New filter rating method in practice for sub 30 nm lithography process filter

摘要

A new method for rating retention in lithography process filters has been developed. The method employs a gold nanoparticle contaminant challenge, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry as a concentration detector, and dynamic light scattering as a particle size detector, all of which enable accurate, reliable filter retention rating below 30 nm. There is good agreement between results obtained with the new method and results obtained with a conventional polystyrene latex bead challenge. A filter that was rated at 10 nm using extrapolative methods was confirmed to be 10 nm using the new challenge test. Microbridge removal efficiency of polyethylene filters rated by the new method was studied in a 193 nm (dry) lithography process and the new method was verified. When applied to commercially available filters that are rated below 30 nm, the new method revealed significant differences in removal efficiency among similarly labeled filters.