Since 2001, we have been improving the hp65nm generation photomask repairing systems, the SIR7000. FIB repair stains quartz substrate with Ga ions. We process the repaired area using two parameters: edge bias and over-etching depth to recover transmission loss. The simulation shows that smaller over-etching makes the lithography process window larger. The dependence of Ga density in quartz with on FIB acceleration voltages shows that the Ga-doped area is smaller according as acceleration voltage is lower. It is found that the over-etching depth should be below 15nm, and a new FIB repairing system should have a low acceleration column. In order to confirm the effect of low acceleration voltage, we investigated the transmittance and the over-etching depth as a feasibility study. As the result, lower acceleration voltage repair gives higher transmittance and lower over-etching depth. We confirmed that the FIB with low acceleration voltage is the most promising technology for the hp65nm generation photomask repairing.
The 65nm photomasks have to meet tight specifications and improve the production yield due to high production cost. The 65nm optical lithography was thought to have two candidates, 157nm and 193nm. However, at the advent of immersion lithography, it is certain that 193nm lithography will be adopted. Therefore, we decided to develop the FIB machine, SIR7000FIB, proior to the EB machine. We optimized repair conditions of FIB system, SIR7000FIB, and evaluated this system. First, we demonstrated minute defect repair using about 15nm defect mask. Then, we confirmed that the repeatability of repair accuracy was below 7nm on a MoSi HT mask patterned 360nm and 260nm L&S patterns with opaque and clear defects by AFM. Consequently, we have achieved the target specifications of this system.
The 65nm photomasks have to meet tight specifications and improve the production yield due to high production cost. The 65nm optical lithography has two candidates, 157nm and 193nm, and we are developing two types of experimental photomask repair systems, FIB and EB, for the 65nm generation. We designed and developed experimental EB and FIB system that are beta systems. The construction of these systems was the same design except the each column. The platforms of beta systems consist of anti-vibration design to reduce outer disturbance for repair accuracy. Furthermore, we developed a new CPU control system, especially the new beam-scanning control system that makes it possible to control the beam position below nanometer order. These developments will suppress transmission loss and improve repair accuracy of the systems. We also adopt the 6-inch mask SMIF pod system and the CAD data linkage system that matches the EB mask data image with the SED image to search defects in photomasks with sophisticated patterns such as OPC patterns. We evaluated the EB and FIB beta systems with AIMS, LWM and AFM. EB and FIB beta systems were able to deposit carbon film and etch chrome, quartz, and MoSi. Furthermore, We confirmed that repair accuracy is 3σ below 10nm and transmission is over 97%. We also confirmed that CAD linkage was able to repair sophisticated pattern completely. In this paper, we report the photomask defect repair experimental systems for the 65nm generation.
The technology node of semiconductor device production is progressing to 65nm generation. For the 65nm photomasks, the target specifications of defect size and repair accuracy are 52nm and 7nm, respectively. Especially, real defects on photomasks are not only simple two-dimensional patterns but also three-dimensional shapes such as phase shift defects and contamination, thus we need to recognize defect shapes accurately. Additionally, AAPSM's Cr patterns overhang, and we have to measure defects on three-dimensional shapes. To evaluate them, we use an AFM metrology system, Dimension X3D (Veeco), having both precise CD measurement repeatability (2nm) and high resolution for defects. In this report, we show the performance of the AFM metrology system. First, we evaluated CD metrology performance, CD repeatbility about four type photomasks: NEGA-BIM, POSI-BIM, KrF-HT and ArF-HT, and all masks met specifications. Next, we evaluated defect pattern shapes and AAPSM and CPL mask patterns. Consequently, we have confirmed that the AFM metrology system has high performance for 65nm photomasks.
The 65nm photomasks have to meet tight specifications and improve the production yield due to high production cost. The 65nm optical lithography has two candidates, 157nm and 193nm, and we are developing two types of experimental photomask repair systems, FIB and EB, for the 65nm generation. We designed and developed FIB and EB beta systems. The platforms of beta systems consist of anti-vibration design to reduce outer disturbance for repair accuracy. Furthermore, we developed a new CPU control system, especially the new beam-scanning control system that makes it possible to control the beam position below nanometer order. These developments will suppress transmission loss and improve repair accuracy of the systems. We also adopt the 6-inch mask SMIF pod system and the CAD data linkage system that matches the EB mask data image with the SED image to search defects in photomasks with sophisticated patterns such as OPC patterns. We evaluate the EB repair process, and confirm that it generates carbon film, which has possibility to generate the same quality as that of FIB. Furthermore, we confirmed that EB and FIB repair systems were able to deposit carbon film and etch chrome, quartz, and MoSi. In this paper, we report the photomask defect repair experimental systems and the feasibility study on photomask defect repair for the 65nm generation.
The SIR5000 mask repair system was developed with an FIB system featuring new ion optics, modified SED detectors, new platform software and optimized repair processes to repair 130nm/ArF generation masks. Thereafter we have continuously improved it for 90nm/ArF lithography and evaluated its performance such as edge placement repeatability, lithography simulation and printing tests.
The transmittance of FIB imaging area is more than 95% over 70 times scans, and the printing result data also shows that the imaging damage by FIB scans little affect CD until around 70 times. The ED windows of both repaired clear and opaque defects almost overlap non repaired reference ones, and they show that the printing performance of repaired mask does not have any printing issues. Consequently, we demonstrated that the improved SIR5000 capability has reached the 90nm node mask technology requirement.
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