Patent · US Active

Method of applying a pattern to a substrate, device manufacturing method and lithographic apparatus for use in such methods

US9291916B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
17References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 4, 2015
Grant dateMar 22, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 4, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03F9/7088
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A substrate is loaded onto a substrate support of a lithographic apparatus, after which the apparatus measures locations of substrate alignment marks. These measurements define first correction information allowing the apparatus to apply a pattern at one or more desired locations on the substrate. Additional second correction information is used to enhance accuracy of pattern positioning, in particular to correct higher order distortions of a nominal alignment grid. The second correction information may be based on measurements of locations of alignment marks made when applying a previous pattern to the same substrate. The second correction information may alternatively or in addition be based on measurements made on similar substrates that have been patterned prior to the current substrate.

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