Patent ID: 8792147
Filing Date: 2014-07-29
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of selecting a set of calibration test patterns to be utilized to calibrate a model for simulating the imaging performance of a lithographic process for generating an aerial image corresponding to a target pattern for an integrated circuit; said method comprising the steps of: defining said model as a plurality of discrete functions; identifying a respective calibration pattern for each of said plurality of discrete functions, including determining that each identified calibration pattern is operative for manipulating said respective one of said plurality of discrete functions more than any other of said plurality of discrete functions during a process for calibrating said model that has yet to be performed; and storing said calibration test patterns, said stored calibration test patterns being utilized as said set of calibration patterns to calibrate said model for simulating the imaging performance of said lithographic process, wherein one or more of the above steps are implemented by the computer.