Nanometrology Using Through-Focus Scanning Optical Microscopy Method

Published

December 21, 2011

Author(s)

Ravikiran Attota, Richard M. Silver

Abstract

We present an initial review of a novel through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) imaging method that produces nanometer dimensional measurement sensitivity using a conventional bright-field optical microscope. In the TSOM method a target is scanned through the focus of an optical microscope, simultaneously acquiring optical images at different focal positions. The TSOM images are constructed using the through-focus optical images. A TSOM image is deemed unique under a given experimental condition and is sensitive to changes in the dimensions of a target in a distinct way. We use this characteristic for nanoscale dimensional metrology. This technique can be used to identify which dimension is changing between two nanosized targets and to determine the dimensions using a library-matching method. This methodology has potential utility for a wide range of target geometries and application areas, including, nanometrology, nanomanufacturing, defect analysis, process control, and biotechnology.

Citation

Measurement Science & Technology

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

TSOM, Through focus, optical microscope, nanometrology, process control, nanomanufacturing, nanoparticles, overlay metrology, critical dimension, defect analysis, dimensional analysis, MEMS, NEMS

Citation

Attota, R. and Silver, R. (2011), Nanometrology Using Through-Focus Scanning Optical Microscopy Method, Measurement Science & Technology, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=905395 (Accessed October 14, 2025)