Efficient simulation of extreme ultraviolet multilayer defects with rigorous data base approach

This paper presents the extension of the well-established, rigorous, electromagnetic field solver waveguide for the efficient and fully rigorous simulation of patterned extreme ultraviolet (EUV) masks with multilayer defects. The new simulation method uses a rigorously computed multilayer defect data base in combination with on demand modeling of diffraction from absorber structures. Typical computation times are in the range of seconds to a few minutes. Selected simulation examples, including a defect printing exploration and a defect repair, demonstrate the functionality and the capability to perform fast, highly accurate, and flexible EUV multilayer defect computations.