Patent ID: 8171433
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of calculating a pattern-failure-occurrence region over a substrate having a plurality of step features, the pattern-failure-occurrence region being a region, over the substrate, where a subsequently formed feature is likely to fail to be properly formed due to an influence of the step features, the subsequently formed feature being formed by a subsequent lithography process performed after formation of the step features, the method comprising: receiving a pattern layout determining the step features; receiving a correspondence relation between (1) a failure-occurrence risk at a position over the substrate and (2) a horizontal distance from the position to a step feature; receiving a predetermined condition defining proper formation of the subsequently formed feature; and calculating, by a computer, the pattern-failure-occurrence region based on the pattern layout, the correspondence relation, and the predetermined condition.