IntenCD: mask critical dimension variation mapping

Amir Sagiv; Netanel Polonsky; Oren Boiman; Lior Shoval; Michael Ben-Yishai; Shmoolik Mangan

doi:10.1117/12.793103

19 May 2008 IntenCD: mask critical dimension variation mapping

Amir Sagiv, Netanel Polonsky, Oren Boiman, Lior Shoval, Michael Ben-Yishai, Shmoolik Mangan

Proceedings Volume 7028, Photomask and Next-Generation Lithography Mask Technology XV; 70282X (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.793103
Event: Photomask and NGL Mask Technology XV, 2008, Yokohama, Japan

Abstract

The aerial images of modern photomasks are highly susceptible to CD errors, owing to the high MEEF values characteristic of the low-k₁ regime. The requirement for tight wafer CD control thus places stringent constraints on mask errors. Nevertheless, multiple physical variations of the mask parameters can lead to the same aerial CD error. We introduce IntenCD^TM, a novel, fast and precise CD variation mapping application running on Applied Materials' aerial image inspection tools. The IntenCD application generates a high-precision map of the CD variation, and allows tighter control of mask manufacturing process and qualification, without loss of precision compared to slow, discrete measurement tools such as CD SEM, but with a higher throughput, while offering complete mask coverage and higher measurement definition. We study and provide the theoretical basis to the IntenCD application. We analyze image formation of dense, repetitive mask patterns under aerial imaging conditions and show, analytically and numerically (through a series of simulations), that for a small perturbation of the nominal physical mask parameters, the relative variation of the average aerial intensity scales linearly with the relative aerial CD error. This linear relation, unique to aerial imaging mask inspection, is independent of the physical source of the variation and of the mask design pitch. Our results imply that a robust aerial intensity measurement can detect sub-nm aerial CD variations. We discuss some practical problems that have to be addressed to obtain this challenging resolution, and describe in some detail the technological solutions.

Citation Download Citation

Amir Sagiv, Netanel Polonsky, Oren Boiman, Lior Shoval, Michael Ben-Yishai, and Shmoolik Mangan "IntenCD: mask critical dimension variation mapping", Proc. SPIE 7028, Photomask and Next-Generation Lithography Mask Technology XV, 70282X (19 May 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.793103

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