Computer-implemented methods for detecting defects in reticle design data
US7646906B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0206
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Computer-implemented methods for detecting defects in reticle design data are provided. One method includes generating a first simulated image illustrating how the reticle design data will be printed on a reticle using a reticle manufacturing process. The method also includes generating second simulated images using the first simulated image. The second simulated images illustrate how the reticle will be printed on a wafer at different values of one or more parameters of a wafer printing process. The method further includes detecting defects in the reticle design data using the second simulated images. Another method includes the generating steps described above in addition to determining a rate of change in a characteristic of the second simulated images as a function of the different values. This method also includes detecting defects in the reticle design data based on the rate of change.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.