IMEC宣布世界上第一个300mm晶圆兼容定向组装工艺生产线

IMEC宣布成功研发出世界上第一个300毫米晶圆相容的定向自组装（DSA）的工艺生产线。与美国威斯康星大学，安智电子材料和东京电子IMEC的DSA合作目的，以解决关键的障碍，实现从学术DSA合作实验室规模到大批量制造环境的升级。

Directed Self-Assembly (DSA) is gaining momentum as a means for extending optical lithography beyond its current limits. DSA is an alternative patterning technology that enables frequency multiplication through the use of block copolymers. When used in conjunction with an appropriate pre-pattern that directs the orientation for patterning, DSA can reduce the pitch of the final printed structure. Moreover, DSA can be used to repair defects and repair uniformity in the original print. This repair feature is especially useful in combination with EUV lithography, which today is characterized by local variation in the CD (critical dimension), especially in case of small contacts.

Imec now has the complete toolset on-site including a dedicated and specially configured DSA coater/developer manufactured by TEL with installed DSA materials in gallon-size quantities, the metrology toolkit including DSA defect inspection, and in-house pattern transfer capabilities all in a representative 300mm cleanroom fab environment. With established 248nm, 193nm (dry and immersion) and EUV lithography tool sets on site, imec is uniquely positioned to study DSA defectivity aiming at increasing the pattern reliability of DSA for semiconductor fab standards. Moreover, imec aims at further developing the possibilities of DSA repair in combination with EUV lithography, pushing imec’s ambition to bring EUV Lithography to production level.

Kurt Ronse, Director Lithography Department at imec: “We are excited with this achievement, as this enables us to expand the scope of our research offering and toolset bringing more value to our partners. The availability of a DSA processing line enables us to further push the limits of 193nm immersion lithography and overcome some of the critical concerns for EUV lithography. This allows us to further push the limits of Moore’s law.”

"With this process, imec has taken an important step towards fulfilling the low cost, high resolution promise of bottom up DSA lithography," says Ralph Dammel, CTO of AZ Electronic Materials. "We are committed to providing the high performance materials the industry needs to make DSA a commercial reality."

Prof. Paul Nealey: “Juan de Pablo and I and the University of Wisconsin team are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with imec. Our work together results in unprecedented integration of DSA with manufacturing-ready tools and materials, allows investigation of the ultimate potential and possible limits of DSA not possible in an academic setting, and provides exceptional educational opportunities for our students. We are gratified to be on a pathway with imec towards commercialization of technology we have spent almost 15 years developing.”

This research offering is part of imec’s Advanced lithography program, available to imec’s partners in its core CMOS programs. Imec’s key core CMOS partners are GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Intel, Micron, Panasonic, Samsung, TSMC, Elpida, Hynix, Fujitsu and Sony.