Is a Production Level Scanning Electron Microscope Linewidth Standard Possible?

Published

June 1, 2000

Author(s)

Michael T. Postek, Andras Vladar, John S. Villarrubia

Abstract

Metrology will remain a pricipal enabler for the development and manufacture of future generations of semiconductor devices. With the potential of 130 nm and 100 nm linewidths and high aspect ratio structures, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) remains an important metrology tool. This instrument is also extensively used in many phases of semiconductor manufacturing throughout the world. A challenge was recently posed in an article in Semiconductor International, which was to have an accurate, production level, linewidth standard for critical dimension scanning electron microscopes available to the semiconductor industry. The potential for meeting this challenge is explored in this paper.

Citation

SPIE Microlithography Conference

Volume

3998

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

AFM, atomic force microscope, linewidth, polysilicon, scanning electron microscope, SRM, Standard Reference Material

Citation

Postek, M. , Vladar, A. and Villarrubia, J. (2000), Is a Production Level Scanning Electron Microscope Linewidth Standard Possible?, SPIE Microlithography Conference (Accessed February 17, 2026)