United Microelectronics Corp.

Chemg-Shyan Tsay

Chien-Wen Lai

A phase error monitor pattern and its related applications. The phase error monitor pattern includes an alternating phase shift pattern on the peripheries of an alternating phase shift mask and a modification pattern on the peripheries of a modification pattern. The alternating phase shift mask and the modification mask are used in sequence. The alternating phase shift pattern has a plurality of pairs of first non-transparent regions. Each pair of first non-transparent regions is located at each side of a phase shift region. The modification pattern has a plurality of second non-transparent regions. Each second non-transparent region corresponds in position to the non-transparent region on a first side of each pair of first non-transparent regions. The method of monitoring phase errors includes sequentially performing photo-exposure of a positive photoresist using the alternating phase shift mask and the modification mask and measuring the deviations of the monitor photoresist pattern. Finally, phase error of the alternating phase shift mask is deduced according to the measured shift and the defocusing of the exposure light source.

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Hsinchu, Taiwan

Chemg-Shyan Tsay