IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,539,969
Granted Patent B2
US 7,539,969 · App. 11/126,708 · Granted May 26, 2009

Computer readable mask shrink control processor

Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,539,969
App. No.
11/126,708
Granted
May 26, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

An apparatus comprising computer readable media is provided. The computer readable media comprises computer readable code for receiving a feature layout and computer readable code for applying shrink correction on the feature layout. The computer readable code for applying the shrink correction comprises providing corner cutouts, adjusting line width and length, shape modifications, etc. for forming features in a patterned layer.

Claims (23)

1. An apparatus comprising computer readable media comprising:

computer readable code for receiving a feature layout;

computer readable code for applying shrink correction on the feature layout, wherein the computer readable code for applying the shrink correction on the feature layout, comprises:

computer readable code for reducing dimensions of patterned layer lines of the patterned layer;

computer readable code for providing corner cutouts for forming features in a patterned layer;

computer readable code for generating a plurality of reticle layouts from the feature layout; and

computer readable code for applying shrink correction to the plurality of reticle layouts;

computer readable code for comparing a resulting test wafer with the feature layout and generating shrink correction rules based on the comparing; and

comprising computer readable code for applying the generated shrink correction rules to the feature layout.

2. A method, comprising:

receiving a feature layout;

performing a shrink connection on the feature layout to form a shrink corrected reticle layout, comprises:

generating a plurality of reticle layouts from the feature layout;

performing shrink correction on each of the plurality of reticle layouts; and

providing corner cutouts for forming features in a reticle;

forming a reticle based on the shrink corrected reticle layout, wherein the forming a patterned layer uses the reticle based on the shrink corrected reticle layout;

forming a patterned layer over a wafer based on the shrink corrected reticle layout, wherein the patterned layer has corner cutouts;

forming a sidewall layer over the patterned layer;

etching features into a substrate disposed below the patterned layer; and

comparing the etched features with the feature layout and generating shrink control rules based on the comparing the etched features with the feature layout.

3. The method, as recited in claim 2 , wherein the performing the shrink correction eliminates or minimizes use of OPC and wherein the performing the shrink correction eliminates the need for features to account for line edge shortening.

4. The method, as recited in claim 2 , wherein the comparing the sidewall layer formed over the patterned layer comprises etching features and comparing the etched features with the feature layout.

5. A semiconductor formed by the method as recited in claim 2 .

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 10, 2005
From: SADJADI, S.M. REZA; BRIGHT, NICOLAS
To: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 016560/0759 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20060259886A1 · Nov 16, 2006