Patent ID: 11874597
Assignee: SYNOPSYS, INC.
Field: Optics (Instruments)
Classification: CPC G  H | IPC G  H

Claim 0:
1. A method of improving mask data used in fabrication of a semiconductor device, the method comprising:
setting a threshold value associated with a defect based on stochastic failure rate of the defect;
performing a first optimal proximity correction (OPC) of the mask data using nominal values of mask pattern contours;
identifying locations within the first OPC mask data where stochastically determined mask pattern contours correspond to a potential defect;
placing check figures on the identified locations to enable measurement of distances between the stochastically determined mask pattern contours; and
performing, by a processor, a second OPC of the first OPC mask data so as to cause the measured distances to be greater than the threshold value.