CLMPC: curvilinear MPC in a mask data preparation flow

Curvilinear mask shapes have become one of the resolution enhancement technology options in optical lithography. While this technology has been demonstrated already at the 65 nm node [1], it becomes a more important option beyond the 14 nm node. One of the limiting factors for deploying curvilinear mask shapes for sub-14nm nodes is the need for mask process corrections (MPC). A solution for Curvilinear MPC (CLMPC) is demonstrated and discussed in this paper along with various options for the mask data preparation flows for VSB mask writers and raster based Multi-Beam mask writers. Mask Rule Check (MRC) is identified as a critical step in this data preparation flow for curvilinear shapes, and it is demonstrated that model-based MRC is a viable solution for curvilinear mask shapes.