Patent ID: 8893058
Filing Date: 2014-11-18
Classification: G03F,G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of tuning a to-be-tuned lithographic process to a reference lithographic process, comprising: obtaining separate and distinct respective lithographic process models for both the reference lithographic process and the to-be-tuned lithographic process; identifying a set of tunable parameters of the to-be-tuned lithographic process, wherein the tunable parameters are distinct and independent from patterns on a design layout to be imaged using the to-be-tuned lithographic process; identifying a nominal condition of the set of tunable parameters; determining changes from the nominal condition of the set of tunable parameters that cause an imaging performance of the to-be-tuned lithographic process to substantially match the reference lithographic process using the separate and distinct respective lithographic process models, wherein the step of determining changes includes establishing a substantially linear relationship between changes in the set of tunable parameters and changes in the to-be-tuned lithographic process model; and adjusting the to-be-tuned lithographic process based on the determined changes, wherein one or more of the obtaining, identifying, determining changes, and adjusting steps are implemented by the computer.