Abstract: Methods of inspecting photomasks are provided. A method of inspecting a photomask includes electronically inspecting a first mask pattern in a mask region of the photomask and refraining from electronically inspecting a separate second mask pattern in the mask region of the photomask. The first mask pattern includes a geometric feature that corresponds to at least a portion of the second mask pattern. Moreover, the mask region is outside of a scribe lane region of the photomask. Related methods of manufacturing photomasks and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device includes forming an interlayer insulating layer that comprises a first region and a second region, forming an etch stop pattern for exposing the second region in the first region of the interlayer insulating layer and forming a mask pattern that comprises a first via-hole that exposes an upper surface of the etch stop pattern and a second via-hole that penetrates the interlayer insulating layer on the interlayer insulating layer and the etch stop pattern.

Abstract: Methods of inspecting photomasks are provided. A method of inspecting a photomask includes electronically inspecting a first mask pattern in a mask region of the photomask and refraining from electronically inspecting a separate second mask pattern in the mask region of the photomask. The first mask pattern includes a geometric feature that corresponds to at least a portion of the second mask pattern. Moreover, the mask region is outside of a scribe lane region of the photomask. Related methods of manufacturing photomasks and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device includes forming an interlayer insulating layer that comprises a first region and a second region, forming an etch stop pattern for exposing the second region in the first region of the interlayer insulating layer and forming a mask pattern that comprises a first via-hole that exposes an upper surface of the etch stop pattern and a second via-hole that penetrates the interlayer insulating layer on the interlayer insulating layer and the etch stop pattern.

Abstract: A mask for photolithography and methods of manufacturing a mask and a semiconductor device are provided. The method of manufacturing a mask may comprise providing a substrate, forming a phase shift material layer on the substrate, forming a light blocking layer on the phase shift material layer, and forming a main pattern and a sub pattern on the substrate by patterning the phase shift material layer and the light blocking layer. The light blocking layer may be removed on the main pattern left on the light blocking layer remaining on the sub pattern. A semiconductor device may be manufactured using the mask to form a photoresist pattern on a semiconductor wafer. The pattern of the photoresist may be used to etch an object layer of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A mask for photolithography and methods of manufacturing a mask and a semiconductor device are provided. The method of manufacturing a mask may comprise providing a substrate, forming a phase shift material layer on the substrate, forming a light blocking layer on the phase shift material layer, and forming a main pattern and a sub pattern on the substrate by patterning the phase shift material layer and the light blocking layer. The light blocking layer may be removed on the main pattern left on the light blocking layer remaining on the sub pattern. A semiconductor device may be manufactured using the mask to form a photoresist pattern on a semiconductor wafer. The pattern of the photoresist may be used to etch an object layer of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A device isolation layer includes a semiconductor substrate defining an upper trench etched to a predetermined depth, a lower trench defined in the semiconductor substrate at a lower part of the upper trench, the lower trench having a smaller width than the upper trench, and an insulating oxide embedded in the upper and lower trenches. Accordingly, since a stepped structure is formed in the trenches, generation voids may be restrained while improving the gap-filling efficiency.

Abstract: A mask for use in an exposure process and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, the mask including a main pattern formed over a reticle substrate; a plurality of dummy patterns formed over the reticle substrate and spaced apart from the main pattern by a predetermined distance; and a light shielding layer formed over at least one of the plurality of dummy patterns. A dummy patterns may include a fine dummy pattern having a resolution equal to or less than a limit resolution so as not to form a pattern image on a wafer during an exposure process.

Abstract: A reticle for forming a microscopic pattern is formed that prevents a ghost image generated in a photolithography process for patterning microscopic-sized holes. The reticle may include a quartz substrate; a first pattern formed by exposing a portion of the surface of the quartz substrate; a second pattern surrounding the first pattern and including a phase shift layer; and a third pattern including an opaque layer around the second pattern.

Abstract: A method of forming a photoresist pattern for etching an underlying layer of a semiconductor device. A surface of a semiconductor substrate is coated with photoresist. A mask bias is controlled for a mask writer apparatus depending on a mask target critical dimension. The photoresist is exposed and developed based on the controlled mask bias, thus forming a photoresist pattern. The underlying layer is etched along the photoresist pattern and the photoresist pattern is removed.