Improved signal to noise ratio in actinic EUVL mask blank inspection

Takeshi Yamane; Tsuneo Terasawa

doi:10.1117/12.978628

29 June 2012 Improved signal to noise ratio in actinic EUVL mask blank inspection

Takeshi Yamane, Tsuneo Terasawa

Proceedings Volume 8441, Photomask and Next-Generation Lithography Mask Technology XIX; 84411H (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.978628
Event: Photomask and NGL Mask Technology XIX, 2012, Yokohama, Japan

Abstract

We have developed actinic inspection systems to detect multilayer phase-defects with dark field imaging. Although a prototype system for full-field inspection is available for half-pitch (hp) 16 nm node from the viewpoint of inspection sensitivity, but the inspection time for such a full-field area of a mask requires 4.8 hours and hence the technique is not viable for a high-volume manufacturing (HVM) application. To reduce the inspection time of the prototype, its signal to noise ratio was analyzed. The result shows that an "n" times faster scanning speed would require an "n" times enhancement of the illumination intensity for the system. The intensity was enhanced by 1.7 times, by improving the optic efficiency of the system where full-field inspection time reduced from 4.8 hours to 3.25 hours, and where the detection probability was also improved. These results are applied towards the development of a HVM prototype, and for evaluating 11 nm node inspection techniques.

Citation Download Citation

Takeshi Yamane and Tsuneo Terasawa "Improved signal to noise ratio in actinic EUVL mask blank inspection", Proc. SPIE 8441, Photomask and Next-Generation Lithography Mask Technology XIX, 84411H (29 June 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.978628

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