193nm immersion lithography, with the single-exposure resolution limitation of half-pitch 38nm, has extended its
patterning capability to about 20nm using the double-patterning technique[1]. Despite the non-trivial sub-20nm
patterning challenges, several NAND Flash manufacturers are already pursuing for sub-16nm patterning technology.
25nm NAND flash memory has already begun production in 2010, and given the typical 2-year scaling cycle, sub-16nm
NAND devices should see pilot or mass production as early as 2014. Using novel patterning techniques such as sidewall
spacer quadruple patterning (upon 120nm to 128nm pitch using dry ArF lithography) or triple patterning (upon 90nm
pitch using immersion ArF lithography), we are able to extend optical lithography to sub-16nm half-pitch and
demonstrate the lithographic performance that can nearly meet the ITRS roadmap requirements.
In this paper, we conduct an in-depth review and demonstration of sidewall spacer quadruple patterning; including
300mm wafer level data of the mean values and CDU along with a mathematical assessment of the various data pools for
sub-16nm lines and spaces. By understanding which processes (lithography, deposition, and etch) define the critical
dimension of each data pool, we can make predictions of CDU capability for the sidewall spacer quad patterning. Our
VeritySEM4i CD SEM tool demonstrated high measurement yield during fully automated measurements, which enables
accurate lines, spaces and CDU measurements of the sub-16nm. The patterns generated from the sidewall spacer
quadruple patterning techniques are used as a hardmask to transfer sub-16nm lines and spaces patterns to underneath
amorphous silicon and silicon oxide layers, or poly silicon layer for 1X STI or poly gate applications.
Self-Aligned Double Patterning (SADP) scheme is considered as one of the most promising lithographic techniques to
meet the challenges for aggressive flash 32 nm semiconductor technology node and beyond.
Monitoring the SADP stages implies the necessity to use metrology methods that meet advanced technology nodes
requirements.
One important growing metrology factor is the Line Edge Roughness (LER). This factor is most relevant due to the
unique processing of the outer vs. inner edges in the SADP process.
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the right metrics to tightly monitor SADP process, including the roughness
behavior of the features on SADP layers, and seek correspondence of LER characteristics between SADP sequential
process stages.
Additional element of this study will be to examine the performance of CD-SEM roughness analysis on small features,
with the usage of improved LER measurement method that takes into account the contribution of SEM imaging noise to
the obtained LER values.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.