Patent ID: 6964032
Filing Date: 2005-11-08
Classification: G03F,G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit (IC) comprising the steps of: providing system parameters of a lithographic projection system having an annular illumination source, said system parameters including a projection numerical aperture NA, and a wavelength λ, an inner radius σ providing an IC design layout including a plurality of first critical features arranged in a pattern having a critical pitch P determining a critical radius σ determining said outer radius and said inner radius of the annular illumination source so that said critical radius is greater than or equal to said inner radius and less than or equal to said outer radius; determining a transition pitch P identifying a plurality of second critical features within the design layout having a design pitch P disposing one or more SRAFs within said IC design layout between each of said second critical features to form a modified IC design layout including a final combined pattern of SRAFs and said second critical features having a combined pitch P designing a mask layout for use with said lithographic projection system, wherein said mask layout corresponds to said modified IC design layout including said final combined pattern of said one or more SRAFs and said second critical features.