Abstract: In a lithographical tool utilizing off-axis illumination, masks to provide increased depth of focus and minimize CD differences between certain features is disclosed. A first mask for reducing proximity effects between isolated and densely packed features and increasing depth of focus (DOF) of isolated features is disclosed. The first mask comprises additional lines, referred to as scattering bars, disposed next to isolated edges. The bars are spaced a distance from isolated edges such that isolated and densely packed edge gradients substantially match so that proximity effects become negligible. The width of the bars set so that a maximum DOF range for the isolated feature is achieved. A second mask that is effective with quadrapole illumination only, is also disclosed. This mask "boosts" intensity levels and consequently DOF ranges for smaller square contacts so that they approximate intensity levels and DOF ranges of larger elongated contacts.

Abstract: A method of printing a sub-resolution device feature having first and second edges spaced in close proximity to one another on a semiconductor substrate includes the steps of first depositing a radiation-sensitive material on the substrate, then providing a first mask image segment which corresponds to the first edge. The first mask image segment is then exposed with radiation using an imaging tool to produce a first pattern edge gradient. The first pattern edge gradient defines the first edge of the feature in the material.A second mask image segment is then provided corresponding to the second feature edge. This second mask image segment is exposed to radiation to produce a second pattern edge gradient which defines the second edge of the feature. Once the radiation-sensitive material has been developed, the two-dimensional feature is reproduced on the substrate.

Abstract: A mask for transferring square and rectangular features having critical dimensions (CDs) close to the resolution limit of the exposure tool utilized to perform the transference is described. Intensity modulation lines having the opposite transparency as the rectangular feature to be transferred, and a width significantly less than the resolution of the exposure tool, are disposed within the rectangular feature. The intensity modulation lines have the affect of damping intensity levels on the resist layer in the center of the rectangular feature. As a result, the final CD measurement of the rectangular feature is within the CD tolerance of the original designed CD measurement. In addition, since modulation lines are have dimensions well below the resolution limit of the exposure tool, they are not seen in the final rectangular resist pattern.

Abstract: An improvement for reducing proximity effects comprised of additional lines, referred to as intensity leveling bars, into the mask pattern. The leveling bars perform the function of adjusting the edge intensity gradients of isolated edges in the mask pattern, to match the edge intensity gradients of densely packed edges. Leveling bars are placed parallel to isolated edges such that intensity gradient leveling occurs on all isolated edges of the mask pattern. In addition, the leveling bars are designed to have a width significantly less than the resolution of the exposure tool. Therefore, leveling bars that are present in the mask pattern produce resist patterns that completely developed away when a nominal exposure energy is utilized during exposure of photoresist.