As optical lithography is extended into 10nm and below nodes, advanced designs are becoming a key challenge for mask manufacturers. Techniques including advanced Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) and Inverse Lithography Technology (ILT) result in structures that pose a range of issues across the mask manufacturing process. Among the new challenges are continued shrinking Sub-Resolution Assist Features (SRAFs), curvilinear SRAFs, and other complex mask geometries that are counter-intuitive relative to the desired wafer pattern. Considerable capability improvements over current mask making methods are necessary to meet the new requirements particularly regarding minimum feature resolution and pattern fidelity. Advanced processes using the IMS Multi-beam Mask Writer (MBMW) are feasible solutions to these coming challenges. In this paper, we study one such process, characterizing mask manufacturing capability of 10nm and below structures with particular focus on minimum resolution and pattern fidelity.
As optical lithography is extended into 10nm and below nodes, advanced designs are becoming a key challenge for mask
manufacturers. Techniques including advanced optical proximity correction (OPC) and Inverse Lithography
Technology (ILT) result in structures that pose a range of issues across the mask manufacturing process. Among the
new challenges are continued shrinking sub-resolution assist features (SRAFs), curvilinear SRAFs, and other complex
mask geometries that are counter-intuitive relative to the desired wafer pattern. Considerable capability improvements
over current mask making methods are necessary to meet the new requirements particularly regarding minimum feature
resolution and pattern fidelity. Advanced processes using the IMS Multi-beam Mask Writer (MBMW) are feasible
solutions to these coming challenges. In this paper, Part 2 of our study, we further characterize an MBMW process for
10nm and below logic node mask manufacturing including advanced pattern analysis and write time demonstration.
Reticles for manufacturing upcoming 10nm and 7nm Logic devices will become very complex, no matter whether 193nm water immersion lithography will continue as main stream production path or EUV lithography will be able to take over volume production of critical layers for the 7nm node. The economic manufacturing of future masks for 193i, EUV and imprint lithography with further increasing complexity drives the need for multi-beam mask writing as this technology can overcome the influence of complexity on write time of today’s common variable shape beam writers. Local registration of the multi-beam array is a critical component which greatly differs from variable shape beam systems. In this paper we would like to present the local registration performance of the IMS Multi-Beam Mask Writer system and the metrology tools that enable the characterization optimization.
The Critical Dimension Uniformity (CDU) specification on photomasks continues to decrease with each successive node.
The ITRS roadmap for optical masks indicates that the CDU (3 sigma) for dense lines on binary or attenuated phase shift
mask is 3.4nm for the 45nm half-pitch (45HP) node and will decrease to 2.4nm for the 32HP node. The current
capability of leading-edge mask shop patterning processes results in CDU variation across the photomask of a similar
magnitude.
Hence, we are entering a phase where the mask CDU specification is approaching the limit of the capability of the
current Process of Record (POR). Mask shops have started exploring more active mechanisms to improve the CDU
capability of the mask process. A typical application is feeding back the CDU data to adjust the mask writer dose to
compensate for non-uniformity in the CDs, resulting in improved quality of subsequent masks. Mask makers are
currently using the CD-SEM tool for this application. While the resolution of SEM data ensures its position as the
industry standard and continued requirement to establish the photomask CD Mean to Target value, a dense measurement
of CDs across the reticle with minimal cycle time impact would have value.
In this paper, we describe the basic theory and application of a new, reticle inspection intensity-based CDU approach
that has the advantage of dense sampling over larger areas on the mask. The TeraScanHR high NA reticle inspection
system is used in this study; it can scan the entire reticle at relatively high throughput, and is ideally suited for collecting
dense CDU data. We describe results obtained on advanced memory masks and discuss applications of CDU maps for
optimizing the mask manufacturing process. A reticle inspection map of CDU is complementary to CD-SEM data. The
dense data set has value for various applications, including feedback to mask writer and engineering analysis within the
mask shop.
The authors are reporting on the comparison of various industry methods of managing, controlling and limiting haze
growth on 193nm reticles. This comparison includes reporting on the results from the Reticle Haze Treatment (RigHT)
process developed at Micron / Photronics Mask Technology Center and transferred to Photronics, Inc. This process
provides 193nm PSM reticles that have shown no haze growth after excessive wafer exposures and are usable for the life
of the reticle.
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