Inverse e-beam lithography on photomask for computational lithography

Computational lithography, e. g., inverse lithography technique (ILT) and source mask optimization, is considered necessary for the "extremely low k1" lithography process of sub-20 nm device node. The ideal design of a curvilinear mask for computational lithography requires many changes during photomask fabrication. These range from preparation of the mask data to measurement and inspection. The manufacturability of a photomask for computational lithography is linked to predictable and manageable quality of patterning. Here, we have proposed the use of " inverse e-beam lithography" on photomask for computational lithography, which overcomes the patterning accuracy limits of conventional e-beam lithography. Furthermore, the preferred target design for ILT, a new verification method, and the accuracy required for the mask model are also discussed; with consideration of acceptable writing time (<24 h) and computing power. (C) 2014 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)