Patent ID: 7353145
Filing Date: 2008-04-01
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A computer implemented method for correcting a mask pattern, comprising: preparing a designed pattern; preparing first and second simulation models that simulate transferred images of an exposure apparatus, where a first simulation speed using the first simulation model is faster than a second simulation speed using the second simulation model for a given mask pattern and exposure apparatus condition; creating a first mask pattern using data of the designed pattern; obtaining a rough corrected mask pattern from the first mask pattern by applying a rough correction step including a first simulation step to obtain a first simulated pattern of the first mask pattern by using the first simulation model, and a first pattern modification step to modify the first mask pattern based on a first deviation amount between the designed pattern and the first simulation pattern, so as to obtain a first modified pattern, and repeating the application of the rough correction step until the first deviation amount is equal to or less than a predetermined rough criterion, wherein the first modified pattern in the rough correction step is used as the first mask pattern in a next rough correction step; obtaining a precision corrected mask pattern from the rough corrected mask pattern by applying a precision correction step including a second simulation step to obtain a second simulated pattern of a second mask pattern by using the second simulation model, wherein the rough corrected mask pattern is used as the second mask pattern, and a second pattern modification step to modify the second mask pattern based on a second deviation amount between the designed pattern and the second simulated pattern, so as to obtain a second modified pattern, and repeating the application of the precision correction step until the second deviation amount is equal to or less than a predetermined precision criterion, wherein the second modified pattern in the precision correction step is used as the second mask pattern in a next precision correction step; and outputting the precision corrected mask pattern.