Abstract: A method including obtaining verified values of a characteristic of a plurality of patterns on a substrate produced by a device manufacturing process; obtaining computed values of the characteristic using a non-probabilistic model; obtaining values of a residue of the non-probabilistic model based on the verified values and the computed values; and obtaining an attribute of a distribution of the residue based on the values of the residue. Also disclosed herein are methods of computing a probability of defects on a substrate produced by the device manufacturing process, and of obtaining an attribute of a distribution of the residue of a non-probabilistic model.

Abstract: Focus metrology patterns and methods are disclosed which do not rely on sub-resolution features. Focus can be measured by measuring asymmetry of the printed pattern (T), or complementary pairs of printed patterns (TN/TM). Asymmetry can be measured by scatterometry. Patterns may be printed using EUV radiation or DUV radiation. A first type of focus metrology pattern comprises first features (422) interleaved with second features (424) A minimum dimension (w1) of each first feature is close to a printing resolution. A maximum dimension (w2) of each second feature in the direction of periodicity is at least twice the minimum dimension of the first features. Each first feature is positioned between two adjacent second features such that a spacing (w1?) and its nearest second feature is between one half and twice the minimum dimension of the first features. A second type of focus metrology pattern comprises features (1122, 1124) arranged in pairs.

Abstract: A method including obtaining verified values of a characteristic of a plurality of patterns on a substrate produced by a device manufacturing process; obtaining computed values of the characteristic using a non-probabilistic model; obtaining values of a residue of the non-probabilistic model based on the verified values and the computed values; and obtaining an attribute of a distribution of the residue based on the values of the residue. Also disclosed herein are methods of computing a probability of defects on a substrate produced by the device manufacturing process, and of obtaining an attribute of a distribution of the residue of a non-probabilistic model.

Abstract: Focus metrology patterns and methods are disclosed which do not rely on sub-resolution features. Focus can be measured by measuring asymmetry of the printed pattern (T), or complementary pairs of printed patterns (TN/TM). Asymmetry can be measured by scatterometry. Patterns may be printed using EUV radiation or DUV radiation. A first type of focus metrology pattern comprises first features (422) interleaved with second features (424) A minimum dimension (w1) of each first feature is close to a printing resolution. A maximum dimension (w2) of each second feature in the direction of periodicity is at least twice the minimum dimension of the first features. Each first feature is positioned between two adjacent second features such that a spacing (w1?) and its nearest second feature is between one half and twice the minimum dimension of the first features. A second type of focus metrology pattern comprises features (1122, 1124) arranged in pairs.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing system with ultra low-K dielectric is provided including providing a substrate having an electronic circuit, forming an ultra low-K dielectric layer, having porogens, over the substrate, blocking an incoming radiation from a first region of the ultra low-K dielectric layer, evaporating the porogens from a second region of the ultra low-K dielectric layer by projecting the incoming radiation on the second region, and removing the ultra low-K dielectric layer in the first region with a developer.

Abstract: The first and second example embodiments are Pattern Fidelity Optimization Procedures for a Multiple Exposure Scheme. In the third example embodiment, the aperatures from the multiple exposure system can be combined into a single aperture by adding the apertures and modulating the relative transmission thru the respective apertures to match the prescribed dose split determined in above in the first embodiment.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing system with ultra low-K dielectric is provided including providing a substrate having an electronic circuit, forming an ultra low-K dielectric layer, having porogens, over the substrate, blocking an incoming radiation from a first region of the ultra low-K dielectric layer, evaporating the porogens from a second region of the ultra low-K dielectric layer by projecting the incoming radiation on the second region, and removing the ultra low-K dielectric layer in the first region with a developer.

Abstract: The first and second example embodiments are Pattern Fidelity Optimization Procedures for a Multiple Exposure Scheme. In the third example embodiment, the aperatures from the multiple exposure system can be combined into a single aperture by adding the apertures and modulating the relative transmission thru the respective apertures to match the prescribed dose split determined in above in the first embodiment.