United Microelectronics Corp.

Industrial Technology Research Institute

Chuen-Huei Yang

Te-Hung Wu

Chin-Lung Lin

Wen-Tien Hung

Chien-Li Kuo

Ming-Jui Chen

Chia-Wei Huang

Shu-Ru Wang

Chang-Ming Dai

Yu-Lin Wang

Pei-Ru Tsai

Sheng-Yuan Huang

Chih-Hao Wu

Chuan-Hsien Fu

Shih-Ming Yen

A method for constructing an optical proximity correction (OPC) model is described. A test pattern is provided, and the test pattern is then written on a mask. The pattern on the mask is measured to obtain a modified pattern. An OPC model is constructed according to the modified pattern.

Method for constructing OPC model

The invention provides a mask pattern. The mask pattern comprises at least a continuous pattern. Each of the continuous patterns has a first pattern, a second pattern and a set of assistance patterns. The assistant patterns are located between the first pattern to the second pattern. The first pattern, the assistant patterns and the second pattern together form a closed opening.

Mask pattern and method for forming the same

A method for correcting a photomask pattern is provided. The correcting method performs a verification of a focus-exposure matrix (FEM) and an overlay variation on a layout area having contact holes or vias in a layout pattern so as to generate a hint information. The layout pattern of the photomask is corrected according to the hint information to prevent the contact holes or vias from being exposed in arrangement to corresponding metal layer, poly layer, or diffusion layer.

Method for correcting photomask pattern

A method of inspecting defect of a mask is provided. In this method, a database for storing a plurality of virtual simulation models is created. The virtual simulation models are determined by a plurality of factors including an optical effect and a chemical effect during the transferring the pattern of a mask to the photoresist layer on a wafer. A mask defect image is acquired. A simulation contour of the mask defect image is generated from at least one virtual simulation model in the database. Next, the acceptability of the mask is determined.

Method of inspecting photomask defect

A phase shift mask includes a transparent substrate, a semi-dense pattern, and a dense pattern. The semi-dense pattern is formed on the transparent substrate including a plurality of phase shift regions and non-phase shift regions arranged successively. The dense pattern is formed on the transparent substrate including a plurality of non-phase shift regions, phase shift regions, and non-transparent regions.

Phase shift mask

A photomask pattern on a substrate is provided. The photomask pattern comprises a main pattern and a sub-resolution assistant feature. The sub-resolution assistant feature is located on the sides of the main pattern. Furthermore, the sub-resolution assistant feature comprises a first assistant feature and a second assistant feature. The first assistant feature is formed close to the main pattern and the second assistant feature is formed further away from the main pattern but adjacent to the first assistant feature. There is a phase difference of 180&#xb0; between the first assistant feature and the main pattern. Similarly, there is a phase difference of 180&#xb0; between the second assistant feature and the first assistant feature. Since the main pattern is bordered by reverse-phase assistant feature, exposure resolution of the photomask is increased.

Photomask pattern

A method of forming and exposing a layer of resist which will minimize or eliminate side lobe effect resulting from the use of phase shifting masks or attenuating phase shifting masks in the exposed and developed layer of resist. The curve of reflectivity as a function of resist thickness, or swing curve, is calculated using the index of refraction, n, and the extinction coefficient, k, of the resist material and plotted. An optimum thickness of the resist corresponding to a relative maximum of the swing curve is chosen. The angular velocity used to spin the resist onto wafers is selected to produce the optimum thickness. Wafers having a resist layer with the optimum thickness are then prepared, exposed, and developed. The layer of resist may have a layer of anti-reflective material on the top surface of the layer of resist if desired.

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Taipei, Taiwan

Chuen-Huei Yang