Patent ID: 7788629
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: G03F,G06F,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method, comprising using a computer processor configured to perform the method to perform steps of: performing inspection of one level of a reticle before a patterning step of a reticle fabrication process is performed on the reticle such that the inspection is performed on the reticle before the reticle is completely fabricate; generating a simulated image of a defect on the reticle using information about the defect generated by the inspection of the one level of the reticle in combination with information about a different level on the reticle, wherein the different level on the reticle is added to the reticle in a step performed subsequent to the inspection of the one level of the reticle; using the simulated image to determine one or more characteristics that the defects on the reticle will have after additional fabrication of the reticle; and using the one or more characteristics to determine if the reticle should be rejected or if additional fabrication of the reticle should be performed.