Abstract:
One embodiment relates to a method for semiconductor workpiece processing. In this method, a baseline tool induced shift (TIS) is measured by performing a baseline number of TIS measurements on a first semiconductor workpiece. After the baseline TIS has been determined, the method determines a subsequent TIS based on a subsequent number of TIS measurements taken on a first subsequent semiconductor workpiece. The subsequent number of TIS measurements is less than the baseline number of TIS measurements.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a lithographic tool arrangement for semiconductor workpiece processing. The lithographic tool arrangement groups lithographic tools into clusters, and selectively transfers a semiconductor workpiece between a plurality of lithographic tools of a first type in a first cluster to a plurality of lithographic tools of a second type in a second cluster. The selective transfer is achieved though a transfer assembly, which is coupled to a defect scan tool that identifies defects generated in the lithographic tool of the first type. The disclosed lithographic tool arrangement also utilizes shared structural elements such as a housing assembly, and shared functional elements such as gases and chemicals. The lithographic tool arrangement may consist of baking, coating, exposure, and development units configured to provide a modularization of these various components in order to optimize throughput and efficiency for a given lithographic fabrication process.
Abstract:
System and method for improving immersion scanner overlay performance are described. One embodiment is a method of improving overlay performance of an photolithography immersion scanner including a wafer table having lens cooling water (“LCW”) disposed in a water channel therein, the wafer table having an input for receiving the LCW into the water channel and an output for expelling the LCW from the water channel. The method includes providing a water tank that connects to at least one of the wafer table input and the wafer table output; monitoring a pressure of water in the water tank; and maintaining the pressure of the water in the water tank at a predetermined level.
Abstract:
A wafer edge exposure unit comprises a chuck for supporting a wafer. The chuck is rotatable about a central axis. A plurality of light sources are positioned or movably positionable with a common radial distance from the axis of the rotatable chuck, each light source configured to direct exposure light on a respective edge portion of the wafer simultaneously.
Abstract:
Detecting haze formation on a mask by obtaining an optical property of the mask and determining progress of the haze formation based on the obtained optical property.
Abstract:
A method for improving critical dimension of a substrate is provided. Manufacturing data of a plurality of critical dimension deviations corresponding to a plurality of areas on the substrate is collected. A plurality of sensitivity data corresponding to the plurality of areas is also collected. A plurality of exposure dosage offsets corresponding to the plurality of areas are calculated based on the plurality of critical dimension deviations and the plurality of sensitivity data.
Abstract:
A patterned silicon nitride layer formed over a semiconductor integrated circuit wafer having a layer of pad oxide is often used as a mask for subsequent processing steps. Etching of the silicon nitride layer is difficult to control and can create defects in the pad oxide layer which are difficult to detect before the manufacture of the semiconductor integrated circuit wafer is completed. A method is described using potassium hydroxide treatment and scanning electron microscope evaluation of a test wafer for detection of defects at the silicon nitride etching step. Continued processing of defective wafers can be terminated and the silicon nitride etching step can be controlled using this method.
Abstract:
A target droplet source for an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) source includes a droplet generator configured to generate target droplets of a given material. The droplet generator includes a nozzle configured to supply the target droplets in a space enclosed by a chamber. In some embodiments, a nozzle tube is arranged within the nozzle of the droplet generator, and the nozzle tube includes a structured nozzle pattern configured to provide an angular momentum to the target droplets.
Abstract:
An apparatus for selectively heating/cooling one or more substrates and establishing an approximately uniform temperature in the one or more substrates during a heating or cooling event is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rotatable hot/cold plate onto which the one or more substrates are placed and a heating/cooling element disposed in close proximity to the rotatable hot/cold plate for selectively elevating/lowering the temperature of the one or more substrates.
Abstract:
One embodiment relates to a method for semiconductor workpiece processing. In this method, a baseline tool induced shift (TIS) is measured by performing a baseline number of TIS measurements on a first semiconductor workpiece. After the baseline TIS has been determined, the method determines a subsequent TIS based on a subsequent number of TIS measurements taken on a first subsequent semiconductor workpiece. The subsequent number of TIS measurements is less than the baseline number of TIS measurements.