Patent ID: 9136092
Filing Date: 2015-09-15
Classification: G03F,G06F,H01J

Abstract:
1. An integrated circuit (IC) method comprising: receiving an IC design layout having a main feature including a first side having a first number of jog features and segments and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side has a second number of jog features and segments equal to the first number, and wherein each of the jog features and segments of the first side are aligned opposite to the jog features and segments of the second side, the IC design layout being presented in one or more data files; performing an optical proximity correction (OPC) process to the IC design layout; identifying a candidate jog feature for elimination from a plurality of jog features present on either side of the line of symmetry passing through the main feature, the identifying based upon evaluation of each jog feature of the plurality of jog features in sequence, and the evaluation of each jog feature based upon at least one parameter from a set of parameters of the candidate jog feature; thereafter, performing a jog reduction process to the IC design layout, by elimination of the candidate jog feature from each of the first and second sides, such that jog features of the IC design layout are reduced, wherein the jog reduction process includes grouping two segments per group on each of the first and second sides when a number of jog features on each of the first and second sides is odd, and wherein the jog reduction process includes grouping segments according to a grouping selected from a group of one, a group of two, and a group of three per group on each of the first and second sides when the number of jog features on each of the first and second sides is even; fracturing the IC design layout into a plurality of fractured polygons for mask making in a modified IC design layout that is in a format accessible to a mask making tool; and patterning a photomask using a mask making tool based on the plurality of fractured polygons.