The X-ray' mask is the most critical and most challenging elemenl' of a proximity X-ray lithography system, because the1 mask's dimensions must equal the final device dimensibns and the mask's membrane film, which is only about 2 mm thick, niust support a heavy metal absorber pattern. In NTT, we have developed fabrication technolokies for highly accurate and defectfree masks, such a: multiple exposure and distortion compensation methops in the electron-beam writing step, highly accurate dry (etching, and inspection and repair of mask defects. In ai$dition, the feasibility of proximity X-ray lithography was confirmed by fabricating a device. This article describes the current status of and issues regarding the X-ray mask.