Abstract:
Data pertaining to a layout is described in a hierarchical form by cells and cell instances and is located in a first grid structure. Data for the mask is generated in a second grid structure. For each cell instance, the context is determined in the second grid structure. Cell variants are determined for cell instances with different contexts by rounding and scaling. Said cell variants contain the data for the mask in the second grid structure whereby rounding and scaling are context-dependent.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method with which the direct convertibility of integrated semiconductor switching circuits into alternating phase masks can be verified. This ensues by explicitly localizing the phase conflicts occurring in the corresponding layout while solely using the technological demands placed on the design. The set of phase conflicts determined with the aid of this formalism is complete and minimal, and thus proves to be an optimal starting point for methods used in handling conflicts of this type.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an alternating phase mask (1) having a branched structure consisting of two opaque segments. Two transparent surfaces segments (5a, 5b) are arranged on both sides of said segments or the components thereof respectively. The surface segments are provided with phases that are displaced by 180 DEG +/- DELTA alpha , whereby DELTA alpha is not more than 25 DEG . The surface segments (5a, 5b) are separated by at least one transparent surface boundary segment (6) whose phase is situated between the phases of the adjacent surface segments (5a, 5b).
Abstract:
Lithographic mask contains angular structure element (0) formed by two opaque segments (01,2). Structure element contains convex section (A) facing over obtuse angle (alpha). Adjacent to angular element is transparent structure (T), consisting of two transparent segments (T1,2), formed axis-symmetrically to angle (alpha) bisecting line (WH). Along this line in convex section, transparent structure is wider than standard width. Lithographic mask contains angular structure element (0) formed by two opaque segments (01,2). Structure element contains convex section (A) facing over obtuse angle (alpha). Adjacent to angular element is transparent structure (T).Transparent structure is formed in two parts, i.e. consisting of two different transparent segments (T1,2), formed axis-symmetrically to angle (alpha) bisecting line (WH). Along this line in convex section, transparent structure is wider than used standard width of transparent segments.
Abstract:
The method involves determining critical regions, overlap regions between straight sections of critical regions and end regions of straight sections ending inboard of transparent regions, connected areas outside transparent and critical regions and major outer boundaries of these regions, overlapping regions and end regions and identifying a phase conflict if the number of contact sections with degenerate critical regions is odd. The method involves determining critical regions (2) in which any two adjacent transparent regions (1) provided for the phase mask exceed a defined minimum separation distance, determining overlap regions between straight sections of the critical regions and end regions of straight sections ending inboard of transparent regions, determining connected areas outside the transparent and critical regions and the major outer boundaries (4) of these regions, overlapping regions and end regions, and determining the number of contact sections with degenerate critical regions and identifying a phase conflict if the number is odd.
Abstract:
A method for eliminating phase conflicts that occur in the layout of a phase mask in a localized and automated manner. The method includes a first step in which a set of phase conflicts is completely determined exclusively by using the technical requirements of the design. The first step is an optimum starting point for the following second step for automatically handling and eliminating such conflicts.
Abstract:
A photoresist layer on a substrate wafer is exposed in first sections with a first exposure radiation and in second sections with a second exposure radiation that is phase-shifted by 180°. The first and second sections adjoin one another in boundary regions in which the photoresist layer is artificially not sufficiently exposed. Where a distance between these boundary regions is smaller than a photolithographically critical, least distance, the photoresist layer is exposed, at a first boundary region, with a third exposure radiation and at a second boundary region with a fourth exposure radiation phase-shifted by 180°. A trim mask provided for the process has a first translucent region and a second translucent region. The first light-transparent region and the second light-transparent region are fashioned such that the light passing through the first light-transparent region and the light passing through the second light-transparent region has a phase displacement of 180°.