Patent ID: 8716841
Filing Date: 2014-05-06
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a photolithography mask, the method comprising: receiving a layout of an integrated circuit including one or more main pattern elements; inserting an array of dummy pattern elements interposed between and the around one or more main pattern elements; analyzing a diffraction spectrum of at least one of the one or more main pattern elements and the array of dummy pattern elements; and varying one or more selected from a group consisting of a first direction pitch between corresponding features of dummy pattern elements from the array of dummy pattern elements which are adjacent to each other in a first direction and a second direction pitch between corresponding features of dummy pattern elements from the array of dummy pattern elements which are adjacent to each other in a second direction based on the analyzed diffraction spectrum to form a modified array of dummy pattern elements; wherein the diffraction spectrum of the modified array of dummy pattern elements and the one or more main pattern elements is more diffuse relative to a corresponding diffraction spectrum of a corresponding array of dummy pattern elements in which none of the first direction pitch and the second direction pitch are varied and the one or more main pattern elements.