Investigation on helium ion beam lithography with proximity effect correction

Our work presents and investigates the effectiveness of a model-based proximity effect correction method for helium ion beam lithography (HIBL). This method iteratively modulates the shape of a pattern by a feedback compensation mechanism until the simulated patterning fidelity satisfies specific constraints. A point spread function (PSF) is utilized to account for all phenomena involved during the scattering events of incident ion beam particles in the resist. Patterning prediction for subsequent correction process is derived from the energy intensity distribution due to convolution between the PSF and the pattern, with an adequate cut-off threshold. The performance of this method for HIBL is examined through several designed layouts from 15- to 5-nm in half pitches, under specific process parameters, including acceleration voltage, resist thickness, and resist sensitivity. Preliminary results show its effectiveness in improving the patterning fidelity of HIBL.