PHOTOMASK DEFECT INSPECTION

Catch Sub-Micron Errors. Preserve Pattern Integrity. Enhance Yield at the First Step.

PHOTOMASK DEFECT BANNER

ACCELERATE YIELD. ELIMINATE MASK ERRORS.

PHOTOMASK DEFECT 2

Photomasks are the blueprint of semiconductor manufacturing, and even the tiniest imperfection can lead to costly wafer defects across thousands of chips. Traditional manual and rule-based inspections are no longer viable for today’s advanced nodes. AI-powered Photomask Defect Inspection leverages ultra-high-resolution imaging combined with deep learning to detect sub-micron flaws like missing patterns, particles, scratches, or deformation, before they are replicated during lithography.

OUR HOLISTIC VIEW TO CHALLENGES & FEATURES

Challenges

Sub-Micron Defects Go Undetected

Sub-Micron Defects Go Undetected

Human inspection or traditional rule-based systems struggle to catch nano-scale particles or structural flaws on masks.

False Positives in Rule-Based Systems

False Positives in Rule-Based Systems

High rejection rate of usable masks due to overly sensitive or static threshold systems.

Defect Classification Limitations

Defect Classification Limitations

Even when defects are detected, they are often not correctly categorized, slowing down root cause analysis.

Production Delay Due to Re-Inspection

Production Delay Due to Re-Inspection

Long inspection cycles and repeated mask validations delay exposure steps and increase cycle times.

Features

Deep Learning-Based Defect Detection

Deep Learning-Based Defect Detection

AI models trained on vast defect datasets to detect and differentiate critical vs. non-critical anomalies.

Ultra-High-Resolution Imaging

Ultra-High-Resolution Imaging

Micron and sub-micron precision imaging using specialized optics to catch the smallest pattern inconsistencies.

Defect Classification & Prioritization

Defect Classification & Prioritization

Classifies defect types (particles, scratches, edge defects, missing lines) and ranks them by severity and location.

Pattern-to-Mask Comparison

Pattern-to-Mask Comparison

Compares actual mask pattern with design files (GDSII) for pixel-level mismatch detection.

WHO BENEFITS FROM PHOTOMASK DEFECT  INSPECTION?

PHOTOMASK DEFECT 3
  • Photomask Manufacturers  Ensure outgoing masks meet stringent foundry requirements.
  • Lithography Process Engineers  Minimize defect propagation and reduce exposure-related yield loss.
  • Fab Quality Teams Perform rapid root-cause analysis and reduce unnecessary mask rejections.
  • Maintenance Heads Detect mechanical alignment faults from repeated deviation patterns.

BUILDING AND DEPLOYING PROCESS

PHOTOMASK DEFECT 4
Pattern Design File Integration

Pattern Design File Integration

The system begins by ingesting GDSII design files of the intended mask layout. These files are used to create pixel-level reference patterns for comparison.

Camera & Optics Calibration

Camera & Optics Calibration

Specialized imaging systems are calibrated to achieve ultra-high resolution (sub-100nm) and correct for lens distortion, lighting uniformity, and reflectivity of mask surfaces.

Defect Library Model Training

Defect Library Model Training

Historical mask defect data, including particle types, line breaks, and haze, is used to train a defect classification model that distinguishes real issues from noise or permissible variations.

Real-Time Inspection & Review Interface

Real-Time Inspection & Review Interface

Captured images are analyzed frame-by-frame using AI models, and inspection results are displayed on an intuitive dashboard. Critical defects are flagged for review, while acceptable ones are auto-classified, reducing manual load.

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