EUV Photomask Reflection Correction for Pattern Dimension Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current EUV lithography processes face challenges in accurately correcting the pattern dimensions of reflective masks due to insufficient change in the reflection coefficient of the absorber layer, leading to inaccuracies in pattern correction and reduced semiconductor device manufacturing yield.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to generate a reflection correction coefficient map by dividing the mask region into subregions, calculating reflection correction values based on dimensional differences, and adjusting the reflection coefficient of each reflective layer region accordingly, allowing for precise correction of the absorber pattern dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the transmittance of quartz substrate is changed to correct pattern dimensions, then the pattern dimensions of transparent mask can be corrected, but the reflection coefficient of reflective mask cannot be sufficiently changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern dimension correction accuracyVSAvoidreflection coefficient adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by dividing the mask plane into multiple subregions and assigning different reflection correction coefficients to each subregion based on local dimensional differences. This allows the reflection coefficient to be locally adjusted in specific areas where dimensional corrections are needed, rather than uniformly across the entire mask. The absorber pattern's reflection coefficient is modified locally to achieve accurate pattern dimension correction while maintaining adaptability across different regions of the mask.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed rule based on dimensional difference is used to adjust transmittance change, then the process is simple, but the pattern dimensions of reflective mask cannot be corrected accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidpattern dimension correction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the reflection correction coefficient based on the specific dimensional difference in each subregion. Instead of using a fixed rule, the correction coefficient is varied as a parameter to match the local dimensional requirements. This allows accurate correction of pattern dimensions by changing the reflection coefficient parameter according to the measured dimensional differences, achieving both precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the absorber pattern dimension is measured and compared to design value, then the dimensional difference can be identified, but the reflection coefficient distribution across the mask plane cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorber pattern dimension measurementVSAvoidreflection coefficient distribution information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using the measured dimensional differences of the absorber pattern as input to calculate and determine the appropriate reflection correction coefficients for each subregion. The measurement results feed back into the correction process, where the dimensional information is converted into reflection coefficient distribution information. This feedback mechanism ensures that the reflection coefficient distribution is accurately determined based on actual measurement data, preventing information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7906257B2Photomask manufacturing method and semiconductor device manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2011.03.15 KIOXIA CORP
  • US7906257B2 patent drawing
  • US7906257B2 patent drawing
  • US7906257B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A photomask manufacturing method. A pattern dimensional map is generated by preparing a photomask in which a reflective layer formed on a substrate and an absorber pattern is formed on the layer. A reflection correction coefficient map is generated by dividing a mask region, where the absorber pattern is formed, into a plurality of subregions, and determining a reflection correction coefficient for each subregion. The reflection correction value of each subregion is calculated based on the dimensional difference indicated in the pattern dimensional map and the reflection correction coefficient of each subregion. A reflection coefficient of each reflective layer region corresponding to each subregion is changed based on the reflection correction value.