Patent ID: 8629064
Filing Date: 2014-01-14
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of improving a spacer-based multiple patterning lithography process for transferring a target pattern comprising a plurality of features to a substrate, the method comprising the steps of: decomposing, using the computer, a design layout of the target pattern into a plurality of sub-layouts for the spacer-based multiple patterning lithography process, at least one of the plurality of sub-layouts being a spacer-target sub-layout comprising features being configured to an addition of spacer material after patterning of the spacer-target sub-layout to the substrate; deriving, using the computer, a self-aligned assist pattern (SAP), wherein the SAP is configured to define at least an edge of a feature included in a sub-layout other than the spacer-target sub-layout; adding, using the computer, the SAP to the spacer-target sub-layout for generating an improved spacer-target sub-layout, and using the improved spacer-target sub-layout to design a lithographic mask that is used to transfer the target pattern to the substrate via the spacer-based multiple patterning lithography process.