Next-generation lithography for 22 and 16 nm technology nodes and beyond

作者：Wu Banqiu^*

来源：Science China Information Sciences, 2011, 54(5): 959-979.

DOI：10.1007/s11432-011-4227-6

• lithographic
• NGL
• XPL
• IPL
• NIL

In this paper, next-generation lithography (NGL) for the 22 and 16 nm technology nodes and beyond is reviewed. A broad range of topics, including history, technologies, critical challenges, and the most plausible candidates are discussed. The 22 and 16 nm technology nodes rely on NGL. NGLs have been extensively studied. Because of technological issues, the semiconductor industry has stopped pursuing several NGLs, such as X-ray proximity lithography, ion projection lithography, and scattering with angular limitation projection electron lithography. Currently, the primary candidate technologies are extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL), maskless lithography (ML2), and nanoimprint lithography (NIL), with EUVL being the leading candidate. Since EUVL was first proposed in 1988, many studies have been conducted. Currently, there is no "show stopper" for EUVL. Moreover, challenges are present in almost all aspects of EUVL technology. Almost all primary semiconductor manufacturing companies plan to implement commercial pre-production step-and-scan exposure tools in 2011. However, EUVL power at an intermediate focusing level has not yet met the volume manufacturing requirements. EUVL resists have been significantly improved recently, but there is still a critical need to meet requirements on resolution, line width roughness, and sensitivity. Creating a defect-free EUVL mask is another obstacle to the application of EUVL. ML2 and NIL, like EUVL, have also undergone significant progress recently, but throughput, defect control, and cost remain the critical impediments for practical application.

• 出版日期2011-5