Abstract:
The invention provides a method for determining a sampling scheme, which method comprises: - obtaining a first fingerprint model relating to a first spatial distribution of a performance parameter over a first portion of a semiconductor substrate and a second fingerprint model relating to a second spatial distribution of said performance parameter over a second portion of the semiconductor substrate; and - determining a sampling point corresponding to a measuring location on the semiconductor substrate for generating measurement data based on an expected reduction of a first uncertainty metric associated with evaluation of the first fingerprint model over the first portion and an expected reduction of a second uncertainty metric associated with evaluation of the second fingerprint model over the second portion.
Abstract:
Corrections (CPE) are calculated for use in controlling a lithographic apparatus (100). Using a metrology apparatus (140) a performance parameter is measured (200) at sampling locations across one or more substrates to which a lithographic process has previously been applied. A process model is fitted (210) to the measured performance parameter, and an up-sampled estimate is provided for process-induced effects across the substrate. Corrections are calculated (230) for use in controlling the lithographic apparatus, using an actuation model and based at least in part on the fitted process model. For locations where measurement data (312) is available, this is added (240) to the estimate to replace the process model values. Thus, calculation of actuation corrections is based on a modified estimate (316) which is a combination of values (318) estimated by the process model and partly on real measurement data (312).
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for determining an intra-field correction for control of a lithographic apparatus configured for exposing a pattern on an exposure field of a substrate, the method comprising: obtaining metrology data for use in determining the intra-field correction; determining an accuracy metric indicating a lower accuracy where the metrology data is not reliable and/or where the lithographic apparatus is limited in actuating a potential actuation input which is based on the metrology data; and determining said intra-field correction based at least partially on said accuracy metric.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method of obtaining a fingerprint model for modelling a spatial distribution of a performance parameter over a portion of a substrate, the method comprising: defining an initial fingerprint model related to the spatial distribution of the performance parameter over the portion as a parameterized combination of basis functions; determining parameter values for the parameterized combination of basis functions based on pre-knowledge, and determining the fingerprint model for modelling the spatial distribution of the performance parameter over the portion of the substrate, based on a measurement set representing the performance parameter over the portion of a set of one or more semiconductor substrates and the initial fingerprint model, whereby a ratio of at least two parameter values of the basis functions as determined in the initial fingerprint model is kept constant or at least part of the shape of the initial fingerprint model is maintained in the fingerprint model.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for determining an intra-field correction for sub-field control of a lithographic process for exposing a pattern on an exposure field of a substrate, the exposure field comprising a plurality of sub-fields. The method comprises obtaining a database comprising intra-field fingerprint data linked with historic lithographic apparatus metrology data, determining an estimate for an intra-field fingerprint from lithographic apparatus metrology data and said database; and determining the intra-field correction for the lithographic process based on the estimated intra-field fingerprint.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method of obtaining a fingerprint model for modelling a spatial distribution of a performance parameter over a portion of a substrate, the method comprising: defining an initial fingerprint model related to the spatial distribution of the performance parameter over the portion as a parameterized combination of basis functions; determining parameter values for the parameterized combination of basis functions based on pre-knowledge, and determining the fingerprint model for modelling the spatial distribution of the performance parameter over the portion of the substrate, based on a measurement set representing the performance parameter over the portion of a set of one or more semiconductor substrates and the initial fingerprint model, whereby a ratio of at least two parameter values of the basis functions as determined in the initial fingerprint model is kept constant or at least part of the shape of the initial fingerprint model is maintained in the fingerprint model.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for controlling a lithographic process for exposing a pattern on an exposure field, the method comprising: obtaining an initial spatial profile associated with a spatial variation of a performance parameter for a first layer across a sub-field of the exposure field; decomposing the initial spatial profile into at least a first component spatial profile for controlling a lithographic apparatus to correct the spatial variation of the performance parameter and a second component spatial profile for controlling another apparatus or another layer to correct the spatial variation of the performance parameter; and co-optimizing the first and second component spatial profiles to achieve a better correction of the spatial variation of the performance parameter in comparison to correction of the spatial variation of the performance parameter based on using the initial spatial profile for controlling the lithographic apparatus.