Achieving a critical dimension target based on resist characteristics
    11.
    发明授权
    Achieving a critical dimension target based on resist characteristics 有权
    实现基于抗蚀剂特性的关键尺寸目标

    公开(公告)号:US09329471B1

    公开(公告)日:2016-05-03

    申请号:US14533497

    申请日:2014-11-05

    Abstract: Achieving a critical dimension target for a feature based on characteristics of a resist is facilitated. Mask data is established for fabricating a lithographic mask to expose different regions of a resist to high, low, and intermediate exposure levels. The resist is configured to exhibit high solubility when exposed to the high or low exposure level, and low solubility when exposed to the intermediate exposure level. A critical dimension for a region of the resist to be exposed to the intermediate exposure level is determined, and the mask data is established to indicate opaque regions for forming on the lithographic mask. The opaque regions are arrayed to facilitate exposing the region of the resist to the intermediate exposure level, to achieve the determined critical dimension. Further, a method is provided for forming in-situ a patterned mask from a mask layer above a substrate material.

    Abstract translation: 实现基于抗蚀剂特性的特征的关键尺寸目标。 建立掩模数据用于制造光刻掩模以将抗蚀剂的不同区域暴露于高,低和中等曝光水平。 抗蚀剂被配置为当暴露于高或低曝光水平时表现出高溶解度,并且当暴露于中等曝光水平时具有低溶解度。 确定抗蚀剂暴露于中间曝光水平的区域的关键尺寸,并且建立掩模数据以指示用于在光刻掩模上形成的不透明区域。 排列不透明区域以便于将抗蚀剂的区域暴露于中间曝光水平,以获得确定的临界尺寸。 此外,提供了一种用于从衬底材料上方的掩模层原位形成图案化掩模的方法。

    Overlay control with corrections for lens aberrations

    公开(公告)号:US10809633B1

    公开(公告)日:2020-10-20

    申请号:US16561702

    申请日:2019-09-05

    Abstract: Structures for detecting and correcting an overlay inaccuracy and methods of detecting and correcting an overlay inaccuracy. An overlay target includes a first plurality of features arranged along a first longitudinal axis in a first line-space pattern having a first line width, and a second plurality of features arranged along a second longitudinal axis in a second line-space pattern having a second line width that is less than the first line width. The second longitudinal axis is aligned substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

    Self-referencing and self-calibrating interference pattern overlay measurement

    公开(公告)号:US10705435B2

    公开(公告)日:2020-07-07

    申请号:US15869150

    申请日:2018-01-12

    Abstract: Two pairs of alignment targets (one aligned, one misaligned by a bias distance) are formed on different masks to produce a first pair of conjugated interference patterns. Other pairs of alignment targets are also formed on the masks to produce a second pair of conjugated interference patterns that are inverted the first. Misalignment of the dark and light regions of the first interference patterns and the second interference patterns in both pairs of conjugated interference patterns is determined when patterns formed using the masks are overlaid. A magnification factor (of the interference pattern misalignment to the target misalignment) is calculated as a ratio of the difference of misalignment of the relatively dark and relatively light regions in the pairs of interference patterns, over twice the bias distance. The interference pattern misalignment is divided by the magnification factor to produce a self-referenced and self-calibrated target misalignment amount, which is then output.

    Alternating space decomposition in circuit structure fabrication

    公开(公告)号:US09606432B2

    公开(公告)日:2017-03-28

    申请号:US14533464

    申请日:2014-11-05

    CPC classification number: G03F7/0035 G03F7/094 G03F7/2024 G03F7/203

    Abstract: Fabrication of a circuit structure is facilitated, in which a first exposure of a multi-layer structure is performed using a first mask, which defines positioning of at least one edge of an element to be formed above a substrate of the multi-layer structure. A second exposure of the multi-layer structure is performed using a second mask, which defines positioning of at least one other edge of the element. At least some material of the multi-layer structure is removed using, at least in part, the defined positioning of the at least one edge and the at least one other edges of the element, to form the element above the substrate. In some examples, multiple elements are formed, the multiple elements being hardmask elements to facilitate an etch process to etch a substrate material.

    Overlay metrology system and method
    16.
    发明授权
    Overlay metrology system and method 有权
    覆盖计量系统和方法

    公开(公告)号:US09329495B2

    公开(公告)日:2016-05-03

    申请号:US14084676

    申请日:2013-11-20

    CPC classification number: G03F7/70633

    Abstract: Overlay metrology systems are provided which include, for instance: a first metrology pattern including at least two first pairs of sub-patterns, at least one sub-pattern lacking 90 degree rotational symmetry, and a first center position for the first metrology pattern being determinable in an X-Y coordinate layout from the at least two first pairs of sub-patterns; and a second metrology including at least two second pairs of sub-patterns, at least one sub-pattern lacking 90 degree rotational symmetry, and a second center position for the second metrology pattern being determinable in the X-Y coordinate layout from the at least two second pairs of sub-patterns. Methods of making overlay metrology systems are also provided, which include, for instance, providing a first metrology pattern and a second metrology pattern, and arranging the metrology patterns in relation to each other within the X-Y coordinate layout.

    Abstract translation: 提供覆盖度量系统,其包括例如:包括至少两个第一对子图案的第一计量图案,缺少90度旋转对称的至少一个子图案,以及用于第一计量模式的第一中心位置是可确定的 在来自所述至少两个第一对子图案的XY坐标布局中; 以及第二计量学,其包括至少两个第二对子图案,至少一个缺少90度旋转对称的子图案,以及用于所述第二计量图案的第二中心位置可以在所述XY坐标布局中从所述至少两个第二 一对子模式。 还提供了制作覆盖计量系统的方法,其包括例如提供第一计量模式和第二计量模式,以及在X-Y坐标布局内彼此相关地布置计量模式。

    SELF-REFERENCING AND SELF-CALIBRATING INTERFERENCE PATTERN OVERLAY MEASUREMENT

    公开(公告)号:US20200241429A1

    公开(公告)日:2020-07-30

    申请号:US16847721

    申请日:2020-04-14

    Abstract: Two pairs of alignment targets (one aligned, one misaligned by a bias distance) are formed on different masks to produce a first pair of conjugated interference patterns. Other pairs of alignment targets are also formed on the masks to produce a second pair of conjugated interference patterns that are inverted the first. Misalignment of the dark and light regions of the first interference patterns and the second interference patterns in both pairs of conjugated interference patterns is determined when patterns formed using the masks are overlaid. A magnification factor (of the interference pattern misalignment to the target misalignment) is calculated as a ratio of the difference of misalignment of the relatively dark and relatively light regions in the pairs of interference patterns, over twice the bias distance. The interference pattern misalignment is divided by the magnification factor to produce a self-referenced and self-calibrated target misalignment amount, which is then output.

    Overlay structures
    18.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US10483214B2

    公开(公告)日:2019-11-19

    申请号:US15860775

    申请日:2018-01-03

    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to overlay structures and methods of manufacture. The method includes locating a first plurality of offset dummy features in a first layer; locating a second plurality of offset dummy features in a second layer; measuring a distance between the first plurality of offset dummy features and the second plurality of offset dummy features; and determining that the first layer or the second layer is shifted with respect to one another based on the measurement.

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