Ta-Cheng Lien

Global CD uniformity improvement using dose modulation pattern correction of pattern density-dependent and position-dependent errors

The specification of mask global CD uniformity (GCDU) is ever tightening. There is no exception at the 65-nm node. Some of the key contributors affecting GCD non-uniformity is pattern-density effects such as fogging effect from the e-beam writer and macro loading effect from the etcher. In addition, the contributions from position-dependent effects are significant, and these contributions included resist developing, baking, as well as aberrations of the wafer-imaging lens. It is challenging to quantify these effects and even more so to correct them to improve the GCDU. Correction of the fogging and etch loading effects had been reported by various authors. In addition to correction for these effects, we are reporting the position-dependent effects in this paper. Currently, the fogging effect induces 5 nm of CD error and an additional 5~15 nm of CD errors is induced by the etch-loading effect within a 60-mm radius area. We improved the GCDU by pattern-dependent corrections. Using position-dependent dose correction in mask writing, we managed to effectively compensate for intra-field non-uniformity on wafer, which is induced by lens aberrations and illumination non-uniformity.

Quantitative analysis of CD degradation induced by the fogging effect in e-beam lithography

In this paper, a quantitative method to analyze the effective range of fogging effect from massive data is presented. According to the calculated effective range, we use two approaches to correct the pattern-dependent CD error that come from e-beam writing. One is the fogging effect correction(FEC), which uses a Gaussian distributed model to describe FE. Second, we implement dosage modulation based on the assumption that the error caused by FE is linearly proportional to the pattern density of a mask. In summary, we are able to successfully predict the map of CD error for various layouts, and correct the error caused by FE in mask-making.

Investigation and modeling of CPL mask profiles using OCD

Mask profile of chromeless phase-shifting lithography (CPL) defined by OCD has been investigated. In CPL masks, unbalanced bombardments caused by different ion accelerations lead to the formation of micro-notch structures. A better understanding of micro-notch structures is essential for quality gating of mask processes to improve of CPL mask profiles. By measuring 12 of 16 elements of Mueller matrix, we are able to set up a model to simulate the depth of micro-notch structure profile which shows good correlation with TEM images. Moreover, values of CD, quartz etching depth and side wall angle acquired by OCD are presented and compared with those obtained by SEM, TEM and AFM, respectively.

Characterization of charging-induced pattern positioning errors in advanced mask making

Abstract. Charging-induced pattern positioning errors (CIPPEs) from a 50-kV variable-shape e-beam writer on an opaque-MoSi-over-glass mask has been carefully characterized by directly measuring the pattern shifts using a high-accuracy mask registration tool. In addition, the reported behaviors associated with the CIPPEs, exponentially decaying in space and sign flipping with increasing pattern density (PD), another seldom-mentioned error component, behaving like a constant offset in space and becoming stronger with increasing PD, is found. The authors repeat the experiment with a charge dissipation layer coated atop the resist to experimentally explore the origins of these two phenomena and find that the exponential components, removable by the charge dissipating layer (CDL), result from the well-known resist charging effect but the constant offset, remain existing with the CDL, does not. From the result of Monte Carlo simulations, the constant component is speculated to result from blank charging. This finding can give important insights into the model-based charging effect correction as well as the effectiveness of the CDL.

Exploring the origin of charging-induced pattern positioning errors in mask making using e-beam lithography

The authors present a detailed observation of the charge-induced pattern positioning errors (CIPPEs) in a variableshape e-beam writer on an opaque-MoSi-over-glass (OMOG) mask by directly measuring the pattern shifts using a mask registration tool. The CIPPEs are found to have one short-range, that is exponentially decaying in space, and the other constant offset components. The exponential term that decays slowly in time, whereas the constant offset fast diminishes. By applying a charge dissipation layer (CDL), the authors experimentally verify that the exponential component results from the charges in resist. On the other hands, the constant offset that can not be eliminated by the CDL is speculated to be charges in the substrate according to the Monte Carlo simulation.

Interplay of three-dimensional profile change and CD variation in 193-nm advanced binary photomasks

In this study, the relationship between the depth profile of features and critical dimension (CD) deviation on MoSi binary photomasks is comprehensively investigated using 3D atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM) and aerial image metrology system (AIMS). Detailed profile description based on various surface analysis techniques, was performed to reconstruct the profile at various stages of the mask fabrication process. It is found that profile change and sidewall byproduct formation are strongly correlated with the etching environment, wet cleaning, and post-treatment. These process-induced profile changes subsequently lead to wafer CD change which can be verified by deviation in AIMS and CDSEM measurements. Visualization of these 3D profile and morphology change clearly reveals that etching gas control forms an outer layer, to enhance etch selectivity, film strength, and immunity to the mask cleaning process. Our finding provides a direction for optimizing advanced photomask materials and processing.