Applications of MRC software for efficient mask manufacturing

Since the layout patterns on photomasks have been getting more and more complicated by OPC/RET processes, the mask patterns need to go through the verification to check the mask manufacturability even though the layout is 'DRC clean'. This verification process is called MRC (mask rule check). The fundamental functions required for MRC is relatively simple, such as narrow gap detection between patterns. SII NanoTechnology has been developing an MRC software product, SmartMRC TM , and it is widely used in mask shops as MRC standard software. Recently, in addition to typical usages of MRC software, various realistic applications have been reported in order to solve problems related to mask fabrication process. In this paper, we introduce three applications of MRC software for more efficient mask manufacturing.