Evaluation of double-patterning techniques for advanced logic nodes

The development of Double-Patterning (DP) techniques continues to push forward aiming to extend the immersion based lithography below 36 nm half pitch. There are widespread efforts to make DP viable for further scaling of semiconductor devices. We have developed Develop/Etch/Develop/Etch (DE2) and Double-Expose-Track-Optimized (DETO) techniques for producing pitch-split patterns capable of supporting semiconductor devices for the 16 nm and 11 nm nodes. The IBM Alliance has established a DETO baseline, in collaboration with ASML, TEL, CNSE, and KLATencor, to evaluate the manufacturability of DETO by using commercially available resist systems. Presented in this paper are the long-term performance results of these systems relevant to defectivity, overlay, and CD uniformity.