Reticle that compensates for radiation-induced lens error in a photolithographic system
First Claim
1. A method of compensating for a lens error of a lens in a photolithographic system, comprising:
- obtaining the lens error in terms of image displacement data; and
structurally modifying a reticle using the image displacement data so that the reticle compensates at least for the lens error resulting from localized lens heating associated with a radiation-transmitting pattern of the reticle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A reticle provides an image pattern and compensates for a lens error in a photolithographic system. The reticle is structurally modified using image displacement data indicative of the lens error. The reticle can be structurally modified by adjusting the configuration (or layout) of radiation-transmitting regions, for instance by adjusting a chrome pattern on the top surface of a quartz base. Alternatively, the reticle can be structurally modified by adjusting the curvature of the reticle, for instance by providing a chrome pattern on the top surface of a quartz base and grinding away portions of the bottom surface of the quartz base. The image displacement data may also vary as a function of lens heating so that the reticle compensates for lens heating associated with the reticle pattern.
68 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method of compensating for a lens error of a lens in a photolithographic system, comprising:
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obtaining the lens error in terms of image displacement data; and structurally modifying a reticle using the image displacement data so that the reticle compensates at least for the lens error resulting from localized lens heating associated with a radiation-transmitting pattern of the reticle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of compensating for a lens error of a lens in a photolithographic system used for fabricating integrated circuit devices, comprising:
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obtaining the lens error in terms of image displacement data as a function of x and y coordinates on a surface of the lens; structurally modifying a reticle using the image displacement data so that the reticle compensates at least for the lens error resulting from localized lens heating associated with a radiation-transmitting pattern of the reticle; and
thenprojecting radiation through the reticle and the lens so that the reticle provides an image pattern and compensates for the lens error during fabrication of an integrated circuit device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. In a photolithographic system including a lens with a lens error, a method of compensating for the lens error, comprising:
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expressing the lens error in terms of image displacement data; structurally modifying a reticle using the image displacement data wherein the reticle compensates at least for the lens error resulting from localized lens heating associated with a radiation-transmitting pattern; and
thenprojecting radiation through the reticle and the lens so that the reticle forms an image pattern on an image plane and compensates for the lens error.
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Specification