In extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL), the multilayer (ML) damage-free mask patterning processes and damage-free usage cycle are the keys in obtaining a successful, functional EUVL mask. A robust ML capping layer design will enable a long mask lifetime. In this article detailed investigation on the viability of ruthenium (Ru) thin films as capping layer for EUVL ML mask blanks is presented. The study is focused on Ru capping layer design for high reflectivity and its properties relevant to EUVL mask applications, such as microstructure, stress, optical properties at EUV wavelength, and chemical durability. The authors found that Ru thin films with a crystalline structure present a very high compressive stress which is insensitive to the primary ion deposition source energy. The Ru/Si interdiffusion layer, however, presents a much lower stress than the of Ru-only film. Amorphization of the Ru film is via atomic composition modification, which the authors believe could be one of the keys in reducing Ru film stress. The ruthenium cap, under a piranha chemical clean, was found to be more durable than Si capped ML blanks, indicating the advantages of using Ru as the EUVL ML mask blank capping layer. (C) 2007 American Vacuum Society.