Patent ID: 7673281
Filing Date: 2010-03-02
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented pattern evaluation method for evaluating a mask pattern, comprising the steps performed by a computer of: specifying an evaluation position of a to-be-evaluated portion of a mask pattern formed on an exposure mask; generating desired wafer pattern data indicating a desired form of a wafer transfer pattern corresponding to the evaluation position based on design data used to form the exposure mask; acquiring an image of a mask pattern corresponding to the evaluation position; generating mask pattern contour data based on the acquired image of the mask pattern; deriving positional offset between the mask pattern contour data and mask pattern data corresponding to the evaluation position obtained based on the design data; performing a lithography/simulation process based on the mask pattern contour data and generating predicted wafer pattern data indicating a form of a wafer transfer pattern when the mask pattern is transferred to a wafer; correcting a positional error between the desired wafer pattern data and the predicted wafer pattern data based on the positional offset; comparing the desired wafer pattern data with the predicted wafer pattern data with the positional error corrected; and outputting a measurement result.