Patent ID: 8281264

Claim:
A method to analyze layout patterns, comprising the steps of: choosing at least two rule function variables; selecting at least one value for each variable; constructing at least one test pattern using the selected variable values conforming to a given set of design rules; and determining whether each layout pattern is rule-correctable by: a) calculating a region of sight based on the variable values; b) specifying at least one performance metric specification for at least one shape of the layout pattern for which a suitable correction rule is sought; c) calculating a range of possible values for the at least one performance metric induced by uncertainties outside the region of sight by simulating the layout pattern using a lithography model; and d) determining whether the at least one shape can be corrected by rule-based optical proximity correction dependent on whether there exists at least one correction rule to the at least one shape such that when the correction rule is applied, the range of possible values of the at least one performance metric is within the at least one performance metric specification.