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PUBLICATIONS

Scanning Electron Microscope Analog of Scatterometry

Published

Author(s)

John S. Villarrubia, Andras Vladar, J R. Lowney, Michael T. Postek

Abstract

Optical scatterometry has attracted a great deal of interest for linewidth measurement due to its high repeatability and capability of measuring sidewall shape. We have developed an analogous and complementary technique for the scanning electron microscope. The new method, like scatterometry, measures shape parameters (e.g., wall angles) as well as feature widths. Also like scatterometry, it operates by finding a match between the measured signal from an unknown sample and a library of signals calculated for known samples. A physics-based model of the measurement is employed for the calculation of libraries. The method differs from scatterometry in that the signal is an image rather than a scattering pattern, and the probe particles are electrons rather than photons. Because the electron-sample interaction is more highly localized, isolated structures or individual structures within an array can be measured. Results of this technique were compared to an SEM cross section for an isolated polycrystalline silicon line. The agreement was better than 2 nm for the width and 0.2 degrees for wall angles, differences that can be accounted for by measurement errors arising from line edge roughness.
Proceedings Title
Proceedings of SPIE, Metrology, Inspection, and Process Control for Microlithography XVI, Daniel J. C. Herr, Editor
Volume
4689
Conference Dates
March 4-7, 2002
Conference Location
Santa Clara, CA
Conference Title
Critical Dimension Metrology II
Pub Type
Conferences

Keywords

critical dimension (CD) metrology, line shape, linewidth, model-based library, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Manufacturing and Metrology

Citation

Villarrubia, J. , Vladar, A. , Lowney, J. and Postek, M. (2002), Scanning Electron Microscope Analog of Scatterometry, Proceedings of SPIE, Metrology, Inspection, and Process Control for Microlithography XVI, Daniel J. C. Herr, Editor, Santa Clara, CA (Accessed October 11, 2025)

Issues

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Created July 1, 2002, Updated February 19, 2017
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