Study of EUVL mask defect inspection using 199-nm inspection tool with super resolution method

摘要

In this paper, we will report on our experimental results on the impact of inspection system optics on mask defect detection sensitivity. We evaluated the capability of detecting defects on the EUVL masks by using a new inspection tool (NPI6000EUVα) made by NuFlare Technology, Inc. (NFT) and Advanced Mask Inspection Technology, Inc. (AMiT). This tool is based on NPI-5000 which is the leading-edge photomask defect inspection system using 199nm wavelength inspection optics. The programmed defect mask with LR-TaBN absorber was used which had various sized opaque and clear extension defects on hp-180nm, hp-128nm, and hp-108nm line and space patterns. According to the analysis, to obtain optimum sensitivity for various types of defects, using both C- and P-polarized illumination conditions were found to be effective. At present, sufficient defect-detection sensitivity is achieved for opaque and clear extension defects in hpl28nm (hp32nm at wafer). For hp108nm (hp27nm at wafer), using both C- and P- polarized illumination is effective. However, further developments in defect-detection sensitivity are necessary.