This paper describes the qualification work performed on a state-of-the-art immersion cluster and shows results for an
immersion process for the 45nm node. These results demonstrate full compliance with all lithographic parameters,
including CD control and defectivity. Qualification was performed on an RF3iTM wafer track from Sokudo Co., Ltd. and
a 1.2NA immersion scanner. A three-layer material stack was engineered using 820Å BARC / 1800Å ArF photoresist
covered by 900Å immersion top-coat.
After verification of tool and process cleanliness and testing the robustness of the material stack for use in the immersion
scanner, resulting photo cell monitor (PCM) defect density on a 65nm memory device was evaluated.
Critical dimension was verified using both CD-SEM and optical CD metrology. Results on a 45nm L/S pattern showed
0.55nm WIW 3sigma CD uniformity using optical CD metrology. Lot to lot CD control was tested for being below
1.5nm 3sigma. As special Soak-units were used prior to post exposure bake (PEB), the influence of post exposure delay
(PED) on the CD performance was studied and quantified.
All immersion-related modules were optimized and qualified on both 65nm products and 45nm prototypes. Additionally,
comparison data for immersion and dry lithography will be presented.
This study reports on stain defect reduction on KrF, ArF and Immersion resist system. Stain defects that appear after
develop are a common problem with i-line, KrF, ArF and ArF-immersion resists. Last year we reported a reduction of
this type of defect by optimizing the developer process. However, that optimized process used a long rinse time, and this
negatively impacts throughput.
In this work, we designed a novel develop process that reduced stain defects on the resist. Previous work showed that
stain defect formation was mainly governed by the develop process conditions. Hence, in this work we focused on
develop system improvements. On this system we identified the process both significantly reduced stain defect count
and used a shorter develop process time. In addition to reducing defect count, we identified the mechanism of reduction
of the stain defect. This was done by analyzing the composition of the defect.
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