Patent ID: 8209642
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method of preparing layout data for printing a target pattern on a wafer with a photolithographic process that prints features, or portions thereof, that are oriented in a first direction with greater image fidelity than features, or portions thereof, that are oriented in a second direction, the method comprising: receiving data representing a target pattern of features to be created on a wafer; with a computer, analyzing the data representing the target pattern to determine one or more features, or portions thereof, that are not oriented in the first direction with which the photolithographic process to be used prints features with greater image fidelity; modifying the data representing the target pattern by expanding outwardly selected edges of those features, or portions thereof, that are not oriented in the first direction, the selected edges comprising an edge that is oriented in the first direction and an edge that is not oriented in the first direction; and using the modified data to create data for a first mask, the data for the first mask comprising data for the selected expanded edges.