The tunable optical constants of the stoichiometric (ZrO2)(x)=(Al2O3)(1-x) composite films with thin inserted TiO2 layers are simulated as pi-phase shifters. The optimized composition range of the superlattices to be used as a high transmission attenuated phase shift mask (HT-APSM) blank is found. The absorption edge shifts to the longer wavelengths when the thickness fraction of the TiO2 layer increases. The optimized film for ArF-line HT-APSM blank applications must have the lower inspection transmittance for the better inspection and the lower reflectance at the exposure wavelength for a better aerial image as pi-phase shifters, and they will be easier to fabricate than a superlattice. In order to find such a film, (ZrO2)(x)-(Al2O3)(1-x) composite films with various inserted TiO2 layers are simulated. The optimal deposition processes of such a film are also determined. For example, a (ZrO2)(0.187)-(Al2O3)(0.813) composite film with two inserted TiO2 thin layers is fabricated. The optical properties are as follows: a transmittance of 19.8%, a reflectance of 9.1%, a calculated phase shift of similar to 181.5 degrees at the exposure wavelength of 193 nm, and a transmittance of 18.9% at the inspection wavelength of 257 nm. Such a film should be used as an optimized HT-APSM blank. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.