Mitsuyo Kariya

Beam induced deposition of an ultraviolet transparent silicon oxide film by focused gallium ion beam

We have deposited a silicon oxide (SiOx) film with a high optical transmittance in the DUV region by a focused ion beam induced deposition technique using a gallium ion beam and a mixture of oxygen and TMCTS(1,3,5,7‐tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane) as a source gas. The optical transmittance of a 0.3 μm thick film is higher than 90% at the wavelength of 250 nm. The transmittance of the deposited SiOx film depends on both the source gas and ion beam irradiation conditions. A scaling to explain the transmittance along with the ion beam conditions is proposed.

Mask pattern quality assurance based on lithography simulation with fine pixel SEM image

We evaluated the accuracy of the simulation based on mask edge extraction for mask pattern quality assurance. Edge extraction data were obtained from SEM images by use of TOPCON UR-6080 in which high resolution (pixel size of 2nm) and fine pixel SEM image (8000 x 8000 pixels) acquisition is possible. The repeatability of the edge extraction and its impact on wafer image simulation were studied for a normal 1D CD prediction and an edge placement error prediction. The reliability of the simulation was studied by comparing with actual experimental exposure results with an ArF scanner. In the normal 1D CD prediction, we successfully obtained good repeatability and reliability. In 65nm node, we can predict a wafer CD with the accuracy of less than 1 nm using the simulation based on mask edge extraction. In the edge placement error prediction mode, the simulation accuracy is ~5 nm including edge extraction repeatability and the uncertainty of lithography simulation model. The simulation with edge extraction more accurately predicts the resist pattern at line-end in which the actual mask pattern may be varied from the mask target (CAD) than a conventional simulation in which CAD is used as a mask pattern. This result supports the view that the wafer simulation with edge extraction is useful for mask pattern quality assurance because it can consider actual mask pattern shape.

Silicon oxide deposition using a gallium-focused ion beam

Experiments concerning silicon oxide deposition using a focused ion beam were carried out in order to apply silicon oxide as insulator in integrated circuit modification. Silicon oxide film was formed using a 25-keV gallium focused ion beam with a mixed gas of 1.3.5.7- tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane and oxygen. The deposited film consisted of mainly silicon and oxygen, which was analyzed by micro-Auger electron spectroscopy. It also contained 5 percent gallium, but carbon content was below noise level. The ratio of silicon to oxygen was 1 to 2. It was found that carbon content depended on oxygen used as deposition source gas. The resistivities of the eight deposited silicon oxide films were measured. The resistivities wer 28-79 M(Omega) cm at 5 volts and these values did not change significantly even after the samples were left in a room for three months. It was determined that it will be possible to use deposited silicon oxide for integrated circuit modification.

Evaluation of lithography simulation model accuracy for hotspot-based mask quality assurance

Mask topography has effects on important components of optical image formation at 45nm node and beyond, and therefore, the lithography simulation model required for hotspot-based mask quality assurance has to incorporate mask topography effects. Since calculation of mask topography effects involves physical phenomena different from those encountered in resist processes, we propose the concept of the mask & resist dual fitting method that splits the general experimental model into the experimental resist model and the experimental mask model. To realize mask & resist dual fitting, we have developed an experimental mask model, namely, the mask topography approximate model. The mask & resist dual fitting method can improve model fitting accuracy and improve prediction accuracy at hotspots.

Reticle SEM specifications required for lithography simulation

We investigated the specifications of scanning electron microscope required for the lithography simulation based on the edge data extracted from an actual reticle pattern in the assurance of reticle pattern in which two-dimensional optical proximity correction is applied. Impacts of field of view, positioning error and image distortion on a lithography simulation were studied experimentally. For the reticle pattern assurance in hp90, the field of view of larger than 16 μm squares, the positioning error within +/- 1 μm and the magnification error of less than 0.3% are needed. Under these conditions, wafer image can be predicted with sufficient accuracy by the simulation.

Hotspot management in which mask fabrication errors are considered

Hotspot management in low k1 lithography is essential for the achievement of high yield in the manufacture of devices. We have developed a mask quality assurance system with hotspot management based on lithography simulation with SEM image edge extraction of actual mask patterns. However, there are issues concerning this hotspot management from the viewpoint of hotspot sampling and turnaround time. To solve these problems, we modify the mask quality assurance system by introducing dynamic adaptive sampling in which hotspots are sampled depending on actual mask fabrication quality. As a result, producers and consumers risks are efficiently reduced, and TAT for mask inspection is also reduced.