Fast mask writers: technology options and considerations

Lloyd C. Litt; Timothy Groves; Greg Hughes

doi:10.1117/12.882945

4 April 2011 Fast mask writers: technology options and considerations

Lloyd C. Litt, Timothy Groves, Greg Hughes

Proceedings Volume 7970, Alternative Lithographic Technologies III; 79700X (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.882945
Event: SPIE Advanced Lithography, 2011, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

The semiconductor industry is under constant pressure to reduce production costs even as the complexity of technology increases. Lithography represents the most expensive process due to its high capital equipment costs and the implementation of low-k1 lithographic processes, which have added to the complexity of making masks because of the greater use of optical proximity correction, pixelated masks, and double or triple patterning. Each of these mask technologies allows the production of semiconductors at future nodes while extending the utility of current immersion tools. Low-k1 patterning complexity combined with increased data due to smaller feature sizes is driving extremely long mask write times. While a majority of the industry is willing to accept times of up to 24 hours, evidence suggests that the write times for many masks at the 22 nm node and beyond will be significantly longer. It has been estimated that funding on the order of $50M to $90M for non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs will be required to develop a multiple beam mask writer system, yet the business case to recover this kind of investment is not strong. Moreover, funding such a development poses a high risk for an individual supplier. The structure of the mask fabrication marketplace separates the mask writer equipment customer (the mask supplier) from the final customer (wafer manufacturer) that will be most effected by the increase in mask cost that will result if a high speed mask writer is not available. Since no individual company will likely risk entering this market, some type of industry-wide funding model will be needed.

Citation Download Citation

Lloyd C. Litt, Timothy Groves, and Greg Hughes "Fast mask writers: technology options and considerations", Proc. SPIE 7970, Alternative Lithographic Technologies III, 79700X (4 April 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.882945

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KEYWORDS

Photomasks

Electron beam lithography

Lithography

Semiconducting wafers

Mask making

Optical lithography

Semiconductors

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