JP5347445B2 - Photomask pattern reproduction method - Google Patents

Photomask pattern reproduction method Download PDF

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JP5347445B2
JP5347445B2 JP2008293296A JP2008293296A JP5347445B2 JP 5347445 B2 JP5347445 B2 JP 5347445B2 JP 2008293296 A JP2008293296 A JP 2008293296A JP 2008293296 A JP2008293296 A JP 2008293296A JP 5347445 B2 JP5347445 B2 JP 5347445B2
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pattern
photomask
reproduction
reproduction method
present
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JP2010122278A (en
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博幸 若杉
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Toppan Inc
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Toppan Inc
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for regenerating the pattern of a photomask, by which a pattern on a photomask can be regenerated so as to increase pattern dimensions. <P>SOLUTION: The method for regenerating the pattern of a photomask, for regenerating a pattern 2 formed by using chromium or molybdenum silicide on the substrate 1 of a photomask 10, includes an exposure step of exposing the pattern 2 to an argon fluoride laser beam 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

本発明は、フォトマスク上のパターンを再生するパターン再生方法に関する。   The present invention relates to a pattern reproduction method for reproducing a pattern on a photomask.

石英ガラス等の基板上にクロム(Cr)等を用いて所定のパターンが形成されたフォトマスク(例えば、特許文献1参照。)は、半導体素子等の製造過程で広く用いられている。
特開2008−203396号公報
A photomask (for example, see Patent Document 1) in which a predetermined pattern is formed on a substrate such as quartz glass using chromium (Cr) or the like is widely used in the manufacturing process of semiconductor elements and the like.
JP 2008-203396 A

通常、フォトマスクの基板上に形成された上述のパターンは、フォトマスクの製造過程におけるエッチングプロセスやクリーニングプロセスにさらされることによってその寸法は減少する(細る)方向にのみ変化していく。しかしながら、パターンの寸法を大きくする方法は今のところ存在しない。   Usually, the above-mentioned pattern formed on the substrate of the photomask changes only in the direction in which the dimension decreases (thinner) when exposed to an etching process or a cleaning process in the manufacturing process of the photomask. However, there is currently no way to increase the pattern dimensions.

したがって、上述のようにパターンが細ったとき、あるいは、新規フォトマスクの製造工程やウェハ露光に使用中のフォトマスクに対するペリクル貼り替え時において、パターンが細った結果、その寸法が所定の規格範囲から外れてしまうと、フォトマスク自体を再度作製しなければならないという問題がある。   Therefore, when the pattern is thin as described above, or when the pellicle is replaced on the photomask in use for the manufacturing process of a new photomask or wafer exposure, the pattern is thinned, so that its dimensions are within a predetermined standard range. When it comes off, there is a problem that the photomask itself must be manufactured again.

本発明は上記事情に鑑みてなされたもので、フォトマスク上のパターンの寸法を増大させるように再生することができるフォトマスクのパターン再生方法を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photomask pattern reproduction method capable of reproduction so as to increase the size of the pattern on the photomask.

本発明は、フォトマスクの基板上にクロム又はモリブデンシリサイドを用いて形成されたパターンを再生するためのフォトマスクのパターン再生方法であって、前記パターンにフッ化アルゴン(ArF)レーザを露光して前記パターンの寸法を増大させる露光工程を備えることを特徴とする。 The present invention relates to a photomask pattern reproduction method for reproducing a pattern formed using chromium or molybdenum silicide on a photomask substrate, wherein the pattern is exposed to an argon fluoride (ArF) laser. An exposure step for increasing the dimension of the pattern is provided.

本発明のフォトマスクのパターン再生方法によれば、フォトマスク上のパターンの寸法を増大させるように再生することができ、フォトマスク再作製の頻度等を著しく低下させることができる。   According to the photomask pattern reproduction method of the present invention, reproduction can be performed so as to increase the size of the pattern on the photomask, and the frequency of photomask re-creation can be significantly reduced.

本発明の第1実施形態について、図1ないし図3を参照して説明する。図1及び図2は、本実施形態のフォトマスクのパターン再生方法(以下、単に「パターン再生方法」と称する。)の一過程を示す図である。   A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a process of a photomask pattern reproduction method (hereinafter simply referred to as “pattern reproduction method”) according to the present embodiment.

図1に示すように、フォトマスク10は、基板1上に遮光のためのパターン2が形成されて構成されている。本発明の方法で再生可能なパターン2の材料は、Cr又はモリブデンシリサイド(MoSi)である。基板1の材質は特に限定されず、例えば一般的な石英ガラス等を使用可能である。   As shown in FIG. 1, the photomask 10 is configured by forming a light shielding pattern 2 on a substrate 1. The material of the pattern 2 that can be reproduced by the method of the present invention is Cr or molybdenum silicide (MoSi). The material of the board | substrate 1 is not specifically limited, For example, common quartz glass etc. can be used.

上記のように構成されたフォトマスク10のパターン2に対して、空気の存在する雰囲気下で図1に示すようにArFレーザ3による露光をパターン2の全面に対して行う(露光工程)。すると、ArFレーザ3によって空気中の水分が分解して水酸基(OH)が発生し、当該水酸基がパターン2の表面で化学反応することにより、図2に示すように、パターン2が厚さ方向及び水平方向にほぼ均一に寸法が増大して再生される。 The pattern 2 of the photomask 10 configured as described above is exposed to the entire surface of the pattern 2 as shown in FIG. 1 in an atmosphere in which air exists (exposure process). Then, moisture in the air is decomposed by the ArF laser 3 to generate a hydroxyl group (OH ), and the hydroxyl group chemically reacts on the surface of the pattern 2, so that the pattern 2 is in the thickness direction as shown in FIG. In addition, the image is reproduced with the size substantially uniformly increased in the horizontal direction.

再生されたパターン2の寸法増大部分の成分を調べると、パターン2がCrで形成される場合は酸化クロムの薄膜であり、パターン2がMoSiで形成される場合は二酸化ケイ素(SiO)の薄膜であることが確認された。すなわち、上述したように、空気中の水分の分解によって生じた水酸基が反応してパターン2の表面に酸化膜が形成されることによってパターン2が再生されたことが確認された。 Examining the components of the increased size portion of the regenerated pattern 2, it is a thin film of chromium oxide when the pattern 2 is formed of Cr, and a thin film of silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) when the pattern 2 is formed of MoSi. It was confirmed that. That is, as described above, it was confirmed that the pattern 2 was regenerated by the reaction of the hydroxyl groups generated by the decomposition of moisture in the air and the formation of an oxide film on the surface of the pattern 2.

ArFレーザ露光によるパターン2の再生速度や再生量は、パターン2に対するArFレーザ3の総露光エネルギー(積算量)や、反応物である水分(湿度)や酸素の濃度等によって変化する。特に、図3に示すように、パターン2の再生量とArFレーザ3の総露光量とは概ね比例関係にあるので、総露光量を適宜調整することで、所望の寸法だけパターン2が再生されるように制御することが可能である。   The reproduction speed and reproduction amount of the pattern 2 by ArF laser exposure vary depending on the total exposure energy (integrated amount) of the ArF laser 3 with respect to the pattern 2, the concentration of moisture (humidity) and oxygen as reactants, and the like. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, since the reproduction amount of the pattern 2 and the total exposure amount of the ArF laser 3 are substantially proportional, the pattern 2 is reproduced by a desired dimension by appropriately adjusting the total exposure amount. It is possible to control so that.

なお、パターン2がMoSiからなる場合の再生部分の材質SiOはMoSiよりも高い光透過性を有するため、過度に再生を進めると、パターン2の遮光性能に影響を及ぼす可能性があるため注意する。 Note that the material SiO 2 of the reproducing portion when the pattern 2 is made of MoSi has a light transmittance higher than that of MoSi. Therefore, if the reproduction is excessively advanced, the light shielding performance of the pattern 2 may be affected. To do.

本実施形態のパターン再生方法によれば、基板1上のパターン2全体の寸法を増大させることができるので、例えば繰り返し洗浄を行ってパターン2の寸法が全体的に小さくなってしまった等の場合に、好適にパターン2を再生させることによって、フォトマスク10の延命を図ることが可能になる。その結果、フォトマスク10の再作製の頻度を著しく低下させることができ、フォトマスク10を用いた半導体素子等の製造コスト低減に大きく貢献することができる。   According to the pattern reproduction method of the present embodiment, the overall size of the pattern 2 on the substrate 1 can be increased. For example, when the pattern 2 is reduced in size as a result of repeated cleaning, the overall size of the pattern 2 is reduced. In addition, it is possible to prolong the life of the photomask 10 by suitably reproducing the pattern 2. As a result, the frequency of re-fabrication of the photomask 10 can be significantly reduced, which can greatly contribute to a reduction in manufacturing cost of a semiconductor element or the like using the photomask 10.

次に、本発明の第2実施形態について、図4ないし図7を参照して説明する。本実施形態のパターン再生方法と、上述の第1実施形態のパターン再生方法との異なるところは、ArFレーザがパターンの一部に照射される点である。なお、上述の第1実施形態と共通する構成については、同一の符号を付して重複する説明を省略する。   Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference between the pattern reproduction method of the present embodiment and the pattern reproduction method of the first embodiment described above is that an ArF laser is irradiated to a part of the pattern. In addition, about the structure which is common in the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

図4及び図5は、本実施形態のフォトマスクのパターン再生方法の一過程を示す図である。図4に示すように、パターン2上の任意の箇所2A、2BにArFレーザ3の露光を行うと、図5に示すように、パターン2A、2Bの部分のみにおいて、パターン2の再生が行われる。   4 and 5 are views showing a process of the photomask pattern reproducing method of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, when the ArF laser 3 is exposed to arbitrary locations 2A and 2B on the pattern 2, the pattern 2 is reproduced only in the portions of the patterns 2A and 2B as shown in FIG. .

再生箇所は任意に設定されてよいが、再生のための核となるパターン2の材料が存在しないと酸化膜が形成されないため、ArFレーザ3の照射範囲の少なくとも一部にパターン2が存在することが必要である。   Although the reproduction location may be set arbitrarily, the oxide film is not formed if there is no pattern 2 material serving as a nucleus for reproduction, and therefore the pattern 2 exists in at least a part of the irradiation range of the ArF laser 3. is necessary.

本実施形態のパターン再生方法によれば、任意の一部分のみを再生させることができるので、パターンの他の部位の寸法精度に影響を与えることなく所望の部位の再生や補強を行うことができる。   According to the pattern reproduction method of the present embodiment, only an arbitrary part can be reproduced, so that a desired part can be reproduced or reinforced without affecting the dimensional accuracy of other parts of the pattern.

さらに、図6及び図7に示す変形例のように、パターンの欠損部位4及びその周囲のパターン2CにArFレーザ3を照射して露光することによって、周囲のパターン2Cを再生させて欠損部位4を塞ぐことも可能である。
このようにすれば、微小なミスサイズ、欠け、ピンホール等のパターン欠陥をある程度修復することが可能となる。したがって、フォトマスクの製造における収率を向上させることができ、フォトマスクの製造コスト低減や製造工期の短縮にも大きく貢献することができる。
Further, as in the modification shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the defect portion 4 of the pattern and the surrounding pattern 2 </ b> C are irradiated with the ArF laser 3 and exposed to reproduce the surrounding pattern 2 </ b> C, thereby causing the defect portion 4 It is also possible to block.
In this way, it is possible to repair to some extent pattern defects such as minute missize, chipping, and pinholes. Therefore, the yield in manufacturing the photomask can be improved, and the manufacturing cost can be greatly reduced and the manufacturing period can be greatly shortened.

以上、本発明の実施形態を説明したが、本発明の技術範囲は上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲において種々の変更を加えることが可能である。   Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

例えば、本発明のパターン再生方法は、パターン再生以外の目的にも応用することが可能である。
具体例を挙げると、パターンの寸法が変化しない程度の露光エネルギー量でArFレーザ露光を行い、パターンの表面にごく薄い酸化膜を形成することによりパターンの表面を強化することが可能である。このようにすれば、洗浄に対するパターンの耐性を向上させたり、当該酸化膜をいわゆるエッチングストッパ層として利用したりすることが可能である。
For example, the pattern reproduction method of the present invention can be applied to purposes other than pattern reproduction.
As a specific example, it is possible to reinforce the surface of the pattern by performing ArF laser exposure with an exposure energy amount that does not change the dimension of the pattern and forming a very thin oxide film on the surface of the pattern. In this way, it is possible to improve the resistance of the pattern to cleaning, or to use the oxide film as a so-called etching stopper layer.

また、MoSiを用いたパターンの場合、形成されるSiO層が、MoSi材に比べて高い光透過性を有することはすでに説明したが、これを利用して単一の材料で形成されたパターンでありながら、部位によって遮光度が異なるようにグラデーションを形成することも可能である。この場合、従来のようにドットパターン等を用いなくても、遮光パターンに容易にグラデーション性を付与することができる。 Further, in the case of a pattern using MoSi, it has already been described that the SiO 2 layer to be formed has higher light transmittance than that of the MoSi material. However, a pattern formed of a single material using this is used. However, it is also possible to form a gradation so that the light shielding degree varies depending on the part. In this case, gradation can be easily imparted to the light shielding pattern without using a dot pattern or the like as in the prior art.

本発明の第1実施形態のフォトマスクのパターン再生方法の一過程を示す図である。It is a figure which shows one process of the pattern reproduction | regeneration method of the photomask of 1st Embodiment of this invention. 同パターン再生方法の一過程を示す図である。It is a figure which shows one process of the pattern reproduction | regeneration method. ArFレーザの露光量とパターン再生量との関係を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows the relationship between the exposure amount of an ArF laser, and a pattern reproduction amount. 本発明の第2実施形態のフォトマスクのパターン再生方法の一過程を示す図である。It is a figure which shows one process of the pattern reproduction | regeneration method of the photomask of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 同パターン再生方法の一過程を示す図である。It is a figure which shows one process of the pattern reproduction | regeneration method. 同実施形態の変形例のパターン再生方法の一過程を示す図である。It is a figure which shows one process of the pattern reproduction | regeneration method of the modification of the embodiment. 同パターン再生方法の一過程を示す図である。It is a figure which shows one process of the pattern reproduction | regeneration method.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1 基板
2 パターン
3 フッ化アルゴンレーザ
10 フォトマスク
1 Substrate 2 Pattern 3 Argon fluoride laser 10 Photomask

Claims (1)

フォトマスクの基板上にクロム又はモリブデンシリサイドを用いて形成されたパターンを再生するためのフォトマスクのパターン再生方法であって、前記パターンにフッ化アルゴンレーザを露光して前記パターンの寸法を増大させる露光工程を備えることを特徴とするフォトマスクのパターン再生方法。 A photomask pattern reproduction method for reproducing a pattern formed using chromium or molybdenum silicide on a photomask substrate, wherein the pattern is exposed to an argon fluoride laser to increase the size of the pattern A photomask pattern reproduction method comprising an exposure step.
JP2008293296A 2008-11-17 2008-11-17 Photomask pattern reproduction method Expired - Fee Related JP5347445B2 (en)

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