Opportunities and Challenges in Scaling

Abstract

One of the most promising techniques for the extension of 193nm immersion lithography must be Self-Aligned Multiple Patterning (SAMP) [1,2,3] at present. We have studied this SAMP from several aspects, which are scaling capability, mitigation of process complexity, pattern fidelity, affordability and so on. On the other hand, Gridded Design Rule (GDR) concept with single directional layout (1D layout) [4] extended the down-scaling with 193-immersion furthermore and relieved the process variation and process complexity, represented in Optical Proximity Effect (OPE), by simplification of layout design. In 1D layout fabrication, key process steps might be edge placement control for grating lines and controllability of hole-shrink technique for line-cutting. This paper introduces current demonstration results on pattern transfer fidelity control and hole-shrink technique as combined with an unique pattern shape repair approach.