Patent ID: 7811746
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method of patterning a resist layer, overlaying at least partially a lithographic substrate, with a target pattern comprising a periodic arrangement of a target feature and an adjacent space to the target feature, the target feature having a target feature width, comprising: illuminating a patterning device pattern comprising a periodic arrangement of an object feature and an adjacent space to the object feature, the object feature having an object feature width and the periodic arrangement yielding a plurality of object features and a plurality of respective adjacent spaces to the object features; projecting the patterning device pattern at a demagnification onto the substrate, wherein a ratio, defined as the object feature width multiplied by the demagnification and divided by the target feature width, has a value lower than 0.8; exposing the resist layer to an image of the patterning device pattern wherein each of the object features is imaged at a brightness lower than the brightness of respective adjacent spaces to the object features; and compensating for the ratio being lower than 0.8 to provide the target pattern.