ECLIPSE-CHIPS: High-Fluence Coherent EUV Light from Ultraintense Laser-Plasma Interactions for Advanced Nanolithography and Metrology

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $640,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This award is made in response to Dear Colleague Letter 24-130, as part of the ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering (ECLIPSE) interdisciplinary program. Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light is crucial for creating faster and smaller electronic devices, such as the microchips in smartphones and computers. By producing more focused and more powerful EUV beams with shorter wavelengths, this project can help make computer chips smaller and more efficient, enabling faster computing and improved digital technologies for everyday use. Additionally, better EUV imaging can lead to new breakthroughs in medicine, materials science, energy and environmental monitoring, benefiting society broadly by advancing technology and improving quality of life. In this project, advanced methods of generating extreme ultraviolet light are explored by using high-intensity laser beams interacting with dense plasma to produce extremely bright and tunable EUV radiation. This approach, known as relativistic high-order harmonic generation, surpasses current limitations of traditional EUV sources by significantly increasing conversion efficiency, reducing contamination from debris, and enhancing the beam's coherence and focusability. The work includes detailed studies on EUV generation efficiency, beam quality, and polarization control, aiming to revolutionize semiconductor manufacturing and high-resolution imaging techniques essential for boosting US competitiveness in the sem

Key facts

NSF award ID
2512131
Awardee
Princeton University (NJ)
SAM.gov UEI
NJ1YPQXQG7U5
PI
Julia M Mikhailova
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Ecosystem Leading Innovation Plasma S&E, PLASMA PHYSICS, Advanced Manufacturing, Optics and Photonics
Estimated total
$640,000
Funds obligated
$640,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028