ASML and Brion unveil software to optimize EUV manufacturing of most advanced chips

Next-generation semiconductor production will be facilitated by a new product introduced today by Brion Technologies, a division of ASML. Brion's new Tachyon NXE provides accurate predictive modeling specifically for ASML extreme ultraviolet (EUV) scanners, the upcoming technology for the chip industry which will enable smaller, faster, cheaper and more energy-efficient semiconductors. The accurate EUV modeling in Tachyon NXE will reduce both development time and cost to produce chips on EUV systems.

The Tachyon NXE software package seamlessly integrates with existing Tachyon products to enable the simulation of the EUV lithography process. In developing Tachyon NXE, Brion has incorporated TWINSCAN NXE:3100 scanner characteristics, models, and data to accurately describe the optical performance of the system. By simulating the behavior of the new scanner in software, this Tachyon NXE model can efficiently predict and correct NXE-specific effects before the start of chip production, helping to decrease EUV mask re-spins and shorten the learning cycles during final mask development.

The Optical Proximity Correction (Tachyon OPC+) and Lithography Manufacturability Check (Tachyon LMC) applications from Brion can now incorporate the new software model of ASML's EUV preproduction scanners, six of which will ship before mid-2011. These applications have been optimized for accuracy, file size and run-time as uniquely required by EUV. In multiple DRAM test cases, Brion has demonstrated the capability to perform full-field (approximately 8 cm²) EUV mask data correction in fewer than eight hours on a single Tachyon system.

"Tachyon NXE is the result of a multiyear investment by ASML and Brion to accurately model the performance of NXE scanners," said Jim Koonmen, general manager of Brion. "The industry transition to EUV will require a significant learning curve. ASML and Brion are uniquely positioned to help reduce the duration and cost of that curve through Tachyon NXE."

ASML and Brion are committed to providing widespread access to the accurate NXE:3100 and NXE:3300 scanner models and to continuously improve the entire lithographic process for chipmakers. Therefore, Brion will continue to invest in Tachyon NXE in order to continuously improve its capabilities, while also developing a separate product that will enable customer access to NXE-specific effects within a broad range of simulation tools. This second product will be available in the near future.