Lithographic method and apparatus

摘要

A multiple patterning process employs a phase change material, portions of which can be converted to an amorphous state and then a remaining portion is selectively removed to provide high resolution pattern features with a feature spacing smaller than, for example, a minimum spacing available in a conventional patterning layer employing a single exposure. A lithographic apparatus for use in the process may comprise an exposure tool having a single illuminator and single patterning device that is imaged through a single exposure slit onto a scanning substrate. Alternatively, the exposure tool may have multiple illuminators and/or multiple scanning complementary patterning devices optionally used with multiple exposure slits on the scanning substrate to facilitate double patterning in a single substrate pass.