Comprehensive simulation of electron-beam lithography processes using prolith/3d and temptation software tools
A single software tool does not yet exist that is capable of modeling all processes of the complex physical mechanisms and chemical reactions involved in electron-beam (e-beam) patterning. In this paper, we present a comprehensive simulation approach for the entire e-beam lithography process. This is possible by combining the simulation strengths of the temptation (temperature simulation) and prolith/3d software tools. Compatibility of the two software tools was developed by marching internal formats of intermediate simulation data. A simulation stream involved the Monte Carlo simulation of a single-point energy distribution, proximity effects, local temperature rise and corresponding change of resist sensitivity, absorbed energy in exposure of a pattern at a given condition, postexposure bake, acid diffusion in the resist and resist development. The simulation was followed by an analysis of the resulting resist profile, including critical dimensions, wall slope and residual resist thickness. Examples of simulations are presented that demonstrated the use of this comprehensive simulation approach.
proximity effects resist development electron lithography image analysis resist heating