EUV Sources and Optics

Überblick

Our range of services

Fraunhofer ILT develops compact plasma-based sources that emit intense, short-wavelength radiation in the extreme ultraviolet or soft X-ray range. The radiation with wavelengths in the range between 2 nm and 50 nm is usually generated in gas discharges or by irradiating a target with pulsed laser radiation.

The radiation sources and corresponding optical systems developed at ILT can be used, for example, to characterize optics, conduct contamination studies or develop new photoresists and enable accelerated lifetime testing. In addition, ultrathin membranes, multilayer systems with individual layer thicknesses of less than 1 nm and periodic lattice structures can be characterized with EUV radiation with respect to their geometry down to the subnanometer range. Stoichiometry analyses of membrane samples and multilayer systems can also be conducted.

The institute’s research focuses on laser- and discharge-based excitation of plasmas for the spectroscopic analysis of materials and for the treatment of surfaces. In particular, the semiconductor industry increasingly needs radiation at a wavelength of 13.5 nm for chip production.

The range of services we offer includes feasibility studies, the development of application-adapted radiation sources, optics and processes, integration into higher-level systems as well as individual consulting. Furthermore, Fraunhofer ILT offers research and development services in the field of EUV technology where we not only bring together considerable expertise, but also have access to a unique inventory.

Image of a discharge plasma in the visible spectrum.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Image of a discharge plasma in the visible spectrum.
Discharge-based EUV radiation source for wavelengths in the range 2 - 20 nm.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Discharge-based EUV radiation source for wavelengths in the range 2 - 20 nm.
Source-collector system for extreme ultraviolet radiation.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Source-collector system for extreme ultraviolet radiation.

Plasma-Based EUV Beam Sources

  • Radiation sources for EUV lithography
  • Radiation sources for X-ray microscopy
  • Power electronics
  • Generators for high pulsed currents, fast data acquisition and control of pulsed radiation sources

Plasma Generation and Diagnostics

  • Gas discharge and laser induced plasmas
  • Spectroscopy from the soft X-ray to the IR range
  • Analysis of radiation fluxes
  • Analysis of plasma parameters
  • High-speed photography
  • Plasma modeling

System Solutions

  • Design of optical systems for EUV applications
  • Optics simulation
  • Integration of plasma-based radiation sources
  • Realization of complete systems
  • Systems for accelerated lifetime testing of EUV components

Applications with EUV Radiation

  • X-ray microscopy
  • EUV microscopy for mask inspection
  • EUV reflectometry, analysis of surfaces and layer systems
  • Nanostructuring with interference lithography

Markets

Laser technology can solve demanding tasks in many different industries. Whether as a tool in automotive production, as measuring equipment in the environmental sector, as a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in medical technology or as a communication medium in space technology, the laser provides multiple uses with high productivity and high efficiency.

Read up about the innovations of the Fraunhofer ILT in a few selected industries and convince yourself!

 

Research with us!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about general topics! Our contact persons are happy to get in touch with you.