Patent ID: 6187488
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A pattern estimating method for estimating a size of a device pattern which is formed by exposing a resist film on a to-be-processed substrate by a mask including a device pattern image, developing the device pattern, and estimating the size of the device pattern, comprising the steps of:designing a monitor pattern by cutting part of the device pattern, by designing an element area using the cut part or partially changing the size of the cut part, and by repeatedly arranging the element area to form the monitor pattern;exposing the resist film by the mask including both the device pattern and the monitor pattern;detecting the intensity of diffracted light which is reflected from the developed monitor pattern when light of a predetermined wavelength has been applied to the developed monitor pattern, after the exposed resist film is developed; andestimating the size of the developed device pattern according to the intensity of the detected diffracted light on the basis of a predetermined relationship between a diffracted light intensity and a device pattern size.