Local multivariable solver for optical proximity correction in lithographic processing method, and device manufactured thereby
First Claim
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1. A method implemented by a computer for reducing optical proximity effect in a design layout to be included in a mask used in a lithographic process, the method comprising:
- dividing patterns within the design layout into edge segments;
identifying a plurality of neighboring edge segments that interact with each other due to the optical proximity effect; and
computing, by using a computer, an amount of movement of each of the identified neighboring edge segments for reducing the optical proximity effect, the computing including maintaining a plurality of model values that can be used to predict a change in an image value associated with each of the identified neighboring edge segments given a correction amount of movementwherein the optimal amount of movement is computed for the identified neighboring edge segments in terms of alteration of image values at predefined locations in the design layout;
wherein the plurality of model values are arranged in a matrix form, the matrix being used to compute the amount of movement; and
wherein the matrix comprises a sparse matrix, where matrix elements that represent effects of non-neighboring edge segments are assumed to be zero.
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Abstract
A multivariable solver for proximity correction uses a Jacobian matrix to approximate effects of perturbations of segment locations in successive iterations of a design loop. The problem is formulated as a constrained minimization problem with box, linear equality, and linear inequality constraints. To improve computational efficiency, non-local interactions are ignored, which results in a sparse Jacobian matrix.
18 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method implemented by a computer for reducing optical proximity effect in a design layout to be included in a mask used in a lithographic process, the method comprising:
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dividing patterns within the design layout into edge segments; identifying a plurality of neighboring edge segments that interact with each other due to the optical proximity effect; and computing, by using a computer, an amount of movement of each of the identified neighboring edge segments for reducing the optical proximity effect, the computing including maintaining a plurality of model values that can be used to predict a change in an image value associated with each of the identified neighboring edge segments given a correction amount of movement wherein the optimal amount of movement is computed for the identified neighboring edge segments in terms of alteration of image values at predefined locations in the design layout; wherein the plurality of model values are arranged in a matrix form, the matrix being used to compute the amount of movement; and wherein the matrix comprises a sparse matrix, where matrix elements that represent effects of non-neighboring edge segments are assumed to be zero. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method implemented by a computer for reducing optical proximity effect in a design layout to be included in a mask used in a lithographic process, the method comprising:
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dividing patterns within the design layout into edge segments; identifying a plurality of neighboring edge segments that interact with each other due to the optical proximity effect; and computing, by using a computer, an amount of movement of each of the identified neighboring edge segments for reducing the optical proximity effect, wherein the computing considers a combined effect of collective movement of the identified neighboring edge segments on a value of a simulated image characteristic at one or more predefined locations in the design layout, the computing including maintaining a plurality of model values that can be used to predict a change in the value of the simulated image characteristic associated with each of the identified neighboring edge segments given a correction amount of movement wherein the optimal amount of movement is computed for the identified neighboring edge segments in terms of alteration of image values at predefined locations in the design layout; wherein the plurality of model values are arranged in a matrix form, the matrix being used to compute the amount of movement; and wherein the matrix comprises a sparse matrix, where matrix elements that represent effects of non-neighboring edge segments are assumed to be zero. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification