Abstract: A proximity effect correction method for electron beam lithography suitable for high voltages and/or very dense patterns applies both backscatter and forward scatter dose corrections. Backscatter dose corrections are determined by computing two matrices, a "Proximity Matrix" P and a "Fractional Density Matrix" F. The Proximity Matrix P is computed using known algorithms. The elements of the Fractional Density Matrix are the fractional shape coverage in a mesh of square cells which is superimposed on a pattern of interest. Then, a Dose Correction Matrix D is computed by convolving the P and F matrices. The final backscatter dose corrections are assigned to each shape either as area-weighted averages of the D matrix elements for all cells spanned by the shape, or by polynomial or other interpolation of the dose correction field defined by the D matrix. The D matrix also provides a basis for automatic shape fracturing for optimal proximity correction.