Patent ID: 7562333
Filing Date: 2009-07-14
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for generating an optical proximity correction model for a mask layout having an asymmetric feature structure, the method comprising: fabricating a mask comprising a plurality of symmetric and asymmetric test structures thereon; image processing one or more semiconductor wafers using the fabricated mask to create a plurality of symmetric and asymmetric resist structures overlying the one or more wafers; measuring at least one critical dimension of the symmetric resist structures and the asymmetric resist structures, thereby generating symmetric and asymmetric critical dimension data; evaluating a difference between a desired feature size of the symmetric and asymmetric structures and the measured feature size of the symmetric and asymmetric structures; and generating an optical proximity correction model based on the difference evaluation; wherein the optical proximity correction model comprises optical proximity correction convolution kernels configured to map an optical response for symmetric and asymmetric features based on the difference evaluation, wherein the mapping of the optical response for the symmetric and asymmetric features based on the difference evaluation comprises: optimizing a first of the optical proximity correction convolution kernels based on the critical dimension differences between the measured and desired symmetric features determined in the difference evaluation, and optimizing a second of the optical proximity correction convolution kernels based on the critical dimension differences between the measured and desired asymmetric features determined in the difference evaluation.