Abstract: A method of making a mask is disclosed. The method includes providing a first and a second mask layers and disposing a first phase shift region on the first mask layer. A second phase shift region is disposed on the second mask layer, wherein the first and second phase shift regions are out of phase. A continuous unit cell is formed in the first phase shift region. The unit cell comprises a center section and distinct extension sections. The extension sections are contiguous to and extend outwards from the center section. The distinct extension sections have a same width as the center section. The second phase shift region is adjacent to the unit cell in the first phase shift region.

Abstract: A method and structure for removing side lobes is provided by positioning first and second radiation transparent regions of respective first and second phases at a first plane with the first and second phases being substantially out of phase. Further, positioning the first and the second region to cause radiation at a second plane to be neutralized in a first region, not to be neutralized in a second region, and to have a side lobe in a third region. Further, positioning a non-transparent region at the first plane to assure radiation at the second plane to be neutralized in the first region and positioning a third radiation transparent region of the first or second phase at the first plane to neutralize the side lobes in the third region at the second plane.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a device is presented. The method includes forming a mask that includes multiple images. A substrate is patterned using the mask. An image of the multiple images corresponds to a respective patterning process. The substrate is processed further to complete the processing of the substrate to form the desired function of the device.

Abstract: A method of manufacture an integrated circuit system includes: forming an insulation region in a base layer; filling an insulator in the insulation region around a perimeter of a main chip region; forming a contact directly on and within planar extents of the insulator; and forming an upper layer over the contact to protect the main chip region.

Abstract: A method of making a mask is disclosed. The method includes providing a first and a second mask layers and disposing a first phase shift region on the first mask layer. A second phase shift region is disposed on the second mask layer, wherein the first and second phase shift regions are out of phase. A continuous unit cell is formed in the first phase shift region. The unit cell comprises a center section and distinct extension sections. The extension sections are contiguous to and extend outwards from the center section. The distinct extension sections have a same width as the center section. The second phase shift region is adjacent to the unit cell in the first phase shift region.

Abstract: A chromeless phase shift mask and Method for making and using. The A chromeless phase shift mask is used to pattern contact holes. The chromeless phase shift mask preferably comprises: a first phase shift region and a second phase shift region; the first region is comprised of a unit cell which is comprised of a rectangular center section and at least three rectangular sections (legs) outwards extending from the rectangular center section. The second region is adjacent to said first region. The interference between the first and second phase shift regions creates a contact hole pattern.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit system includes: forming reticle data; detecting a sub-geometry, a singularity, or a combination thereof in the reticle data; applying a unit cell, a patch cell, or a combination thereof for removing the sub-geometry, the singularity, or the combination thereof from the reticle data; and fabricating an integrated circuit from the reticle data.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a device is presented. The method includes forming a mask that includes multiple images. A substrate is patterned using the mask. An image of the multiple images corresponds to a respective patterning process. The substrate is processed further to complete the processing of the substrate to form the desired function of the device.

Abstract: A method for forming a contact hole unit cell is provided. A light transparent contact hole region of a first phase is positioned at a first plane. A light transparent phase-shifting region of a second phase is positioned at the first plane, the second phase being substantially out of phase with the first phase. The phase-shifting region substantially surrounds the contact hole region. A light transparent border region is positioned at the first plane outside the phase-shifting region. The border region has a phase substantially the same as that of the contact hole region. A chrome pad is positioned at the first plane outside and contacting at least a portion of the border region. The contact hole region, the phase-shifting region, the border region, and the chrome pad are positioned to cause light from the first plane to be reinforcing in a target contact hole configuration on a second plane and to be substantially neutralizing outside the target contact hole configuration on the second plane.

Abstract: A reticle structure and a method of forming a photoresist profile on a substrate using the reticle having a multi-level profile. The reticle comprises (1) a transparent substrate, (2) a partially transmitting 180 degree phase shift film overlying predetermined areas of the transparent substrate to transmit approximately 20 to 70% of incident light, and (3) an opaque film overlying the predetermined areas of the partially transmitting 180 degree phase shift film. The method comprises the following steps: a) depositing a photoresist film over the substrate; b) directing light to the photoresist film through the reticle, and c) developing the photoresist film to form an opening in the resist layer where light only passed thru the substrate, and to remove intermediate thickness of the photoresist film, in the areas where the light passed through the partially transmitting 180 degree phase shift film. In an aspect, the photoresist film is comprised of a lower photoresist layer and an upper photoresist layer.

Abstract: A structure, a method of fabricating and a method of using a phase shift mask (PSM) having a first phase shifted section, a half tone section, and a second phase shifted section. The first phase shift section and the half tone section are shifted 180 degrees with the second phase shift region. Embodiments provide for (1) a half tone, single trench alternating phase shift mask and (2) a half tone, dual trench alternating phase shift mask. The half tone region provides advantages over conventional alternating phase shift masks.