Abstract:
A method of generating a model for simulating the imaging performance of an optical imaging system. The method includes the steps of defining the optical imaging system and a process to be utilized by the optical imaging system; and defining a model equation representing the imaging performance of the optical imaging system and the process, where the model equation includes a resist performance component, and the resist performance component includes a non-linear model of the resist performance.
Abstract:
Methods for etching devices used for lithography. In one aspect, a method includes etching, in a single etch, a first region and a second region on a substrate. The first region is to attenuate an intensity of the zero diffraction order of a radiation for patterning of a microelectronic device to a first extent. The second region is to attenuate the intensity of the zero diffraction order of the radiation to a second extent. The second extent being sufficiently different from the first extent to improve a quality of the patterned microelectronic device.
Abstract:
An extreme (EUV) lithography system includes optical elements which vary the wavelengths of radiation as a function of the angle of incidence on a mask to maximize the reflected radiation intensity.
Abstract:
A reflective mask is described having non-reflective and reflective regions, where the reflective regions are reflective of a first light that has an inspection wavelength and are reflective of a second light that has a semiconductor processing exposure wavelength. The non-reflective regions are less reflective of the first light and the second light than the reflective regions in order to create: 1) a first image with a contrast greater than 0.210 and that is formed by reflecting the first light off of the reflective mask; and 2) a second image with a contrast greater than 0.750 and that is formed by reflecting the second light off of the reflective mask.
Abstract:
A method of calibrating a simulation model of a photolithography process. The method includes the steps of defining a set of input data; defining a simulation model having model parameters which affect the simulation result produced by the simulation model; performing a first stage calibration process in which the model parameters and alignment parameters are adjusted such that the simulation result is within a first predefined error tolerance; and performing a second stage calibration process in which the alignment parameters are fixed and the model parameters are adjusted such that the simulation result is within a second predefined error tolerance.
Abstract:
A focus monitor on an alternating phase shift mask may include sub-wavelength features which have a depth corresponding to an etch depth of primary features on the mask (e.g., a 180° etch depth), but which produce an effective phase shift of about 60° to 120°.
Abstract:
A method is described that involves accepting a mask design file input and then simulating the inspection of a mask through an optical channel. The mask design file has patterns. The optical channel corresponds to a mask inspection tool optical channel. The mask is patterned according to the mask design file patterns.
Abstract:
A method of generating a model for simulating the imaging performance of an optical imaging system. The method includes the steps of defining the optical imaging system and a process to be utilized by the optical imaging system; and defining a model equation representing the imaging performance of the optical imaging system and the process, where the model equation includes a resist performance component, and the resist performance component includes a non-linear model of the resist performance.
Abstract:
An extreme (EUV) lithography system includes optical elements which vary the wavelengths of radiation as a function of the angle of incidence on a mask to maximize the reflected radiation intensity.
Abstract:
Systems and techniques for lithography. In one aspect, a method includes producing a microelectronic device by modulating an intensity and a phase of the zero diffraction order of a radiation with a device including subwavelength features having a pitch dimension smaller than one wavelength of the radiation.