Modeling and Thin Film Effects

Harry J. Levinson

doi:10.1117/3.601520.ch4

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Chapter 4:
Modeling and Thin Film Effects

Book: Principles of Lithography, Second Edition

Author(s): Harry J. Levinson

Published: 2005
https://doi.org/10.1117/3.601520.ch4

Abstract

Imagine if the only way to determine whether bridges were designed with sufficient strength to support the weight of fully loaded trucks was to build each bridge in its desired location according to an engineer's best guess, drive trucks across to see if the bridge collapsed, and redesign the bridge if it failed. This approach to bridge design is clearly impractical. What has made it possible to build large bridges are the mathematical theories of beams and plates enabling civil engineers to predict whether their designs will work or not, prior to construction. Similarly, advancements in lithography technology have been facilitated by the availability of predictive theoretical models and tools. Today, imaging performance can be simulated on personal computers and engineering workstations in order to determine what the design parameters should be for lenses that cost millions of dollars to fabricate. Lithography simulations involve several key steps: (1) The calculation of optical images. These are intensities I(x,y) in the plane of the wafer, that are applicable for low-numerical-aperture optics, or they can be fully three dimensional intensities I(x,y,z), that may be needed for accurate simulation of exposures using high-numerical-aperture lenses. (2) Prediction of the photochemical reactions resulting from the exposure of photoresist to the previously calculated light distributions. This provides a calculated state-of-exposure at every point (x,y,z) of interest in the resist film. (3) Computation of changes in chemical distributions within the resist as a consequence of diffusion that occurs during post-exposure bakes. (4) Calculation of resist profiles following resist development. Models for all of these key steps are discussed in this chapter.

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