The paper presents the use of the Linewidth Bias Monitor (LBM), the critical dimension (CD) uniformity mapping option of the ARIS 2li die-to-database mask inspection system, for incoming quality control (IQC) in the wafer fab. LBM is qualified for this purposes by comparing it's quantitative results with CD measurements. Masks, provided by different commercial vendors, are evaluated based on the LBM maps obtained during mask inspection. Mean-to-target and 3-sigma values are evaluated and compared.
The paper presents the use of the Linewidth Bias Monitor (LBM), the critical dimension (CD) uniformity mapping option of the ArisTM21i die-to-database mask inspection system, for mask process control and incoming quality control (IQC) in the wafer fab. LBM is qualified for this purposes by baselining it with CD measurements. Masks, provided by different commercial vendors, are evaluated based on the LBM maps obtained during mask inspection. Mean-to-target and 3-sigma values are evaluated and compared. The results are presented. In addition, a case, where LBM identified a killer CD variation during IQC is presented.
Kai Peter, Thomas Schaetz, Volodymyr Ordynskyy, Roman Liebe, Martin Verbeek, Gerald Galan, Emanuele Baracchi, Corinne Miramond, Hans-Juergen Brueck, Gerd Scheuring, Thomas Engel, Yair Eran, Karl Sommer, Hans Hartmann
The reduction of wavelength in optical lithography and the use of enhancement techniques like phase shift technology, optical proximity correction (OPC), or off-axis illumination, lead to new specifications for advanced photomasks: a challenge for cost effective mask qualification. `Q-CAP', the Qualification Cluster for Advanced Photomasks, comprising different inspection tools (a photomask defect inspection station, a CD metrology system, a photomask review station and a stepper simulation software tool) was developed to face these new requirements. This paper will show the performance and reliability of quality assessment using the Q-CAP cluster tool for inspection and qualification of photomasks. Special attention is paid to a key issue of mask qualification: the impact of CD deviations, loss of pattern fidelity-- especially for OPC pattern and mask defects on wafer level.
Thomas Schaetz, Hans Hartmann, Kai Peter, Frederic Lalanne, Olivier Maurin, Emanuele Baracchi, Corinne Miramond, Hans-Juergen Brueck, Gerd Scheuring, Thomas Engel, Yair Eran, Karl Sommer
The reduction of wavelength in optical lithography, phase shift technology and optical proximity correction (OPC), requires a rapid increase in cost effective qualification of photomasks. The knowledge about CD variation, loss of pattern fidelity especially for OPC pattern and mask defects concerning the impact on wafer level is becoming a key issue for mask quality assessment. As part of the European Community supported ESPRIT projection 'Q-CAP', a new cluster concept has been developed, which allows the combination of hardware tools as well as software tools via network communication. It is designed to be open for any tool manufacturer and mask hose. The bi-directional network access allows the exchange of all relevant mask data including grayscale images, measurement results, lithography parameters, defect coordinates, layout data, process data etc. and its storage to a SQL database. The system uses SEMI format descriptions as well as standard network hardware and software components for the client server communication. Each tool is used mainly to perform its specific application without using expensive time to perform optional analysis, but the availability of the database allows each component to share the full data ste gathered by all components. Therefore, the cluster can be considered as one single virtual tool. The paper shows the advantage of the cluster approach, the benefits of the tools linked together already, and a vision of a mask house in the near future.
Low-k1 lithography requires enhancement techniques like phase shift and OPC. These techniques impose new and challenging specifications on photomasks. A development to establish means and methods to verify corner rounding, line end shortening, defect printability and the size of jogs, serifs and assist lines in a production worthy manner is based on the assessment of mask production data through a new cluster software tool which combines the output data of a mask defect inspection system, a CD metrology system, an AIMS based mask review station and printing simulation results. Possible definitions of new type photomask quality criteria are discussed and measurement procedures are proposed. As a key application the review of critical features on reticles (OPC, classical defects, contact printability, etc.) at changing stepper conditions ((lambda) , N.A., (sigma) ) is discussed. The concept and the development status of a Photomask Qualification Cluster is presented and early performance results are examined against the target values which are a defect detection sensitivity of 125 nm, optical resolution of 200 nm lines for assist line assessment, CD measurement on lines, contacts and OPC structures with 5 nm repeatability and mask pattern fidelity assessment at printing conditions down to 500 nm lines at reticle level.
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