Preview

Doklady BGUIR

Advanced search

The Impact of Off-Axis Illumination on the Optimization of the 250–350 nm Projection Photolithography Process

https://doi.org/10.35596/1729-7648-2026-24-2-37-45

Abstract

With increasing integration density and decreasing feature sizes, there is a need to optimize photolithography processes. Off-axis illumination is effective in increasing the resolution and depth of focus of lenses in projection equipment operating in the UV range using mercury-vapor discharge lamps. Off-axis illumination reduces diffraction limitations and improves resolution within design limits of approximately 250–350 nm. This article presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of methods for developing and optimizing off-axis illumination systems in projection photolithography. A method for simulating off-axis ring illumination for systems lacking standard resolution enhancement systems is proposed and tested. The effectiveness and adequacy of this method are confirmed by experimental studies.

About the Authors

A. Zakharevich
JSC “INTEGRAL” – Manager Holding Company “INTEGRAL”; Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics
Belarus

Zakharevich Andrei, Leading Engineer; Master Sci. (Tech.), Postgraduate of the Department of Electronic Engineering and Technology

220108, Minsk, Kazintsa St., 121a

Tel.: +375 29 572-01-78



I. Lovshenko
Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics
Belarus

Head of the Research Laboratory “CAD in Micro- and Nanoelectronics” (Lab 4.4)

Minsk



References

1. Mack C. A. (2007) Fundamental Principles of Optical Lithography: The Science of Microfabrication. Chichester, Wiley Publ.

2. Born M., Wolf E. (1999) Principles of Optics. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press Publ.

3. Mack C. A. (1997) Inside PROLITHTM. A Comprehensive Guide to Optical Lithography Simulation. For the PROLITH Family of Lithography Simulation Tools, v5.0. USA, Austin, Texas, Published by FINLE Technologies, Inc.

4. Lin B. J. (2010) Optical Lithography: Here is Why. SPIE Press Publ.

5. Applications Documentation. Image Quality Control: How to Do the Setup and Run. ASML, 2001.

6. Wong A. (2001) Resolution Enhancement Techniques in Optical Lithography. Engineering, Physics.

7. Mack C. A. (2007) Line-Edge Roughness and Its Impact on Lithography. Journal of Micro/Nanolithography. 6 (3). https://www.lithoguru.com/scientist/litho_papers/2010_LER_Ultimate_Limits.pdf.

8. Mack C. A. (2006) Field Guide to Optical Lithography. USA, Washington, SPIE Press Publ.

9. Levinson H. J. (2019) Principles of Lithography. Bellingham, Washington USA, SPIE Press Publ.

10. Levinson H. J. (2001) Lithography Process Control. Bellingham, Washington USA, SPIE Press Publ.

11. Mack C. A. (1988) Understanding Focus Effects in Submicron Optical Lithography. Optical Engineering. 27 (12), 1093–1100.

12. Brunner T. A. (1997) Impact of Lens Aberrations on Optical Lithography. IBM Journal of Research and Development. 41 (1/2), 57–67.

13. Mack C. A. (1997) Resolution and Depth of Focus in Optical Lithography. Microlithographic Techniques in IC Fabrication, Proc., SPIE. 3183, 14–27.


Review

For citations:


Zakharevich A., Lovshenko I. The Impact of Off-Axis Illumination on the Optimization of the 250–350 nm Projection Photolithography Process. Doklady BGUIR. 2026;24(2):37-45. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.35596/1729-7648-2026-24-2-37-45

Views: 109

JATS XML


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.


ISSN 1729-7648 (Print)
ISSN 2708-0382 (Online)