Patent ID: 6420075
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: G03F,Y10S

Abstract:
A mask pattern data preparing method for making a phase-shifting mask to transfer a circuit pattern thereon onto an integrated circuit wafer by focusing a real image of the circuit pattern on the mask onto a photoresist film formed on a major surface of the wafer through an optical projection system, the circuit pattern including a real mask pattern having a first opening pattern, a second opening pattern adjacent thereto, and a light shield pattern defining the first and second opening patterns, and a transparent phase-shifting recess pattern over at least one surface portion of the second opening pattern for reversing the phase of light passing through the at least one surface portion of the second opening pattern, the phase of the light passing through the at least one surface portion of the second opening pattern being reversed in comparison with that of light passing through the first opening pattern, the method comprising:(a) preparing real mask pattern data corresponding to the real mask pattern; and (b) automatically preparing phase-shifting recess pattern data corresponding to the phase-shifting recess pattern in accordance with real mask pattern data corresponding to the real mask pattern.