Abstract: A method of determining an exposure dose for writing a pattern using an electron beam writer determines a target dose in the exposure region to obtain a predetermined energy deposition in a specific position of the exposure region, the predetermined energy deposition being larger than a reference energy deposition in the non-exposure region. The target dose is locally increased in a marginal region of the exposure region (the marginal region being adjacent the exposure boundary) to a value that obtains an energy deposition in the marginal region higher than the predetermined energy deposition. Optionally, the target dose can be locally decreased in an intermediate region of the exposure region (the intermediate region being adjacent the marginal region) to a value that obtains an energy deposition in the intermediate region smaller than the predetermined energy deposition. Also provided is an exposure device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a device for generating an illumination distribution, the illumination distribution having a center point and an outer edge. The illumination distribution includes a first opaque portion defined about the center point, a second opaque portion defined adjacent to the outer edge, and a radiation transmittant portion disposed between the first and the second opaque portions. The illumination system further includes a polarization device that generates a linearly polarized electromagnetic radiation having a locally varying polarization direction so that at least first and second polarization directions are generated. The first polarization direction is different from the second polarization direction and the polarization direction at at least two different points of the radiation transmittant portion of the illumination distribution is parallel to a line connecting that point and the center point of the illumination distribution.

Abstract: A method of determining an exposure dose for writing a pattern using an electron beam writer determines a target dose in the exposure region to obtain a predetermined energy deposition in a specific position of the exposure region, the predetermined energy deposition being larger than a reference energy deposition in the non-exposure region. The target dose is locally increased in a marginal region of the exposure region (the marginal region being adjacent the exposure boundary) to a value that obtains an energy deposition in the marginal region higher than the predetermined energy deposition. Optionally, the target dose can be locally decreased in an intermediate region of the exposure region (the intermediate region being adjacent the marginal region) to a value that obtains an energy deposition in the intermediate region smaller than the predetermined energy deposition. Also provided is an exposure device for carrying out the method.