Patent ID: 8832610
Filing Date: 2014-09-09
Classification: G03F,G06F

Abstract:
1. A method, implemented by a computer, for optimizing a process window for a design layout, the method comprising: obtaining a first layout corresponding to the design layout, the first layout including features; identifying a desired process window of a lithographic process for imaging the design layout, the desired process window including at least a nominal condition of the lithographic process and two or more offset conditions of the lithographic process; identifying one or more models of the lithographic process corresponding to the desired process window, wherein the one or more models are calibrated for the nominal condition and the two or more offset conditions of the lithographic process; simulating, using the computer, the lithographic process using the first layout and the one or more models of the lithographic process to produce one or more simulated images; determining errors in the features between the one or more simulated images and the design layout, the determined errors characterizing differences in imaging results for the features between the nominal condition and the two or more offset conditions; adjusting target values of edges of features in the first layout to cancel the determined errors; and performing optical proximity correction (OPC) techniques on the features in the first layout using the adjusted target values and the nominal condition to produce a post-OPC layout.