Critical dimension uniformity (CDU) of hole layer is becoming more
and more crucial and tightened alongside with the technology node being
driven into 28 nm and beyond, since the critical dimension (CD)
variation of 2-dimensional (2D) hole pattern is intrinsically harder to
control than that of 1D pattern (line/space). As the process window
becomes more marginal with the more advanced technology node,
although at the cost of contrast loss, EFESE tilt (focus drilling method) is
one handy trick for its DOF enhancement capability (1-3). We observed
an abnormal up to 6 nm ADI CD trend-down in Y-direction (exposure
scan direction) in the strictly repeated via-hole patterns within an about 8
mm x 6 mm chip in condition 1 wafer with pre-layer patterns (short as
C1 wafer) where EFESE tilt is applied. No CD trend-down or trend up in
X-direction. This C1 hole layer uses EFESE tilt to improve DOF. This
CD trend-down phenomenon is thoroughly investigated and a model of
“effective EFESE tilt” is proposed and verified. Based on the model, we
made a further step into the assessment of another focus drilling method,
i.e. EFESE High Range (HR) and evaluate its performance under the
same complex leveling scheme. Through all this analysis, we give an
insight of the safety zone for applying EFESE tilt for future reference.
As semiconductor industry moves towards advanced technology node, requirement for tighter Critical Dimension (CD) control constantly raises the bar for CD metrology. Yet despite various intrinsic bias origins, CD-SEM is still serving as the workhorse and ‘go to’ metrology mean for inline CD control in modern IC fabrication day in and day out. Such confidence comes from extensive studies around the underlying physics of SEM as major bias types are all marked as 'accountable' and some even 'predictable' nowadays. Still there are times when unexpected metrology results slip through with no obvious trace leading to any well established theories. And it is none the less necessary and challenging to single out the root cause from the complex physics models. Such a case is presented in this work. A reproducible CD diving behavior on the scale of 0.4~0.8nm during the very first one or two measurements by SEM on Poly-Si sample is described and verified. Various experiments are conducted to identify the physical origin. We propose that this ‘first measurement effect (FME)’ is related to SEM proximity shadowing and e-beam seasoning on pattern sidewall material.
Photo resist shrinkage during CD-SEM measurements has been a well known phenomenon. It presents great difficulties and challenges in CD-SEM metrology, for example, in the CD-SEM tool matching. The “check board” method currently popular in CD-SEM tool matching avoids measuring the same location twice and resorts to the statistical averaging out the CD difference in each paired measurements. This paper presents a new cross sampling method which inherently eliminates the CD difference in each paired measurement. The pro and con of these two sampling methods are studied with resort to a resist shrinkage model. A conceptual equation of the real tool difference on ADI pattern is proposed. Through this equation, we are able to determine the magnitude of the real difference via the shrinkage model combining the measurements from the cross sampling method. A quantitative study of the resist shrinkages with multiple subsequent measurements is carried out. An exponential model is assumed and proved to have good fit with the experimental data. From such resist shrinkage model, we are able to deduce the original resist line/hole CD size without any e-beam disturbance. The relative change of the CD after the first measurement is revealed quantitatively from such a model with very good accuracy. Combing the fitted models with the cross sampling measurement results we are able to determine the real CD difference, if they were measured by these two CD-SEM tools, which cannot be obtained by direct measurements because of the memory of any previous measurements.
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