Method and apparatus to facilitate test pattern design for model calibration and proximity correction
First Claim
1. A method for using a test pattern to calibrate an optical model related to a manufacturing process for an integrated circuit, comprising:
- receiving the test pattern;
performing optical proximity correction on the test pattern using the optical model, thereby creating a partially corrected test pattern;
generating a test mask from the partially corrected test pattern;
fabricating a wafer using the test mask;
measuring features on the wafer to generate a plurality of measurements; and
calibrating the optical model using the plurality of measurements.
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Accused Products
Abstract
By using a test pattern that has been corrected according to an optical model to prepare test wafers, better data can be obtained for calibrating the optical model. As a result: fewer measurements need to be taken from the wafer to calibrate the model and the measurements that are taken are more valuable because they better assist in calibrating the model. Embodiments of the invention include data comprising the corrected test pattern, masks including the corrected test pattern, and methods and apparatuses for using the modified test pattern. Additionally, by taking more measurements closer to the target dimensions, more information is available for performing optical proximity correction of layouts. Another benefit includes increased ease of model accuracy determinations.
55 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method for using a test pattern to calibrate an optical model related to a manufacturing process for an integrated circuit, comprising:
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receiving the test pattern;
performing optical proximity correction on the test pattern using the optical model, thereby creating a partially corrected test pattern;
generating a test mask from the partially corrected test pattern;
fabricating a wafer using the test mask;
measuring features on the wafer to generate a plurality of measurements; and
calibrating the optical model using the plurality of measurements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for using a test pattern to calibrate an optical model related to a manufacturing process for an integrated circuit, the method comprising:
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receiving the test pattern;
performing optical proximity correction on the test pattern using the optical model, thereby creating a partially corrected test pattern;
generating a test mask from the partially corrected test pattern;
fabricating a wafer using the test mask;
measuring features on the wafer to generate a plurality of measurements; and
calibrating the optical model using the plurality of measurements. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus, for using a test pattern to calibrate an optical model related to a manufacturing process for an integrated circuit, comprising:
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a receiving mechanism that is configured to receive the test pattern;
an optical proximity correction mechanism that is configured to perform optical proximity correction on the test pattern using the optical model, thereby creating a partially corrected test pattern;
a generating mechanism that is configured to generate a test mask from the partially corrected test pattern;
a fabricating mechanism that is configured to fabricate a wafer using the test mask;
a measuring mechanism that is configured to measure features on the wafer to generate a plurality of measurements; and
a calibrating mechanism that is configured to calibrate the optical model using the plurality of measurements. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A system for using a test pattern to calibrate an optical model related to a manufacturing process for an integrated circuit, comprising:
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receiving the test pattern;
performing optical proximity correction on the test pattern using the optical model, thereby creating a partially corrected test pattern;
generating a test mask from the partially corrected test pattern;
fabricating a wafer using the test mask;
measuring features on the wafer to generate a plurality of measurements; and
calibrating the optical model using the plurality of measurements.
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- 23. An optical proximity corrected test mask used for calibrating an optical model, comprising a plurality of lines within the optical proximity corrected test mask, wherein the plurality of lines have been partially corrected by an optical proximity correction process to compensate for optical effects.
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26. A data set related to an optical proximity corrected test pattern used for calibrating an optical model, comprising:
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a plurality of specified line widths;
a plurality of pitches for each of the plurality of specified line widths; and
a plurality of measured line widths, wherein the plurality of measured line widths are measured on a wafer fabricated using the optical proximity corrected test pattern. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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29. An electromagnetic waveform encoding instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for using a test pattern to calibrate an optical model related to a manufacturing process for an integrated circuit, the method comprising:
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receiving the test pattern;
performing optical proximity correction on the test pattern using the optical model, thereby creating a partially corrected test pattern;
generating a test mask from the partially corrected test pattern;
fabricating a wafer using the test mask;
measuring features on the wafer to generate a plurality of measurements; and
calibrating the optical model using the plurality of measurements.
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Specification