Topological and model based approach to pitch decomposition for double patterning

Peter Nikolsky; Natalia Davydova; Ronald Goossens

doi:10.1117/12.798518

2 May 2008 Topological and model based approach to pitch decomposition for double patterning

Peter Nikolsky, Natalia Davydova, Ronald Goossens

Proceedings Volume 6792, 24th European Mask and Lithography Conference; 679205 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.798518
Event: 24th European Mask and Lithography Conference, 2008, Dresden, Germany

Abstract

Double Patterning (DP) is one of the main enabling technologies for expanding Photolithography beyond 40nm technology node. Geometrical pitch split is the core of DP. It is known and reviewed in this paper that not all sub-resolution layouts can be successfully split to two DP masks, so a method for early Design for Manufacturability (DfM) check is strongly required. New accurate, efficient and Litho-aware methods for DP also minimize number of split errors and "false alarms" typical for Rule-Based Mask Data Preparation for Double Patterning. In this paper we proposed the topological approach (Model assisted Topological Rules Check, MTRC) to the pitch decomposition for Double Patterning based on Litho process modeling and real Litho resolution of a process. This method allows to find features below a resolution limit of a process and automatically sort them between DP-friendly and DP-unfriendly (DfM check for requiring redesign, "native conflicts", NC) cases. MTRC helps to improve DP-unfriendly designs in optimal way at early stage and avoid costly feedback loops. The second part of the paper explains the Model based DP pitch decomposition algorithm based on layout printability. It performs accurate and efficient split of various patterns with k1<0.25 to two masks with k1>0.25 as an integrated part of the Mask Data Preparation flow. The developed algorithm of Model based DP pitch decomposition allows error-free split of patterns below the resolution limit of the Litho system to two DP masks with sufficient printability confirmed by simulations and MTRC. The analysis of performance of the complex MB DP split approach mentioned above was performed on a selection of clips representing generic designs and typical Flash, DRAM, SRAM and Logic polygon shapes.

Citation Download Citation

Peter Nikolsky, Natalia Davydova, and Ronald Goossens "Topological and model based approach to pitch decomposition for double patterning", Proc. SPIE 6792, 24th European Mask and Lithography Conference, 679205 (2 May 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.798518

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available