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17 October 2008AIMS-45 image validation of contact hole patterns after inverse lithography at NA 1.35
The AIMSTM-45, when used in scanner mode, can emulate image intensity as seen in resist on the wafer at scanner
illumination conditions. We show that this feature makes AIMSTM-45 well-suited to analyze patterns treated with
inverse lithography. We have used an inverse lithography technique by Mentor Graphics, to treat a random contact hole
layout (drawn at minimal pitch 115nm) for imaging at NA 1.35. The combination of the dense 115nm pitch and available
NA of 1.35 makes Quasar illumination necessary, and the inverse lithography treatment automatically generated optimal
(model-based) Assist Features (AF) for all geometries in the design. The mask, after inverse lithography treatment, has
CH patterns with numerous AF of different sizes and orientations, and is a challenge for both mask making and mask
qualification. We have analyzed the inverse lithography masks with the model-based AF using an AIMSTM-45 aerial
image measurement tool, and compare the results of the AIMSTM-45 to wafer data obtained after exposure on an ASML
XT:1900i. A first benefit of AIMTM-45 is that the most meaningful quantity (image in resist) is generated without the
intermediate steps of doing multiple reticle SEM measurements followed by extensive simulation. A second point of
interest is that the AIMSTM-45 generates image intensities, which allows a direct validation of the intensity-driven
inverse litho conversion. Both features prove the value of the AIMSTM-45 for analyzing inverse litho masks and
geometries.
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E. Hendrickx, R. Birkner, M. Kempsell, A. Tritchkov, G. Vandenberghe, T. Scheruebl, "AIMS-45 image validation of contact hole patterns after inverse lithography at NA 1.35," Proc. SPIE 7122, Photomask Technology 2008, 71221E (17 October 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.801559