Abstract:
A method for preserving semiconductor feature opening profiles for metrology examination including providing semiconductor wafer having a process surface comprising semiconductor feature openings; blanket depositing over the semiconductor feature openings to substantially fill the semiconductor feature openings at least one layer of material comprising silicon oxide; and, preparing a portion of the semiconductor wafer in cross sectional layout for metrology examination.
Abstract:
A novel method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating electrostatic charging of wafers during a spin-dry step of wafer cleaning is disclosed. The method includes rinsing a wafer, typically by dispensing a cleaning liquid such as deionized water on the wafer while spinning the wafer; and spin-drying the wafer by sequentially rotating the wafer in opposite directions. The apparatus includes a wafer support platform that is capable of sequentially rotating a wafer in opposite directions to spin-dry the wafer.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a method for extracting systematic defects is provided. The method includes inspecting a wafer outside a process window to obtain inspection data, defining a defect pattern from the inspection data, filtering defects from design data using a pattern search for the defined defect pattern within the design data, inspecting defects inside the process window with greater sensitivity than outside the process window, and determining systematic defects inside the process window. A computer readable storage medium, and a system for extracting systematic defects are also provided.
Abstract:
A lithography apparatus generates a tunable magnetic field to facilitate processing of photoresist. The lithography apparatus includes a chamber and a substrate stage in the chamber operable to hold a substrate. A magnetic module provides a magnetic field to the substrate on the substrate stage. The magnetic module is configured to provide the magnetic field in a tunable and alternating configuration with respect to its magnitude and frequency. The magnetic field is provided to have a gradient in magnitude along a Z-axis that is perpendicular to the substrate stage to cause magnetically-charged particles disposed over the substrate stage to move up and down along the Z-axis. The lithography apparatus also includes a radiation energy source and an objective lens configured to receive radiation energy from the radiation energy source and direct the radiation energy toward the substrate positioned on the substrate stage.
Abstract:
A method of optical proximity correction (OPC) convergence control that includes providing a lithography system having a photomask and an illuminator. The method further includes performing an exposure by the illuminator on the photomask. Also, the method includes optimizing an optical illuminator setting for the lithography system with a defined gate pitch in a first direction in a first template. Additionally, the method includes determining OPC correctors to converge the OPC results with a target edge placement error (EPE) to produce a first OPC setting for the first template. The first OPC setting targets a relatively small EPE and mask error enhancement factor (MEEF)of the defined gate pitch in the first template. In addition, the method includes checking the first OPC setting for a relatively small EPE, MEEF and DOM consistency with the first template of the defined gate pitch in a second, adjacent template.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a method for extracting systematic defects is provided. The method includes inspecting a wafer outside a process window to obtain inspection data, defining a defect pattern from the inspection data, filtering defects from design data using a pattern search for the defined defect pattern within the design data, inspecting defects inside the process window with greater sensitivity than outside the process window, and determining systematic defects inside the process window. A computer readable storage medium, and a system for extracting systematic defects are also provided.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a photomask. The photomask includes a first integrated circuit (IC) feature formed on a substrate; and a second IC feature formed on the substrate and configured proximate to the first IC feature. The first and second IC features define a dense pattern having a first pattern density. The second IC feature is further extended from the dense pattern, forming an isolated pattern having a second pattern density less than the first pattern density. A transition region is defined from the dense pattern to the isolated pattern. The photomask further includes a sub-resolution rod (SRR) formed on the substrate, disposed in the transition region, and connected with the first IC feature.
Abstract:
A material for use in lithography processing includes a polymer that turns soluble to a base solution in response to reaction with acid and a plurality of magnetically amplified generators (MAGs) each having a magnetic element and each decomposing to form acid bonded with the magnetic element in response to radiation energy.
Abstract:
A photomask including a main feature, corresponding to an integrated circuit feature, and a sub-resolution assist feature (SRAF) is provided. A first imaginary line tangential with a first edge of the main feature and a second imaginary line tangential with the second edge of the main feature define an area adjacent the main feature. A center point of the SRAF lies within this area. The SRAF may be a symmetrical feature. In an embodiment, the center point of the SRAF lies on an imaginary line extending at approximately 45-degree angle from a corner of a main feature.