Patent · US Expired

Method for determining and correcting reticle variations

US7300725B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
5References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 29, 2006
Grant dateNov 27, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 29, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S430/146
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Disclosed are techniques for determining and correcting reticle variations using a reticle global variation map generated by comparing a set of measured reticle parameters to a set of reference reticle parameters. The measured reticle parameters are obtained by reticle inspection, and the variation map identifies reticle regions and associated levels of correction. In one embodiment, the variation data is communicated to a system which modifies the reticle by embedding scattering centers within the reticle at identified reticle regions, thereby improving the variations. In another embodiment the variation data is transferred to a wafer stepper or scanner which in turn modifies the conditions under which the reticle is used to manufacture wafers, thereby compensating for the variations and producing wafers that are according to design.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.