Wavelength selection for multilayer coatings for lithography generation beyond extreme ultraviolet

The spectral properties of LaN/B and LaN∕B4C multilayer mirrors have been investigated in the 6.5 to 6.9 nm wavelength range, based on measured B and B4C optical constants. We show that the wavelength of optimal reflectance for boron-based optics is between 6.63 and 6.65 nm, depending on the boron chemical state. The wavelength of the maximum reflectance of the LaN∕B4C multilayer system is confirmed experimentally. Calculations of the wavelength-integrated reflectance for perfect ten-multilayer-mirror stacks show that a B-based optical column can be optimized for a wavelength larger than 6.65 nm.