One of the most crucial tasks for under 90nm IC is the small contact holes. Traditional model-based OPC is not effective and
doesn't cover the process window regarding side-lobe at all. Although there are some novel approaches which have shown good
performances, most of them focus on single size contact hole. Actually, there are much more challenges and difficulties to be
implanted them on random size contact holes which have various hole sizes in such high 2-D MEEF condition. In consideration of
manufacturability, the combination of off-axis, high NA and sub resolution assist features (SRAFs) is still the better candidate to
improve process window of contact hole at 65nm generation. But, even that, the implementation of OPC of this combination still
needs new concepts and methodologies involved. The reason is that both of random sizes and arbitrary locations really create a lot of
difficulties coming from the conflictive placement of SRAFs and side-lobe for various hole sizes and pitches. Moreover, process
window of various pitches are strongly affected by SRAFs rules and side-lobe. Therefore, in order to build a more complete OPC
model, the OPC model needs special treatment and procedure together with the consideration of design rule and hybrid OPC
handling. This study will depict the whole concept and design avoiding the blocks of model-based OPC treatment and build a
working flow for OPC SRAF adding.
Mask Error Enhancement Factor(MEEF) has recently become an important topic in determining requirements of process. MEEF is the ratio of the CD range on the wafer and the expected CD range due to the mask. It indicates that mask CD errors are in effect magnified during the optical transfer to the wafer. The resolution capability of a optical system is given by Rayleigh’s criterions: Resolution=k1*λ/NA, where λ is the wavelength of the light used and NA is defined as the sine of the maximum half angle(α) of diffracted light which can enter the lens. The k1 resolution-scaling factor (k1=CD*NA/λ) is a practical measure for expressing imaging feasibility of a given optical system. It is a important parameter and direct proportion to resolution requirement. For driving critical CD dimension contraction bellow 0.11μm, lower k1 factor is needed.
In this work we use strong OAI (Quasar 90° ) to push k1 reach 0.29 by KrF exposure tool and analysis the MEEF value on 90nm generation. The simulation result shows the predicted MEEF value is close to 9 while using KrF to 90nm resolution and real MEEF value from exposuring Line/Space pattern on wafer data is 6.2. In such high MEEF process, it is very important to control mask CD accuracy. We bring up a test pattern of serial combinations with different Line/Space dimension with the same pitch size to reduce the mask array CD variation. Finally, we compare the process window (PW) between equal and nonequal Line/Space situation. The process window can be improved 18% while line width extends from 90nm to 95nm at fixed pitch 180nm.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
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.