 803).

  The laser controller 80 obtains the actually used operation command value V = α · ΔE95 + V by using the obtained gradient α, the detected value ΔE95 of the E95 width, and the operation command value V read in step 801 (step 804). ).

  Then, the laser controller 80 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value V to the driver 10 (step 805). The spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is adjusted according to this operation signal.

  When the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is adjusted, the next pulse oscillation is performed (step 806), and the E95 width E95 detected by the monitor module 60 and the operation command value V of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 at that time are associated with each other. And stored in the command value storage unit 11 (step 807).

  The processing in FIGS. 23 to 30 has been described with respect to the mode in which the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is controlled for each pulse. However, the spectral width adjusting mechanism 40 may be controlled not for each pulse but for a plurality of pulses.

  FIG. 31 (a) is a diagram showing the E95 width detected for each pulse and the E95 width obtained by averaging the detected E95 width for each of a plurality of pulses with time, and FIG. 31 (b) shows each pulse. It is a figure which shows the operation command value in the case of controlling a spectrum width adjustment mechanism, and the operation command value in the case of controlling a spectrum width adjustment mechanism for every several pulses with progress of time.

The processing flow for controlling the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 for each of a plurality of pulses roughly matches the processing flow for controlling the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 for each pulse (FIGS. 23 to 30), and for each pulse. Instead of controlling the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40, the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 may be controlled for each of a plurality of pulses. Further, the E95 width may be replaced with the average value Eav95 _{k, f, T} of a plurality of pulses from E95 _{k, f, T} for each pulse. For example, the average value Eav95 _{k, f, T} for each p pulse is
Eav95k _{, f, T} = (E95k- _{(p-1), f, T} + E95k- _{(p-2), f, T} + ... + E95k- _{(pp), f, T} ) / p
It is expressed by the formula.

  By the way, when the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is controlled for each p pulse, the spectrum width adjusting mechanism 40 is not controlled in the period from the first pulse to the p-1 pulse of the burst period. However, even in such a case, if the “oscillation paused spectrum width adjustment mechanism drive subroutine” shown in FIG. 26 is performed, the spectrum width adjustment mechanism 40 is controlled even during the oscillation pause. The deviation from the target value of the E95 width detected in the period from the first pulse to the p-1 pulse becomes small.

  Further, the influence of noise can be reduced by averaging the E95 width for each of a plurality of pulses.

  According to the present embodiment, since the spectrum width is controlled during the oscillation pause period according to the length of the oscillation pause period, the target value of the spectrum width during the unstable period caused by the fluctuation of the spectrum width during the oscillation pause period and The deviation of the measured value is reduced. For this reason, the spectrum width in the unstable period is relatively stable from the first pulse and falls within the allowable range. As a result, quality deterioration of the integrated circuit pattern can be prevented, and since it can be used for exposure from the first pulse of the burst, it is possible to prevent a decrease in production efficiency.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the spectrum width control is performed during the unstable period based on the actual results such as the measured value of the spectrum width measured during the previous unstable period and the operation command value of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism at that time. As a result, the difference between the target value of the spectrum width and the measured value during the unstable period is reduced. For this reason, the spectrum width in the unstable period is relatively stable from the first pulse and falls within the allowable range. As a result, quality deterioration of the integrated circuit pattern can be prevented, and since it can be used for exposure from the first pulse of the burst, it is possible to prevent a decrease in production efficiency.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Narrow-band laser 11 ... Command value memory | storage part 12 ... Rest period measurement part 40 ... Spectral width adjustment mechanism 60 ... Monitor module 80 ... Laser controller

Claims (6)

To a narrow-band laser that operates by alternately repeating a burst period in which laser light having a narrow band is continuously pulsed and an oscillation pause period in which oscillation is stopped,
A spectral width adjustment mechanism for changing the spectral width of the laser beam;
A laser controller for controlling the operation of the spectral width adjusting mechanism;
A pause period measurement unit that measures the length of the oscillation pause period;
A command value storage for associating a spectrum width with an operation command value of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism for obtaining the spectrum width, and further storing the spectrum width and the operation command value in association with the length of the oscillation pause period And
In a narrow-band laser spectral width adjusting device comprising:
The laser controller controls the operation of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism even during the oscillation pause period, and controls the spectrum width during the oscillation pause period,
The laser controller is in an unstable period at the beginning of the burst period,
Among the information stored in the command value storage unit,
The length of the stored oscillation period is equal to or approximate to the length of the oscillation pause period measured by the pause period measurement unit, and
The stored spectrum width and the target value of the spectrum width match or approximate
Read the operation command value corresponding to the information,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
By controlling the operation of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism by outputting an operation signal corresponding to the determined operation command value to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism,
Control the spectral width ,
The laser controller performs feedback control after the unstable period, and the spectral width adjustment device of the narrow-band laser. The laser controller during oscillation hibernation period,
Among the information stored in the command value storage unit,
The length of the stored oscillation period is equal to or approximate to the length of the oscillation pause period measured by the pause period measurement unit, and
The stored spectrum width and the target value of the spectrum width match or approximate
Read the operation command value corresponding to the information,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
2. The spectrum width adjusting device for a narrow-band laser according to claim 1, wherein an operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is output to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism to control the operation of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism. . The command value storage unit further stores the spectral width and the operation command value in association with the repetition frequency of the narrow band laser,
The laser controller is used during an oscillation suspension period.
Among the information stored in the command value storage unit,
The stored repetition frequency matches or approximates the repetition frequency, and
Match or approximate the length of the stored oscillation period and the length of the oscillation pause period measured by the immediately preceding pause period measurement unit; and
The stored spectrum width and the target value of the spectrum width match or approximate
Read the operation command value corresponding to the information,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein an operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is output to the spectrum width adjustment mechanism to control the operation of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism. To a narrow-band laser that operates by alternately repeating a burst period in which laser light having a narrow band is continuously pulsed and an oscillation pause period in which oscillation is stopped,
A spectral width adjustment mechanism for changing the spectral width of the laser beam;
A laser controller for controlling the operation of the spectral width adjusting mechanism;
A pause period measurement unit that measures the length of the oscillation pause period;
A command value storage for associating a spectrum width with an operation command value of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism for obtaining the spectrum width, and storing the spectrum width and the operation command value in association with the length of the oscillation pause period And
In a narrow-band laser spectral width adjusting device comprising:
The laser controller is in an unstable period at the beginning of the burst period,
Among the information stored in the command value storage unit,
The length of the stored oscillation period is equal to or approximate to the length of the oscillation pause period measured by the pause period measurement unit, and
The stored spectrum width and the target value of the spectrum width match or approximate
Read the operation command value corresponding to the information,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
By controlling the operation of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism by outputting an operation signal corresponding to the determined operation command value to the spectrum width adjusting mechanism,
Control the spectral width ,
The laser controller performs feedback control after the unstable period, and the spectral width adjustment device of the narrow-band laser. A command value storage unit for associating a spectrum width with an operation command value of the spectrum width adjusting mechanism for obtaining the spectrum width, and storing the spectrum width and the operation command value in association with a pulse number; ,
A spectrum width detector for detecting the spectrum width of the laser light,
The laser controller is for each pulse or every plurality of pulses from the first pulse of a burst period to a predetermined pulse,
From the command value storage section, it matches the pulse number at that time, to read out the operation command value corresponding to the spectral width and spectral width to match or approximate to the target value of the spectral width,
I asked an operation command value to be actually used on the basis of the operation command value began to read,
An operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is output to the spectrum width adjustment mechanism to control the operation of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism,
The spectrum width detected by the spectrum width detection unit and the operation command value obtained by the laser controller are associated with each other, and the spectrum width and the operation command value are associated with the pulse number at the time, and the command value 5. The apparatus for adjusting the spectral width of a narrow-band laser according to claim 4, wherein the apparatus is stored in a storage unit. Provided with a pause period measurement unit that measures the length of the oscillation pause period,
The command value storage unit further stores the spectral width and the operation command value in association with the repetition frequency of the narrowband laser and the length of the oscillation pause period,
The laser controller is for each pulse or every plurality of pulses from the first pulse of a burst period to a predetermined pulse,
From the command value storage unit, it matches or approximates the pulse number at that time, the repetition frequency of the narrow-band laser, and the length of the previous oscillation pause period measured by the pause period measurement unit, or the target value of the spectrum width or Read the approximate spectral width and the operation command value corresponding to that spectral width,
Based on the read operation command value, find the actual operation command value to be used,
An operation signal corresponding to the obtained operation command value is output to the spectrum width adjustment mechanism to control the operation of the spectrum width adjustment mechanism,
The spectrum width detected by the spectrum width detector and the operation command value obtained by the laser controller are associated with each other, and the spectrum width and the operation command value are associated with the current pulse number and the repetition of the narrow-band laser. 6. The apparatus for adjusting the spectral width of a narrow-band laser according to claim 5, wherein the command value storage unit stores the frequency in association with the length of the oscillation pause period immediately before measured by the pause period measurement unit.

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