A method and apparatus for providing correction for microloading effects is described. Hybrid proximity correction techniques are used to make the problem computationally more feasible. More specifically, feature edges in a layout can be grouped into those edges, or edge segments, with a large edge separation (group B), e.g. greater than n, and those having less than that separation (group A). The group B features can then be corrected for microloading effects rapidly using rules based correction. Then both groups of edges can be corrected using model based optical proximity correction using the output of the rule based correction as the ideal, or reference, layout.

Microloading effect correction

Aspects of the present invention provide for a novel photomask for patterning features for an integrated circuit, the photomask including masked features having interior nonprinting windows. In some embodiments, the interior nonprinting window is an alternating phase shifter, while the area surrounding the masked features transmits light unshifted. In other embodiments, the interior nonprinting window transmits light unshifted, while the area surrounding the masked features is an alternating phase shifter. Thus any arrangement of features can be patterned with no phase conflict.

Photomask features with interior nonprinting window using alternating phase shifting

Techniques are provided for extending the use of phase shift techniques to implementation of masks used for complex layouts in the layers of integrated circuits, beyond selected critical dimension features such as transistor gates to which such structures have been limited in the past. The method includes identifying features for which phase shifting can be applied, automatically mapping the phase shifting regions for implementation of such features, resolving phase conflicts which might occur according to a given design rule, and application of sub-resolution assist features within phase shift regions and optical proximity correction features to phase shift regions. Both opaque field phase shift masks and complementary binary masks defining interconnect structures and other types of structures that are not defined using phase shifting, necessary for completion of the layout of the layer are produced.

Phase shift masking for complex patterns

The advent of mask topography simulation has made possible not only the investigation of the effects of scattering from the mask on the aerial image quality, but also allows a search for mask configurations that produce the desired results. In this work, we first provide studies of the effective phase in a phase-shifting mask by varying both the relative subtractive etch depth in the quartz (corresponding to the Kirchhoff phase difference) and the etch bias (dual trench depth). Ultimately, the sensitivity of the resist linewidth with respect to the effective phase error takes on a critical importance in production, and one may desire to know how to alter a given mask in order to eliminate undesired effects from such errors. A design methodology that takes these issues into account employing a mask topography simulator and a lithography simulator is the end result of this study and is illustrated using an example taken from sub-130 nm lithography.

Design and analysis of manufacturable alternating phase-shifting masks

Methods and apparatuses for preparing layouts and masks that use phase shifting to enable production of subwavelength features on an integrated circuit in close (optical) proximity to other structures are described. One embodiment selects from several strategies for resolving conflicts between phase shifters used to define features and (optically) proximate structures that are being defined other than by phase shifting. One embodiment adds additional phase shifters to define the conflicting structures. Another embodiment optically corrects the shape of the phase shifters in proximity to a conflicting structure. Resulting integrated circuits can include a greater number of subwavelength features even in areas that are in close proximity to structures that were not initially identified for production using a phase shifting mask.

Alternating phase shift mask design conflict resolution

One method for making the alternating phase-shift mask involves cutting a trench into the quartz of the mask using an anisotropic dry etch, followed by an isotropic etch to move the corners of the trench underneath the chrome to minimize problems caused by diffraction at the bottom corners of the phase-trench. This manufacturing method makes the addition of subresolution scattering bars and serifs problematic, because the amount of the undercut causes chrome lifting of these small features. Adding an additional anisotropically etched trench to both cut and uncut regions is helpful, but the etch does not move the trench corners under the chrome and result in a loss to intensity and image contrast. At 248 nm illumination and 4X magnification, our work shows that a combination of 240 nm dual-trench and 5 nm to 10 nm undercut produces images with equal intensity between shifted and unshifted regions without loss of image contrasts. This paper demonstrates optical proximity correction for doing 100 nm, 120 nm, 140 nm and 180 nm lines of varying pitch for a simple alternating phase-shift mask, with no dual-trench or undercut. Then the electromagnetic field simulator, TEMPEST, is used to find the best combination of dual-trench depth and amount of undercut for an alternating phase-shift mask. Phase measurement using 248 nm light and depth measurement of thirty-six unique combinations of dual-trench and phase-shift trench are shown. Based on modeling and experimental results, recommendations for making a fine tuned dual-trench 248 nm mask, as well as an extension of the dual-trench alternating phase-shift technique to 193 nm lithography, are made.

Susumu Takeuchi

Papers

Designing dual-trench alternating phase-shift masks for 140-nm and smaller features using 248-nm KrF and 193-nm ArF lithography

The Transition and Latest Technology of Dryer Fabric