The creation of masks involves several steps, starting with the design phase. Advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software is used to create the intricate patterns needed. These designs are then transferred onto a mask blank, usually made of a quartz or glass substrate, coated with a thin layer of chrome. The pattern is etched onto this layer using electron-beam lithography or laser writing. The result is a high-precision template that can be used repeatedly to manufacture nanoscale devices.
