Dr. Alex I. Ershov Profile

Dr. Alex I. Ershov

Principal Applications Scientist at ASML

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Publications (43)

Proceedings Article | 9 September 2019 Presentation

Laser-produced plasma incoherent EUV light sources for high-volume manufacturing semiconductor lithography (Conference Presentation)

Michael Purvis, Igor Fomenkov, Alexander Schafgans, Peter Mayer, Klaus Hummler, Martijn Leenders, Yezheng Tao, Slava Rokitski, Jayson Stewart, Alex Ershov, Robert Rafac, Silvia De Dea, Georgiy Vaschenko, David Brandt, Daniel Brown

Proceedings Volume 11111, 111110K (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2534691

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 3 October 2018 Presentation + Paper

NXE:3400B EUV source performance in the field, readiness for HVM and power scaling beyond 250W

Igor Fomenkov, Michael Purvis, Alexander Schafgans, Yezheng Tao, Slava Rokitski, Jayson Stewart, Andrew LaForge, Alexander Ershov, Robert Rafac, Silvia De Dea, Chirag Rajyaguru, Georgiy Vaschenko, Mathew Abraham, David Brandt, Daniel Brown

Proceedings Volume 10809, 108091L (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2502801

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, High volume manufacturing

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 10 May 2018 Paper

Industrialization of a robust EUV source for high-volume manufacturing and power scaling beyond 250W

Michael Purvis, Igor Fomenkov, Alexander Schafgans, Mike Vargas, Spencer Rich, Yezheng Tao, Slava Rokitski, Melchior Mulder, Erik Buurman, Michael Kats, Jayson Stewart, Andrew LaForge, Chirag Rajyaguru, Georgiy Vaschenko, Alex Ershov, Robert Rafac, Mathew Abraham, David Brandt, Daniel Brown

Proceedings Volume 10583, 1058327 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2305955

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Scanners, Plasma, Tin, High volume manufacturing, Semiconducting wafers, Reflectivity, EUV optics, Photoresist materials

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 16 March 2015 Paper

Performance optimization of MOPA pre-pulse LPP light source

Alexander Schafgans, Daniel Brown, Igor Fomenkov, Rick Sandstrom, Alex Ershov, Georgiy Vaschenko, Rob Rafac, Michael Purvis, Slava Rokitski, Yezheng Tao, Daniel Riggs, Wayne Dunstan, Matthew Graham, Nigel Farrar, David Brandt, Norbert Böwering, Alberto Pirati, Noreen Harned, Christian Wagner, Hans Meiling, Ron Kool

Proceedings Volume 9422, 94220B (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2087421

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Light sources, Pulsed laser operation, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Plasma, Amplifiers, High power lasers, Tin, Laser energy, High volume manufacturing

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 17 April 2014 Paper

Laser produced plasma light source development for HVM

Igor Fomenkov, David Brandt, Nigel Farrar, Bruno La Fontaine, David Myers, Daniel Brown, Alex Ershov, Norbert Böwering, Daniel Riggs, Robert Rafac, Silvia De Dea, Michael Purvis, Rudy Peeters, Hans Meiling, Noreen Harned, Daniel Smith, Robert Kazinczi, Alberto Pirati

Proceedings Volume 9048, 904835 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2048195

KEYWORDS: Plasma, Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Scanners, Tin, Light sources, Deep ultraviolet, Laser development, Hydrogen, Laser applications

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 18 March 2014 Paper

LPP EUV source readiness for NXE 3300B

David Brandt, Igor Fomenkov, Nigel Farrar, Bruno La Fontaine, David Myers, Daniel Brown, Alex Ershov, Norbert Böwering, Daniel Riggs, Robert Rafac, Silvia De Dea, Rudy Peeters, Hans Meiling, Noreen Harned, Daniel Smith, Alberto Pirati, Robert Kazinczi

Proceedings Volume 9048, 90480C (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2048184

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Plasma, Scanners, Control systems, Tin, Reflectivity, Mirrors, Pulsed laser operation, Laser scanners

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 1 April 2013 Paper

CO2/Sn LPP EUV sources for device development and HVM

David Brandt, Igor Fomenkov, Nigel Farrar, Bruno La Fontaine, David Myers, Daniel Brown, Alex Ershov, Richard Sandstrom, Georgiy Vaschenko, Norbert Böwering, Palash Das, Vladimir Fleurov, Kevin Zhang, Shailendra Srivastava, Imtiaz Ahmad, Chirag Rajyaguru, Silvia De Dea, Wayne Dunstan, Peter Baumgart, Toshi Ishihara, Rod Simmons, Robert Jacques, Robert Bergstedt, Peter Porshnev, Christopher Wittak, Robert Rafac, Jonathan Grava, Alexander Schafgans, Yezheng Tao, Kay Hoffmann, Tedsuja Ishikawa, David Evans, Spencer Rich

Proceedings Volume 8679, 86791G (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2011212

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Plasma, Scanners, Carbon dioxide lasers, Mirrors, Tin, Pulsed laser operation, Plasma systems, Laser scanners

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 1 April 2013 Paper

Lifetime and refurbishment of multilayer LPP collector mirrors

Torsten Feigl, Marco Perske, Hagen Pauer, Tobias Fiedler, Sergiy Yulin, Norbert Kaiser, Andreas Tünnermann, Norbert Böwering, Alex Ershov, Silvia de Dea, Kay Hoffmann, Bruno La Fontaine, Igor Fomenkov, David Brandt

Proceedings Volume 8679, 86790C (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2015492

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Reflectivity, Multilayers, Extreme ultraviolet, Plasma, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Optical coatings, Light sources, EUV optics, Tin

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 1 April 2013 Paper

Laser produced plasma EUV light source for EUVL patterning at 20nm node and beyond

Igor Fomenkov, David Brandt, Nigel Farrar, Bruno La Fontaine, Norbert Böwering, Daniel Brown, Alex Ershov, David Myers

Proceedings Volume 8679, 86792I (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2012695

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Tin, Plasma, Light sources, Carbon dioxide lasers, Neodymium, Optical lithography, Laser development, Metrology

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 29 June 2012

Development of stable extreme-ultraviolet sources for use in lithography exposure systems

Igor Fomenkov, Bruno La Fontaine, Daniel Brown, Imtiaz Ahmad, Peter Baumgart, Norbert Bowering, David Brandt, Alexander Bykanov, Silvia De Dea, Alex Ershov, Nigel Farrar, Daniel Golich, Michael Lercel, David Myers, Chirag Rajyaguru, Shailendra Srivastava, Yezheng Tao, Georgiy Vaschenko

JM3, Vol. 11, Issue 02, 021110, (June 2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JMM.11.2.021110

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Plasma, Lithography, Tin, Reflectivity, Semiconducting wafers, Mirrors, Scanners, Gas lasers

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 23 March 2012 Paper

Laser produced plasma EUV sources for device development and HVM

David Brandt, Igor Fomenkov, Michael Lercel, Bruno La Fontaine, David Myers, Daniel Brown, Alex Ershov, Richard Sandstrom, Alexander Bykanov, Georgiy Vaschenko, Norbert Böwering, Palash Das, Vladimir Fleurov, Kevin Zhang, Shailendra Srivastava, Imtiaz Ahmad, Chirag Rajyaguru, Silvia De Dea, Wayne Dunstan, Peter Baumgart, Toshi Ishihara, Rod Simmons, Robert Jacques, Robert Bergstedt, Peter Porshnev, Christian Wittak, Michael Woolston, Robert Rafac, Jonathan Grava, Alexander Schafgans, Yezheng Tao

Proceedings Volume 8322, 83221I (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.916521

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Plasma, Scanners, Mirrors, Coating, Manufacturing, Tin, Semiconducting wafers, Laser scanners

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 23 March 2012 Paper

Light sources for EUV lithography at the 22-nm node and beyond

Igor Fomenkov, Norbert Böwering, David Brandt, Daniel Brown, Alexander Bykanov, Alex Ershov, Bruno La Fontaine, Michael Lercel, David Myers

Proceedings Volume 8322, 83222N (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.916531

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Tin, Ions, Plasma, Carbon dioxide lasers, Light sources, Control systems, Reflectivity, Mirrors

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 23 March 2012 Paper

Optical performance of LPP multilayer collector mirrors

Torsten Feigl, Marco Perske, Hagen Pauer, Tobias Fiedler, Sergiy Yulin, Marcus Trost, Sven Schröder, Angela Duparré, Norbert Kaiser, Andreas Tünnermann, Norbert Böwering, Alex Ershov, Kay Hoffmann, Bruno La Fontaine, Kevin Cummings

Proceedings Volume 8322, 832217 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.919735

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Extreme ultraviolet, Coating, Reflectivity, Multilayers, EUV optics, Light sources, Plasma, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Light scattering

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 8 April 2011 Paper

Laser produced plasma light source for EUVL

Igor Fomenkov, Alex Ershov, William Partlo, David Myers, Daniel Brown, Richard Sandstrom, Bruno La Fontaine, Alexander Bykanov, Georgiy Vaschenko, Oleh Khodykin, Norbert Böwering, Palash Das, Vladimir Fleurov, Kevin Zhang, Shailendra Srivastava, Imtiaz Ahmad, Chirag Rajyaguru, Silvia De Dea, Richard Hou, Wayne Dunstan, Peter Baumgart, Toshihiko Ishihara, Rod Simmons, Robert Jacques, Robert Bergstedt, David Brandt

Proceedings Volume 7969, 796933 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.882210

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Plasma, Spectrometers, Light sources, Scanners, Optical filters, Reflectivity, Optical lithography, Laser applications

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 7 April 2011 Paper

LPP source system development for HVM

David Brandt, Igor Fomenkov, Alex Ershov, William Partlo, David Myers, Richard Sandstrom, Bruno La Fontaine, Michael Lercel, Alexander Bykanov, Norbert Böwering, Georgiy Vaschenko, Oleh Khodykin, Shailendra Srivastava, Imtiaz Ahmad, Chirag Rajyaguru, Palash Das, Vladimir Fleurov, Kevin Zhang, Daniel Golich, Silvia De Dea, Richard Hou, Wayne Dunstan, Christian Wittak, Peter Baumgart, Toshihiko Ishihara, Rod Simmons, Robert Jacques, Robert Bergstedt

Proceedings Volume 7969, 79691H (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.882208

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Scanners, Reflectivity, Plasma, Mirrors, Semiconducting wafers, Carbon dioxide lasers, Laser scanners, 3D scanning

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 23 March 2010 Paper

Laser-produced plasma light source for EUVL

Igor Fomenkov, Alex Ershov, William Partlo, David Myers, Richard Sandstrom, Norbert Böwering, Georgiy Vaschenko, Oleh Khodykin, Alexander Bykanov, Shailendra Srivastava, Imtiaz Ahmad, Chirag Rajyaguru, Daniel Golich, Silvia De Dea, Richard Hou, Kevin O'Brien, Wayne Dunstan, David Brandt

Proceedings Volume 7636, 763639 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.848408

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Carbon dioxide lasers, Reflectivity, Tin, Plasma, Manufacturing, Mirrors, Ions, Light sources

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 20 March 2010 Paper

LPP source system development for HVM

David Brandt, Igor Fomenkov, Alex Ershov, William Partlo, David Myers, Richard Sandstrom, Norbert Böwering, Georgiy Vaschenko, Oleh Khodykin, Alexander Bykanov, Shailendra Srivastava, Imtiaz Ahmad, Chirag Rajyaguru, Daniel Golich, Silvia De Dea, Richard Hou, Kevin O'Brien, Wayne Dunstan

Proceedings Volume 7636, 76361I (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.848404

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Plasma, Scanners, Carbon dioxide lasers, Manufacturing, Prototyping, Tin, Mirrors, Laser scanners

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 1 October 2009

Performance results of laser-produced plasma test and prototype light sources for EUV lithography

Norbert Böwering, Igor Fomenkov, David Brandt, Alexander Bykanov, Alexander Ershov, William Partlo, Dave Myers, Nigel Farrar, Georgiy Vaschenko, Oleh Khodykin, Jerzy Hoffman, Christopher Chrobak, Shailendra Srivastava, Imtiaz Ahmad, Chirag Rajyaguru, Daniel Golich, David Vidusek, Silvia De Dea, Richard Hou

JM3, Vol. 8, Issue 04, 041504, (October 2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.3224942

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Ions, Plasma, Gas lasers, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Tin, Carbon monoxide, Mirrors, Prototyping, Light sources

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 18 March 2009 Paper

Laser-produced plasma light source for EUVL

Igor Fomenkov, David Brandt, Alexander Bykanov, Alex Ershov, William Partlo, Dave Myers, Norbert Böwering, Nigel Farrar, Georgiy Vaschenko, Oleh Khodykin, Jerzy Hoffman, Christopher Chrobak, Shailendra Srivastava, Daniel Golich, David Vidusek, Silvia De Dea, Richard Hou

Proceedings Volume 7271, 727138 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.814272

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Ions, Plasma, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Sensors, Carbon dioxide lasers, Mirrors, Tin, Coating, Light sources

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 18 March 2009 Open Access

LPP source system development for HVM

David Brandt, Igor Fomenkov, Alex Ershov, William Partlo, David Myers, Norbert Böwering, Nigel Farrar, Georgiy Vaschenko, Oleh Khodykin, Alexander Bykanov, Jerzy Hoffman, Christopher Chrobak, Shailendra Srivastava, Imtiaz Ahmad, Chirag Rajyaguru, Daniel Golich, David Vidusek, Silvia De Dea, Richard Hou

Proceedings Volume 7271, 727103 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.814228

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Reflectivity, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Mirrors, Tin, Plasma, Coating, Scanners, Manufacturing, Light sources

Read Abstract +

DOWNLOAD PAPER

Proceedings Article | 4 December 2008 Paper

Laser-produced plasma source system development

David Brandt, Igor Fomenkov, Alex Ershov, William Partlo, David Myers, Norbert Böwering, Georgiy Vaschenko, Oleh Khodykin, Alexander Bykanov, Jerzy Hoffman, Christopher Chrobak, Shailendra Srivastava, David Vidusek, Silvia De Dea, Richard Hou

Proceedings Volume 7140, 71401E (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.806648

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Plasma, Reflectivity, Mirrors, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Tin, Plasma systems, Manufacturing, Light sources, Carbon dioxide lasers

Read Abstract +

This paper provides a review of development progress for a laser-produced-plasma (LPP) extreme-ultra-violet (EUV) source with performance goals targeted to meet joint requirements from all leading scanner manufacturers. Laser produced plasma systems have been developed as a viable approach for the EUV scanner light source for optical imaging of circuit features at sub-32nm and beyond nodes on the ITRS roadmap. Recent advances in the development of the system, its present average output power level and progress with various subcomponents is discussed. We present the latest results on peak EUV and average EUV power as well as stability of EUV output, measured in burst-mode operation at the nominal repetition rate of the light source. In addition, our progress in developing of critical components, such as normal-incidence EUV collector and liquid-target delivery system is described. We also report on dose stability, plasma position stability and EUV distribution at the output region of the source. This presentation reviews the experimental results obtained on systems with a focus on the topics most critical for an HVM source. The capability to scale LPP power by further development of the high power CO2 drive laser in order to increase duty cycle and duration of continuous light source operation is shown. Production systems with thermal management and capable of 5 sr light collection are being assembled and tested. A description of the development of a normal-incidence ellipsoidal collector is included. Improvements in substrate quality lead to increased EUV reflectance of the mirror. Results on the generation of liquid tin droplets as target material for efficient plasma generation are also described. The droplet generator serves as a key element in the precise and spatially stable delivery of small quantities of liquid tin at high repetition rates. We describe a protection module at the intermediate focus (IF) region of the source and imaging of the EUV distribution using a sub-aperture collector and a fluorescent screen. A path to meet requirements for production scanners planned well into the next decade is also presented.

SPIE Journal Paper | 1 April 2007

Plasma cleaning of lithium off of collector optics material for use in extreme ultraviolet lithography applications

Martin Neumann, Reece DeFrees, Huatan Qiu, David Ruzic, Oleg Khodykin, Alexander Ershov, Robert Bristol

JM3, Vol. 6, Issue 02, 023005, (April 2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.2750651

KEYWORDS: Plasma, Lithium, Mirrors, EUV optics, Extreme ultraviolet, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Ions, Sputter deposition, Reflectivity, Optics manufacturing

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 21 March 2007 Paper

Laser-produced plasma source system development

Igor Fomenkov, David Brandt, Alexander Bykanov, Alexander Ershov, William Partlo, David Myers, Norbert Böwering, Georgiy Vaschenko, Oleh Khodykin, Jerzy Hoffman, Ernesto Vargas L., Rodney Simmons, Juan Chavez, Christopher Chrobak

Proceedings Volume 6517, 65173J (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.713454

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Ions, Gas lasers, Plasma, Tin, Spectroscopy, Carbon monoxide, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Calibration, Sensors

Read Abstract +

This paper describes the development of laser produced plasma (LPP) technology as an EUV source for advanced scanner lithography applications in high volume manufacturing. EUV lithography is expected to succeed 193 nm immersion technology for critical layer patterning below 32 nm beginning with beta generation scanners in 2009. This paper describes the development status of subsystems most critical to the performance to meet joint scanner manufacturer requirements and semiconductor industry standards for reliability and economic targets for cost of ownership. The intensity and power of the drive laser are critical parameters in the development of extreme ultraviolet LPP lithography sources. The conversion efficiency (CE) of laser light into EUV light is strongly dependent on the intensity of the laser energy on the target material at the point of interaction. The total EUV light generated then scales directly with the total incident laser power. The progress on the development of a short pulse, high power CO2 laser for EUV applications is reported. The lifetime of the collector mirror is a critical parameter in the development of extreme ultra-violet LPP lithography sources. The deposition of target materials and contaminants, as well as sputtering of the collector multilayer coating and implantation of incident particles can reduce the reflectivity of the mirror substantially over the exposure time even though debris mitigation schemes are being employed. The results of measurements of high energy ions generated by a short-pulse CO2 laser on a laser-produced plasma EUV light source with Sn target are presented. Droplet generation is a key element of the LPP source being developed at Cymer for EUV lithography applications. The main purpose of this device is to deliver small quantities of liquid target material as droplets to the laser focus. The EUV light in such configuration is obtained as a result of creating a highly ionized plasma from the material of the droplets. Liquid tin is the material of choice to be used as a target due to the relatively high CE of the laser energy into in-band EUV radiation. Results obtained with the droplet generator and technical challenges related to successful implementation of the device are discussed.

Proceedings Article | 19 March 2007 Paper

LPP EUV source development for HVM

David Brandt, Igor Fomenkov, Alex Ershov, William Partlo, David Myers, Norbert Böwering, Alexander Bykanov, Georgiy Vaschenko, Oleh Khodykin, Jerzy Hoffman, Ernesto Vargas L., Rodney Simmons, Juan Chavez, Christopher Chrobak

Proceedings Volume 6517, 65170Q (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.713279

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Gas lasers, Plasmas, Tin, Mirrors, Reflectivity, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Carbon monoxide, Ions, Scanners

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 18 January 2007 Paper

Active cleaning for lithium-coated optics for HVM EUV systems

M. Neumann, E. Ritz, R. Defrees, M. Cruce, H. Qiu, D. Ruzic, R. Bristol, A. Ershov, O. Khodykin

Proceedings Volume 6151, 615132 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.656614

KEYWORDS: Lithium, Plasma, EUV optics, Sputter deposition, Extreme ultraviolet, Mirrors, Ions, Surface roughness, Atomic force microscopy, Optics manufacturing

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 24 March 2006 Paper

High-temperature LPP collector mirror

Torsten Feigl, Sergiy Yulin, Nicolas Benoit, Norbert Kaiser, Norbert Böwering, Alex Ershov, Oleh Khodykin, John Viatella, Kent Bruzzone, Igor Fomenkov, David Myers

Proceedings Volume 6151, 61514A (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.662138

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Reflectivity, Multilayers, Coating, Extreme ultraviolet, Silicon, Annealing, Atomic force microscopy, Silicon carbide, Temperature metrology

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 24 March 2006 Paper

EUV source collector

Norbert Böwering, Alex Ershov, William Marx, Oleh Khodykin, Björn Hansson, Ernesto Vargas L., Juan Chavez, Igor Fomenkov, David Myers, David Brandt

Proceedings Volume 6151, 61513R (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.656462

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Extreme ultraviolet, Coating, Reflectivity, Multilayers, Plasma, Tin, Solids, Light sources, Atomic force microscopy

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 24 March 2006 Paper

High-power low cost drive laser for LPP source

Igor Fomenkov, Björn Hansson, Norbert Böwering, Alex Ershov, William Partlo, Vladimir Fleurov, Oleh Khodykin, Alexander Bykanov, Curtis Rettig, Jerzy Hoffman, Ernesto Vargas L., Juan Chavez, William Marx, David Brandt

Proceedings Volume 6151, 61513X (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.655733

KEYWORDS: Gas lasers, Molybdenum, Carbon monoxide, Optical amplifiers, Laser applications, Neodymium lasers, Oscillators, Extreme ultraviolet, Excimer lasers, High power lasers

Read Abstract +

We report on the approach for a high-power high-beam-quality drive laser system that is used for a laser-produced plasma (LPP) EUV source. Cymer has conducted research on a number of solutions for a multi-kW drive laser system that satisfy high volume production requirements. Types of lasers to be presented include XeF at 351 nm and CO₂ at 10.6 micron. We report on a high efficiency XeF amplifier with a 3rd harmonic Nd:YLF master oscillator operated in the 6 to 8 kHz range and a CO₂ laser system with Q-switched cavity dumped master oscillator and RF pumped fast axial flow amplifiers operated in the 10 to 100 kHz range. CO₂ laser short pulse gain and optical isolation techniques are reported. Optical performance data and design features of the drive laser system are discussed, as well as a path to achieve output power scaling to meet high volume manufacturing (HVM) requirements and beyond. Additionally, the electrical efficiency as a component of cost of operation is presented. Development of a drive laser with sufficient output power, high beam quality, and economical cost of operation is critical to the successful implementation of a laser-produced-plasma (LPP) EUV source for HVM applications. Cymer has conducted research on a number of solutions to this critical need. We report our progress on development of a high power system with two gas-discharge power amplifiers to produce high output power with high beam quality. We provide optical performance data and design features of the drive laser as well as a path to output power scaling to meet HVM requirements. Development of a drive laser for LPP EUV source is a challenging task. It requires multi-kW laser output power with short pulse duration and diffraction limited beam quality. In addition, this system needs to be very reliable and cost-efficient to satisfy industry requirements for high volume integrated circuit manufacturing. Feasibility studies of high power laser solutions that utilize proven laser technologies in high power optical gain modules and deliver required beam properties have been performed and are reported.

Proceedings Article | 23 March 2006 Paper

LPP EUV source development for HVM

Björn Hansson, Igor Fomenkov, Norbert Böwering, Alex Ershov, William Partlo, David Myers, Oleh Khodykin, Alexander Bykanov, Curtis Rettig, Jerzy Hoffman, Ernesto Vargas, Rod Simmons, Juan Chavez, William Marx, David Brandt

Proceedings Volume 6151, 61510R (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.656687

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Tin, Plasma, Lithium, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Mirrors, Ions, Prototyping, Reflectivity, Metrology

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 10 May 2005 Paper

Metrology of laser-produced plasma light source for EUV lithography

N. Boewering, J. Hoffman, O. Khodykin, C. Rettig, B. Hansson, A. Ershov, I. Fomenkov

Proceedings Volume 5752, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.600809

KEYWORDS: Extreme ultraviolet, Plasma, Metrology, Mirrors, Sensors, Tin, Optical filters, Spectroscopy, Lithium, Photodiodes

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 6 May 2005 Paper

Protection of collector optics in an LPP based EUV source

C. Rettig, O. Khodykin, J. Hoffman, W. Marx, N. Bowering, E. Vargas, A. Ershov, I. Fomenkov, W. Partlo

Proceedings Volume 5751, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.601517

KEYWORDS: Ions, Lithium, Mirrors, Extreme ultraviolet lithography, Reflectivity, Plasma, Extreme ultraviolet, EUV optics, Tin, Diffusion

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 6 May 2005 Paper

LPP EUV conversion efficiency optimization

J. Hoffman, A. Bykanov, O. Khodykin, A. Ershov, I. Fomenkov, W. Partlo, D. Myers

Proceedings Volume 5751, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.601048

KEYWORDS: Tin, Extreme ultraviolet, Lithium, Plasma, Pulsed laser operation, Laser energy, Spectroscopy, Light, CCD cameras, Image analysis

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 26 June 2003 Paper

High-performance beam stabilization for next-generation ArF beam delivery systems

Leonard Lublin, David Warkentin, Palash Das, Alexander Ershov, Jody Vipperman, Ronald Spangler, Brian Klene

Proceedings Volume 5040, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.485351

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Scanners, Personal digital assistants, Light sources, Sensors, Metrology, Beam delivery, Semiconducting wafers, Control systems, Laser scanners

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 26 June 2003 Paper

Dual-chamber ultra line-narrowed excimer light source for 193-nm lithography

Vladimir Fleurov, Daniel Colon, Daniel Brown, Patrick O'Keeffe, Herve Besaucele, Alexander Ershov, Fedor Trintchouk, T. Ishihara, Paolo Zambon, R. Rafac, A. Lukashev

Proceedings Volume 5040, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.485358

KEYWORDS: Molybdenum, Light sources, Excimers, Control systems, Lithography, Optical amplifiers, Acoustics, Optical lithography, Oscillators, Energy efficiency

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 14 September 2001 Paper

Challenges of laser spectrum metrology in 248- and 193-nm lithography

Alexander Ershov, Scot Smith

Proceedings Volume 4346, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.435657

KEYWORDS: Fabry–Perot interferometers, Spectroscopy, Monochromators, Laser metrology, Metrology, Integration, Diffusers, Diffraction gratings, Mirrors, Lithography

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 5 July 2000 Paper

Performance of very high repetition rate ArF lasers

Jean-Marc Hueber, Herve Besaucele, Palash Das, Rick Eis, Alexander Ershov, Vladimir Fleurov, Dmitri Gaidarenko, Thomas Hofmann, Paul Melcher, William Partlo, Bernard Nikolaus, Scot Smith, Kyle Webb

Proceedings Volume 4000, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.388979

KEYWORDS: Laser applications, Laser scanners, 3D scanning, Laser development, Pulsed laser operation, Semiconducting wafers, Laser optics, Laser stabilization, Fabry–Perot interferometers, Manufacturing

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 5 July 2000 Paper

Comparison of ArF and KrF laser performance at 2 kHz for microlithography

Herve Besaucele, Palash Das, Thomas Duffey, Todd Embree, Alexander Ershov, Vladimir Fleurov, Steven Grove, Paul Melcher, Richard Ness, Gunasiri Padmabandu

Proceedings Volume 4000, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.388986

KEYWORDS: Optical lithography, Sensors, 193nm lithography, Pulsed power, Laser stabilization, Control systems, Laser applications, Optics manufacturing, Fabry–Perot interferometers, Optical components

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 5 July 2000 Paper

Laser spectrum line shape metrology at 193 nm

Alexander Ershov, Gunasiri Padmabandu, Jeremy Tyler, Palash Das

Proceedings Volume 4000, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.388978

KEYWORDS: Spectrometers, Fabry–Perot interferometers, Personal digital assistants, Deconvolution, Diffraction gratings, Calibration, Laser metrology, Metrology, Diagnostics, Optical lithography

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 5 July 2000 Paper

Feasibility of highly line-narrowed F2 laser for 157-nm microlithography

Alexander Ershov, Thomas Duffey, Eckehard Onkels, William Partlo, Richard Sandstrom

Proceedings Volume 4000, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.388992

KEYWORDS: Molybdenum, Optical amplifiers, Fabry–Perot interferometers, Optical design, Amplifiers, Spectroscopy, Diffraction gratings, Optical lithography, Resonators, Beam splitters

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 26 July 1999 Paper

Performance characteristics of ultranarrow ArF laser for DUV lithography

Alexander Ershov, Herve Besaucele, Palash Das

Proceedings Volume 3679, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.354308

KEYWORDS: Fabry–Perot interferometers, Output couplers, Lithography, Fluorine, Deep ultraviolet, Manufacturing, Chromatic aberrations, Pulsed laser operation, Optical resonators, Reflectivity

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 14 June 1999 Paper

Novel metrology for measuring spectral purity of KrF lasers for deep-UV lithography

Alexander Ershov, Gunasiri Padmabandu, Jeremy Tyler, Palash Das

Proceedings Volume 3677, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.350848

KEYWORDS: Spectrometers, Fabry–Perot interferometers, Excimer lasers, Lithography, Diffraction gratings, Deep ultraviolet, Metrology, Laser metrology, Lenses, Mirrors

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 29 June 1998 Paper

Feasibility studies of operating KrF lasers at ultranarrow spectral bandwidths for 0.18-um line widths

Alexander Ershov, Thomas Hofmann, William Partlo, Igor Fomenkov, George Everage, Palash Das, Dave Myers

Proceedings Volume 3334, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.310732

KEYWORDS: Laser stabilization, Pulsed laser operation, Excimer lasers, Diffraction gratings, Lithography, Optical lithography, Prisms, Gas lasers, Laser cutting, Laser scanners

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 1 December 1991 Paper

Heterophase isotopic SF6 molecule separation in the surface electromagnetic wavefield

Vladimir Bordo, Alexander Ershov, Ya. Kravchenko, Yu. Petrov

Proceedings Volume 1440, (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.48171

KEYWORDS: Molecules, Diffusion, Gas lasers, Isotope separation, Sulfur, Molecular lasers, Electromagnetism, Adsorption, Spectroscopy, Electromagnetic radiation

Read Abstract +

Showing 5 of 43 publications

View contact details

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

Is this your profile? Update it now.

Sign into your SPIE.org account

Don’t have a profile and want one?

Create an account on SPIE.org

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years