JP2008139177A - Method and device for measuring film thickness - Google Patents

Method and device for measuring film thickness Download PDF

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JP2008139177A
JP2008139177A JP2006326364A JP2006326364A JP2008139177A JP 2008139177 A JP2008139177 A JP 2008139177A JP 2006326364 A JP2006326364 A JP 2006326364A JP 2006326364 A JP2006326364 A JP 2006326364A JP 2008139177 A JP2008139177 A JP 2008139177A
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wavelength
film thickness
curve
characteristic curve
light
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JP5117039B2 (en
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Yoshinori Hayashi
義典 林
Hideki Mori
秀樹 森
Koji Sensai
宏治 泉妻
Hiromichi Isogai
宏道 磯貝
Takeshi Senda
剛士 仙田
Eiji Toyoda
英二 豊田
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Coorstek KK
Shibaura Mechatronics Corp
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Shibaura Mechatronics Corp
Covalent Materials Corp
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for measuring film thickness and a device for measuring film thickness, capable of measuring the film thickness in a wide range, even if the relation between the film thickness of a plate member used as a reference in many cases and parameters are not used. <P>SOLUTION: The film thickness measuring method and the device therefor for measuring the thickness of a film layer included in the plate member are such that inspection light transmissible to the surface of the plate member is irradiated, while its wavelength is changed over a prescribed range; the intensity of transmitted light is detected which is acquired from the irradiated inspection light having respective wavelength, transmitted through the plate member and then exiting therefrom; a target wavelength is decided, based on a maximal point and a minimal point on the characteristic curve, showing the relation between respective wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light; and the thickness of the film layer is calculated from the target wavelength decided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、半導体ウエーハ等の板状部材に含まれる膜の厚さを非接触にて測定する膜厚測定方法及び膜厚測定装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a film thickness measuring method and a film thickness measuring apparatus for measuring the thickness of a film contained in a plate-like member such as a semiconductor wafer in a non-contact manner.

従来、半導体ウエーハ(板状部材)上にプローブ光を照射して得られる反射光または透過光の分光波形から求めた所定のパラメータ(最大極大値、最小極小値、それらの比等)の値に基づいて半導体ウエーハの表層の膜厚を検出する手法が提案されている(特許文献1)。この手法では、同じ膜厚ではその反射光または透過光の分光波形が略一定になるという現象を利用するものである。具体的には、膜厚が既知となる基準半導体ウエーハに対する反射光または透過光の分光波形から求められたパラメータの値を参照値として保存しておき、測定対象となる半導体ウエーハを研磨する過程で当該半導体ウエーハに対する反射光または透過光の分光波形から得られるパラメータの値が前記参照値と同じになったときに、その測定対象の半導体ウエーハの膜厚が前記基準半導体ウエーハの膜厚であると判定している。一方、前記パラメータの値が前記参照値と同じでなければ、その測定対象の半導体ウエーハの膜厚が前記基準半導体ウエーハの膜厚ではないと判定している。
特開2000−77371号公報
Conventionally, a predetermined parameter (maximum maximum value, minimum minimum value, ratio thereof, etc.) obtained from a spectral waveform of reflected light or transmitted light obtained by irradiating a semiconductor wafer (plate-like member) with probe light is used. Based on this, a method for detecting the film thickness of the surface layer of a semiconductor wafer has been proposed (Patent Document 1). This technique uses the phenomenon that the spectral waveform of reflected or transmitted light becomes substantially constant at the same film thickness. Specifically, in the process of polishing the semiconductor wafer to be measured, the parameter value obtained from the spectral waveform of the reflected or transmitted light with respect to the reference semiconductor wafer having a known film thickness is stored as a reference value. When the parameter value obtained from the spectral waveform of reflected light or transmitted light with respect to the semiconductor wafer is the same as the reference value, the film thickness of the semiconductor wafer to be measured is the film thickness of the standard semiconductor wafer. Judgment. On the other hand, if the value of the parameter is not the same as the reference value, it is determined that the film thickness of the semiconductor wafer to be measured is not the film thickness of the reference semiconductor wafer.
JP 2000-77371 A

しかしながら、前述した従来の手法では、基準となる半導体ウエーハの膜厚と同じ膜厚しか測定できず、他の膜厚については、その基準となる半導体ウエーハの膜厚とは異なるものであるとしか判定できない。広い範囲の膜厚測定を可能なものとするためには、多くの基準半導体ウエーハの膜厚と分光波形から得られるパラメータとを組にして予め保存しておかなければならず、膨大な保存容量を確保しなければならない。   However, the above-described conventional method can measure only the same film thickness as the reference semiconductor wafer, and other film thicknesses are different from the reference semiconductor wafer thickness. Cannot judge. In order to be able to measure a wide range of film thickness, the film thickness of many reference semiconductor wafers and the parameters obtained from the spectral waveform must be stored in advance, and the huge storage capacity Must be secured.

本発明は、従来技術のこのような事情に鑑みてなされたもので、多くの基準となる板状部材の膜厚とパラメータとの関係を用いなくても広い範囲の膜厚測定が可能となる膜厚測定方法及び膜厚測定装置を提供するものである。   The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances of the prior art, and it is possible to measure a wide range of film thicknesses without using the relationship between the film thickness and parameters of a plate member that serves as many references. A film thickness measuring method and a film thickness measuring apparatus are provided.

本発明に係る膜厚検査方法は、板状部材に含まれる膜層の厚さを測定する膜厚測定方法であって、前記板状部材の面に対して透過可能な検査光を、その波長を所定範囲にわたって変化させつつ照射する検査光照射工程と、照射される各波長の検査光が前記板状部材を透過して出てくる透過光の強度を検出する透過光強度検出工程と、前記検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線における極大点及び極小点に基づいて注目波長を決定する注目波長決定工程と、前記決定された注目波長から前記膜層の厚さを算出する演算工程とを有する構成となる。   The film thickness inspection method according to the present invention is a film thickness measurement method for measuring the thickness of a film layer included in a plate-shaped member, and the inspection light that can be transmitted through the surface of the plate-shaped member has a wavelength thereof. Inspection light irradiation step of irradiating while changing over a predetermined range, transmitted light intensity detection step of detecting the intensity of the transmitted light that the inspection light of each wavelength irradiated passes through the plate member, and A wavelength of interest determination step for determining a wavelength of interest based on the maximum and minimum points in the characteristic curve representing the relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light, and the thickness of the film layer from the determined wavelength of interest. And a calculation step for calculating the thickness.

このような構成により、波長を所定範囲にわたって変化させつつ検査光を板状部材の面に照射した際に透過光の強度が検出されると、検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線における極大点及び極小点に基づいて注目波長が決定される。そして、その注目波長から膜層の厚さが算出される。   With such a configuration, when the intensity of transmitted light is detected when the surface of the plate-like member is irradiated with inspection light while changing the wavelength over a predetermined range, each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light are The wavelength of interest is determined based on the maximum point and the minimum point in the characteristic curve representing the relationship. Then, the thickness of the film layer is calculated from the wavelength of interest.

前記特性曲線の極大点及び極小点は、検査光の板状部材を直接透過する成分と、膜層の境界にて反射して透過する成分との干渉作用によって生じるものと推察される。このことからすると、特性曲線における極大点及び極小点それぞれに対応した波長は、膜層の厚さに依存するといい得る。従って、前記特性曲線における極大点及び極小点から前記膜層の厚さを最も的確に表す情報といい得る波長を注目波長として決定することができ、その決定された注目波長から膜厚が算出される。   The maximum and minimum points of the characteristic curve are presumed to be caused by the interference between the component that directly transmits the inspection light plate-like member and the component that reflects and transmits at the boundary of the film layer. From this, it can be said that the wavelength corresponding to each of the maximum point and the minimum point in the characteristic curve depends on the thickness of the film layer. Therefore, the wavelength that can be referred to as information that most accurately represents the thickness of the film layer can be determined from the maximum point and the minimum point in the characteristic curve as the wavelength of interest, and the film thickness is calculated from the determined wavelength of interest. The

また、本発明に係る膜厚検査方法において、前記注目波長決定工程は、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて前記注目波長を決定する構成とすることができる。   In the film thickness inspection method according to the present invention, the wavelength of interest determination step determines the wavelength of interest based on a wavelength corresponding to at least one of the longest wavelength maximum point and minimum point in the characteristic curve. It can be configured.

このような構成により、波長を所定範囲にわたって変化させつつ検査光を板状部材の面に照射した際に透過光の強度が検出されると、検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて注目波長が決定される。   With such a configuration, when the intensity of transmitted light is detected when the surface of the plate-like member is irradiated with inspection light while changing the wavelength over a predetermined range, each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light are The wavelength of interest is determined based on the wavelength corresponding to at least one of the maximum point and the minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve representing the relationship.

前述したように前記特性曲線における極大点及び極小点それぞれに対応した波長は、膜層の厚さに依存するといい得る。また、波長が長くなって膜厚以上になると干渉作用がなくなり、特性曲線においては膜厚以上の波長領域では極大点及び極小点がなくなる。従って、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点及び極小点それぞれに対応する波長は、膜層の厚さを最も的確に表す情報であるといい得る。この膜層の厚さを最も的確に表す情報であるといい得る前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて決定された注目波長からその膜厚を算出することが可能となる。   As described above, the wavelength corresponding to each of the maximum point and the minimum point in the characteristic curve can be said to depend on the thickness of the film layer. Further, when the wavelength becomes longer and becomes more than the film thickness, the interference action disappears, and in the characteristic curve, the maximum point and the minimum point disappear in the wavelength region above the film thickness. Therefore, it can be said that the wavelength corresponding to the maximum point and the minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve is information that most accurately represents the thickness of the film layer. The film from the wavelength of interest determined based on the wavelength corresponding to at least one of the maximum point and the minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve, which can be said to be the information that most accurately represents the thickness of the film layer It is possible to calculate the thickness.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定方法において、前記注目波長決定工程は、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点に対応した波長を前記注目波長として決定することも、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極小点に対応した波長を前記注目波長として決定することもできる。更に、前記極大点に対応した波長と前記極小点に対応した波長の双方にから、例えば、それらの中間の波長(平均値等)を注目波長として決定することもできる。   In the film thickness measurement method according to the present invention, the wavelength-of-interest determination step may determine the wavelength corresponding to the maximum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve as the wavelength of interest. The wavelength corresponding to the minimum point on the wavelength side can also be determined as the wavelength of interest. Furthermore, from both the wavelength corresponding to the maximum point and the wavelength corresponding to the minimum point, for example, an intermediate wavelength (such as an average value) can be determined as the wavelength of interest.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定方法において、前記注目波長決定工程は、前記特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線を生成する第1工程と、前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線を生成する第2工程と、前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点を算出する第3工程と、前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点にその短波長側で最も近い前記特性曲線の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて前記注目波長を決定する第4工程とを有する構成とすることができる。   In the film thickness measurement method according to the present invention, the wavelength of interest determination step includes a first step of generating a first approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve, and a minimum point of the characteristic curve. A second step of generating a second approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the first step, a third step of calculating an intersection on the long wavelength side of the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve, and the first approximate curve And determining the wavelength of interest based on a wavelength corresponding to at least one of the maximum point and the minimum point of the characteristic curve closest to the intersection of the long wavelength side of the second approximate curve and the second approximate curve on the short wavelength side It can be set as the structure which has.

このような構成により、検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線と前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点は、長波長側で特性曲線の極大点と極小点とが一致する点である。即ち、その交点に対応した波長は、前記特性曲線において極大点及び極小点がなくなる波長領域内にあると推察される。そして、その交点にその短波長側で最も近い前記特性曲線の極大点及び極小点は、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点及び極小点となる。従って、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて決定された注目波長から膜層の厚さが算出されるようになる。   With such a configuration, the first approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve representing the relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light is approximated as a curve passing through the minimum point of the characteristic curve. The intersection on the long wavelength side with the second approximated curve is a point where the maximum point and the minimum point of the characteristic curve coincide on the long wavelength side. That is, it is assumed that the wavelength corresponding to the intersection is in the wavelength region where the maximum point and the minimum point are eliminated in the characteristic curve. Then, the local maximum point and local minimum point of the characteristic curve closest to the intersection on the short wavelength side are the local maximum point and local minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve. Accordingly, the thickness of the film layer is calculated from the wavelength of interest determined based on the wavelength corresponding to at least one of the maximum point and the minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定方法において、前記注目波長決定工程は、前記特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線を生成する第1工程と、前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線を生成する第2工程と、前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点を算出する第3工程とを有し、前記交点に対応する波長を前記注目波長として決定するように構成することができる。   In the film thickness measurement method according to the present invention, the wavelength of interest determination step includes a first step of generating a first approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve, and a minimum point of the characteristic curve. A second step of generating a second approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the second step, and a third step of calculating an intersection on the long wavelength side of the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve. Can be configured to determine the wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of interest.

このような構成により、検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線と前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点に対応する波長が注目波長として決定される。そして、その決定された注目波長から膜層の厚さが算出される。   With such a configuration, the first approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve representing the relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light is approximated as a curve passing through the minimum point of the characteristic curve. The wavelength corresponding to the intersection on the long wavelength side with the second approximate curve is determined as the wavelength of interest. Then, the thickness of the film layer is calculated from the determined wavelength of interest.

前述したように査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線と前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点に対応する波長は前記特性曲線において極大点と極小点が一致する波長領域内にあると推察される。即ち、その波長の光では膜層に起因した干渉作用が生じないものと推察される。従って、前記交点に対応した波長は、測定対象となる膜層の厚さで干渉作用が生じるか否かの境界条件なり得るものであり、その膜層の厚さを表す情報となり得る。このような前記交点に対応した波長から膜層の厚さが演算することができる。   As described above, the first approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve representing the relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light is approximated as a curve passing through the minimum point of the characteristic curve. The wavelength corresponding to the intersection on the long wavelength side with the second approximate curve is presumed to be in the wavelength region where the maximum point and the minimum point coincide with each other in the characteristic curve. That is, it is presumed that the interference effect caused by the film layer does not occur with the light of that wavelength. Therefore, the wavelength corresponding to the intersection can be a boundary condition as to whether or not an interference action occurs depending on the thickness of the film layer to be measured, and can be information indicating the thickness of the film layer. The thickness of the film layer can be calculated from the wavelength corresponding to the intersection point.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定方法において、前記第3工程での交点の演算が可能であるか否かを前記膜層の欠陥の有無として判定する判定工程を有する構成とすることができる。   Moreover, the film thickness measuring method according to the present invention may include a determination step of determining whether or not the intersection point in the third step can be calculated as the presence or absence of a defect in the film layer.

膜層が正常であれば、前記特性曲線において長波長側に極大点及び極小点がなくなる、即ち、前記特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似された第1近似曲線と前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似された第2近似曲線との交点が存在する。逆に、前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との交点が存在しない場合、膜層自体に欠陥(剥離、ボイド等)があるものと判断し得る。従って、前述した構成によれば、膜層の厚さを測定する過程で、その測定部位での膜層の欠陥の有無を判定することができるようになる。   If the film layer is normal, there are no local maximum and minimum points on the long wavelength side in the characteristic curve, that is, the first approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve and the minimum point of the characteristic curve. There is an intersection with the second approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through. On the other hand, when there is no intersection between the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve, it can be determined that the film layer itself has a defect (peeling, void, etc.). Therefore, according to the configuration described above, in the process of measuring the thickness of the film layer, it is possible to determine the presence / absence of a defect in the film layer at the measurement site.

更に、本発明に係る膜厚測定方法において、前記特性曲線は、前記検査光の各波長に対応した透過光の強度と予め定めた基準板状部材に対して前記板状部材と同様に得られた透過光の強度との差と、波長との関係を表すように構成することができる。   Furthermore, in the film thickness measurement method according to the present invention, the characteristic curve is obtained in the same manner as the plate member with respect to the intensity of transmitted light corresponding to each wavelength of the inspection light and a predetermined reference plate member. It can be configured to represent the relationship between the difference between the transmitted light intensity and the wavelength.

このような構成により、特性曲線が測定対象となる板状部材にて得られた透過光の強度から基準板状部材にて得られた透過光の強度が差し引かれた値と波長との関係を表すようになるので、前記特性曲線は、干渉現象に基づいた透過光の強度の変動分を強調して表し得るようになる。従って、その極大点及び極小点を判定し易くすることができる。   With such a configuration, the relationship between the wavelength and the value obtained by subtracting the transmitted light intensity obtained from the reference plate member from the intensity of the transmitted light obtained from the plate member to be measured is a characteristic curve. Therefore, the characteristic curve can be expressed by emphasizing the variation in the intensity of the transmitted light based on the interference phenomenon. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the maximum point and the minimum point.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定方法において、前記特性曲線は、前記検査光の各波長と前記透過光の強度に依存する所定のパラメータとの関係を表すものである構成とすることができる。   In the film thickness measuring method according to the present invention, the characteristic curve may represent a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and a predetermined parameter depending on the intensity of the transmitted light.

このような構成により、パラメータが透過光の強度に依存しているので、前記検査光の各波長とそのパラメータとの関係を表す特性曲線は、結局、前記検査光の各波長と透過光の強度との関係を表し得る。   With such a configuration, since the parameter depends on the intensity of the transmitted light, the characteristic curve representing the relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the parameter results in the wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light. Can be expressed as a relationship.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定方法において、前記特性曲線は、前記検査光の各波長に対応した前記パラメータの値と予め定めた基準板状部材に対して前記板状部材と同様に得られた前記パラメータの値との差と、波長との関係を表すように構成することができる。   In the film thickness measurement method according to the present invention, the characteristic curve is obtained in the same manner as the plate member with respect to the parameter value corresponding to each wavelength of the inspection light and a predetermined reference plate member. Further, it can be configured to represent the relationship between the difference between the parameter value and the wavelength.

このような構成により、特性曲線は、前述したのと同様に干渉現象に基づいた透過光の強度の変動分を強調して表し得るようになり、よって、その極大点及び極小点を判定し易くすることができる。   With such a configuration, the characteristic curve can be expressed by emphasizing the variation in the intensity of transmitted light based on the interference phenomenon in the same manner as described above. Therefore, it is easy to determine the maximum point and the minimum point. can do.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定方法において、前記パラメータは、前記検査光の前記板状部材での吸収の度合いを表す吸光パラメータとすることがきる。前記吸光パラメータは、検査光の板状部材での吸収の度合を表すパラメータであれば、限定されず、例えば、吸光率を用いることができる。   In the film thickness measurement method according to the present invention, the parameter can be an absorption parameter that represents the degree of absorption of the inspection light by the plate member. The light absorption parameter is not limited as long as it is a parameter representing the degree of absorption of the inspection light by the plate-like member, and for example, the light absorbance can be used.

更に、本発明に係る膜厚測定方法において、予め定めた物質の濃度に対する吸光特性と、前記検査光の各波長と前記検査光の前記吸光パラメータとの関係を表す特性曲線とに基づいて前記物質の前記板状部材内での濃度を算出する工程を有する構成とすることができる。   Further, in the film thickness measurement method according to the present invention, the substance is based on a light absorption characteristic with respect to a predetermined substance concentration and a characteristic curve representing a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the light absorption parameter of the inspection light. It can be set as the structure which has the process of calculating the density | concentration in the said plate-shaped member.

このような構成により、特性曲線が検査光の各波長とその検査光の板状部材での吸収の度合との関係を表すので、予め定められた物質の濃度に対する吸光特性を用いることにより、その板状物質内での前記物質の濃度を算出し得る。従って、板状部材の膜層の厚さを測定する際に、その板状部材に含有される予め定めた物質の濃度も得ることができるようになる。なお、前記物質の濃度に対する吸光特性は、当該物質の濃度と光の波長毎の吸収の度合との関係を表したものである。   With such a configuration, since the characteristic curve represents the relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the degree of absorption of the inspection light by the plate-like member, by using the light absorption characteristics with respect to a predetermined substance concentration, The concentration of the substance in the plate-like substance can be calculated. Therefore, when measuring the thickness of the film layer of the plate member, the concentration of a predetermined substance contained in the plate member can be obtained. The light absorption characteristics with respect to the concentration of the substance represent the relationship between the concentration of the substance and the degree of absorption for each wavelength of light.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定方法において、前記パラメータは、前記検査光の前記板状部材での吸収の度合いを表す吸光パラメータであって、予め定めた物質の濃度に対する吸光特性と、前記検査光の各波長と前記検査光の前記吸光パラメータとの関係を表す特性曲線とに基づいて前記物質の前記板状部材内での濃度を算出する物質濃度算出工程と、前記基準板状部材に含まれる既知の前記物質の濃度と、前記物質濃度算出工程にて得られた前記物質の濃度とに基づいて、前記特性曲線を補正する補正工程とを有する構成とすることができる。   Further, in the film thickness measurement method according to the present invention, the parameter is an absorption parameter indicating a degree of absorption of the inspection light in the plate member, and an absorption characteristic with respect to a predetermined substance concentration and the inspection A substance concentration calculating step of calculating a concentration of the substance in the plate-like member based on a characteristic curve representing a relationship between each wavelength of light and the light absorption parameter of the inspection light; and included in the reference plate-like member And a correction step of correcting the characteristic curve based on the known concentration of the substance and the concentration of the substance obtained in the substance concentration calculation step.

このような構成により、特性曲線が検査光の各波長に対応したパラメータの値と予め定めた基準板状部材に対して前記板状部材と同様に得られた前記パラメータの値との差と、波長との関係を表すものであり、前記パラメータが、前記検査光の前記板状部材での吸収の度合いを表す吸光パラメータである場合に、膜厚の測定対象となる板状部材に含有される予め定めた物質の濃度に応じてその吸光の度合が種々変わったとしても、その特性曲線がその物質の濃度に応じて補正されるようになるので、より正確な膜厚の測定が可能となる。   With such a configuration, the difference between the value of the parameter corresponding to each wavelength of the inspection light and the value of the parameter obtained in the same manner as the plate member with respect to the predetermined reference plate member, It represents the relationship with the wavelength, and when the parameter is an absorption parameter representing the degree of absorption of the inspection light in the plate-like member, it is contained in the plate-like member to be measured for film thickness. Even if the degree of light absorption varies according to the concentration of a predetermined substance, the characteristic curve is corrected according to the concentration of the substance, so that a more accurate film thickness can be measured. .

本発明に係る膜厚測定装置は、板状部材に含まれる膜層の厚さを測定する膜厚測定装置であって、前記板状部材の面に対して透過可能な検査光を、その波長を所定範囲にわたって変化させつつ照射する検査光照射手段と、照射される各波長の検査光が前記板状部材を透過して出てくる透過光の強度を検出する透過光強度検出手段と、前記検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線における極大点及び極小点に基づいて注目波長を決定する注目波長決定手段と、前記決定された注目波長から前記膜層の厚さを算出する演算手段とを有する構成となる。   A film thickness measuring apparatus according to the present invention is a film thickness measuring apparatus for measuring the thickness of a film layer included in a plate-shaped member, and has a wavelength of inspection light that can be transmitted through the surface of the plate-shaped member. Inspection light irradiating means for irradiating while changing over a predetermined range, transmitted light intensity detecting means for detecting the intensity of transmitted light that is transmitted through the plate-like member after the irradiated inspection light of each wavelength, and Attention wavelength determining means for determining the attention wavelength based on the maximum point and the minimum point in the characteristic curve representing the relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light, and the thickness of the film layer from the determined attention wavelength And calculating means for calculating the height.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定装置において、前記注目波長決定手段は、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて前記注目波長を決定するように構成することができる。   Moreover, in the film thickness measurement device according to the present invention, the wavelength of interest determination unit determines the wavelength of interest based on a wavelength corresponding to at least one of a maximum point and a minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve. It can be constituted as follows.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定装置において、前記注目波長決定手段は、前記特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線を生成する第1手段と、前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線を生成する第2手段と、前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点を算出する第3手段と、前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点にその短波長側で最も近い前記特性曲線の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて前記注目波長を決定する第4手段とを有する構成とすることができる。   Further, in the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the wavelength of interest determination means includes first means for generating a first approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve, and a minimum point of the characteristic curve. A second means for generating a second approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the first approximate curve, a third means for calculating an intersection on the long wavelength side of the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve, and the first approximate curve And a second means for determining the wavelength of interest based on a wavelength corresponding to at least one of a maximum point and a minimum point of the characteristic curve closest to the intersection of the long wavelength side of the second approximate curve and the second approximate curve It can be set as the structure which has.

更に、本発明に係る膜厚測定装置において、前記注目波長決定手段は、前記特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線を生成する第1手段と、前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線を生成する第2手段と、前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点を算出する第3手段とを有し、前記交点に対応する波長を前記注目波長として決定するように構成することができる。   Furthermore, in the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the wavelength of interest determination means includes first means for generating a first approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve, and a minimum point of the characteristic curve. And second means for generating a second approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the second approximate curve, and third means for calculating an intersection on the long wavelength side of the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve. Can be configured to determine the wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of interest.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定装置において、前記第3手段での交点の演算が可能であるか否かを前記膜層の損傷の有無として判定する判定手段を有する構成とすることができる。   In addition, the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the present invention may include a determination unit that determines whether or not the intersection point can be calculated by the third unit as the presence or absence of damage to the film layer.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定装置において、前記特性曲線は、前記検査光の各波長と前記透過光の強度に依存する所定のパラメータとの関係を表すように構成することができる。   In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the characteristic curve may be configured to represent a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and a predetermined parameter depending on the intensity of the transmitted light.

更に、本発明に係る膜厚測定装置は、前記特性曲線は、前記検査光の各波長に対応した前記パラメータの値と予め定めた基準板状部材に対して前記板状部材と同様に得られた前記パラメータの値との差と、波長との関係を表すように構成することができる。   Further, in the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the characteristic curve is obtained in the same manner as the plate member with respect to the parameter value corresponding to each wavelength of the inspection light and a predetermined reference plate member. Further, it can be configured to represent the relationship between the difference between the parameter value and the wavelength.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定装置において、前記パラメータは、前記検査光の前記板状部材での吸収の度合いを表す吸光パラメータであるように構成することができる。   In the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the parameter can be configured to be an absorption parameter representing a degree of absorption of the inspection light by the plate-like member.

また、本発明に係る膜厚測定装置において、予め定めた物質の濃度に対する吸光特性と、前記検査光の各波長と前記検査光の前記吸光パラメータとの関係を表す特性曲線とに基づいて前記物質の前記板状部材内での濃度を算出する手段と、該濃度を出力する手段とを有する構成とすることができる。   Further, in the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the substance is based on a light absorption characteristic with respect to a predetermined substance concentration and a characteristic curve representing a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the light absorption parameter of the inspection light. The means for calculating the concentration in the plate member and the means for outputting the concentration can be used.

更に、本発明に係る膜厚測定装置において、前記パラメータは、前記検査光の前記板状部材での吸収の度合いを表す吸光パラメータであって、予め定めた物質の濃度に対する吸光特性と、前記検査光の各波長と前記検査光の前記吸光パラメータとの関係を表す特性曲線とに基づいて前記物質の前記板状部材内での濃度を算出する物質濃度算出手段と、前記基準板状部材に含まれる既知の前記物質の濃度と、前記物質濃度算出工程にて得られた前記物質の濃度とに基づいて、前記特性曲線を補正する補正手段とを有する構成とすることができる。   Furthermore, in the film thickness measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the parameter is an absorption parameter indicating a degree of absorption of the inspection light in the plate member, and an absorption characteristic with respect to a predetermined substance concentration, and the inspection A substance concentration calculating means for calculating a concentration of the substance in the plate-like member based on a characteristic curve representing a relationship between each wavelength of light and the light absorption parameter of the inspection light; and included in the reference plate-like member And a correction unit that corrects the characteristic curve based on the known concentration of the substance and the concentration of the substance obtained in the substance concentration calculation step.

本発明に係る膜厚検査方法及び膜厚検査装置によれば、波長を所定範囲にわたって変化させつつ検査光を板状部材の面に照射した際に透過光の強度が検出され、検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線における極大値及び極小値に基づいて決定された注目波長から膜層の厚さが算出されるので、特に基準となる板状部材に対する特性曲線等を用いることなく、膜層の厚さを計測することができる。従って、多くの基準となる板状部材の膜厚とパラメータとの関係を用いなくても広い範囲の膜厚測定が可能となる。   According to the film thickness inspection method and the film thickness inspection apparatus according to the present invention, the intensity of transmitted light is detected when the surface of the plate-shaped member is irradiated with inspection light while changing the wavelength over a predetermined range. Since the thickness of the film layer is calculated from the wavelength of interest determined based on the maximum and minimum values in the characteristic curve representing the relationship between the wavelength and the intensity of the transmitted light, the characteristic curve for the plate member that is the reference in particular The thickness of the film layer can be measured without using or the like. Therefore, it is possible to measure a wide range of film thickness without using the relationship between the film thickness of many plate members and parameters.

以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図面を用いて説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

本発明の実施の一形態に係る膜厚検査方法に従って膜層の厚さを計測すべき板状部材は、例えば、図1(a)に示すように、結晶軸(100)のシリコン基盤101の表層に結晶軸(110)のシリコン膜102が形成された、所謂、HOT(Hybrid-Orientation Technology)構造の半導体ウエーハ100である。   The plate-like member whose film layer thickness is to be measured according to the film thickness inspection method according to the embodiment of the present invention is, for example, as shown in FIG. This is a semiconductor wafer 100 having a so-called HOT (Hybrid-Orientation Technology) structure in which a silicon film 102 having a crystal axis (110) is formed on the surface layer.

本件発明者は、図1(b)に示す結晶軸(100)のシリコン基盤101単体からなる半導体ウエーハ100に対して、検査光を、その波長を近赤外領域となる1000nm〜2500nmの範囲にわたって変化させつつ照射し、その各波長の検査光(強度Ii)がシリコン基盤101単体の半導体ウエーハ100から出てくる透過光の強度Ioを検出した。その結果、検査光の各波長と透過光の強度Ioとの関係、具体的には、各波長に対応する透過強度(Io/Ii)(%)は、図3に示すような特性曲線Q1となった。   The inventor of the present invention applies inspection light to a semiconductor wafer 100 composed of a single silicon substrate 101 having a crystal axis (100) shown in FIG. 1 (b) over a wavelength range of 1000 nm to 2500 nm in the near infrared region. Irradiation was performed while the inspection light (intensity Ii) of each wavelength was detected, and the intensity Io of transmitted light emitted from the semiconductor wafer 100 of the silicon substrate 101 alone was detected. As a result, the relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity Io of the transmitted light, specifically, the transmission intensity (Io / Ii) (%) corresponding to each wavelength is represented by a characteristic curve Q1 as shown in FIG. became.

本件発明者は、更に、図1(a)に示す所謂HOT構造の半導体ウエーハ100に対しても、前記波長を前記範囲で変化させつつ検査光を照射し、その透過光の強度Ioを検出した。その結果、各波長に対応する透過強度(Io/Ii)(%)は、図4に示すような特性曲線Q2となった。前記特性曲線Q1とQ2とを比較すると、特性曲線Q2において特に1200nmを超える長波長側で振動成分が発生している点で、それらは異なる。この相違は、シリコン基盤101上に形成されたシリコン膜102の存在に起因するものと考えられる。   The inventor further irradiates the so-called HOT structure semiconductor wafer 100 shown in FIG. 1A with inspection light while changing the wavelength within the above range, and detects the intensity Io of the transmitted light. . As a result, the transmission intensity (Io / Ii) (%) corresponding to each wavelength was a characteristic curve Q2 as shown in FIG. When the characteristic curves Q1 and Q2 are compared, they are different in that a vibration component is generated particularly on the long wavelength side exceeding 1200 nm in the characteristic curve Q2. This difference is considered due to the presence of the silicon film 102 formed on the silicon substrate 101.

そして、図2に示すように、表層にそのシリコン膜102が形成された半導体ウエーハ100に検査光Rinを入射させると、半導体ウエーハ100を直接透過する光と、厚さDのシリコン膜102とシリコン基盤101との境界面及びシリコン膜102と空気との境界面で反射を繰り返して透過する光とが干渉する結果、波長に対するその透過光Rtの強度に振動成分が含まれるものと推察される。従って、その特性曲線Q2の振動状態、具体的には、その振動の極大点及び極小点に対応する波長はシリコン膜102の厚さDに依存するものといい得る。   As shown in FIG. 2, when the inspection light Rin is incident on the semiconductor wafer 100 having the silicon film 102 formed on the surface layer, the light directly transmitted through the semiconductor wafer 100, the silicon film 102 having the thickness D, and the silicon As a result of interference between light transmitted through repeated reflection at the boundary surface with the substrate 101 and the boundary surface between the silicon film 102 and air, it is presumed that a vibration component is included in the intensity of the transmitted light Rt with respect to the wavelength. Therefore, it can be said that the vibration state of the characteristic curve Q 2, specifically, the wavelength corresponding to the maximum point and the minimum point of the vibration depends on the thickness D of the silicon film 102.

本発明の実施の一形態に係る膜厚検査方法(膜厚検査装置)は、前述したような検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線における極大点(極小点)に対応する波長からシリコン膜102の厚さDを演算するものである。以下、その膜厚検査方法について具体的に説明する。   A film thickness inspection method (film thickness inspection apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention has a maximum point (minimum point) in a characteristic curve representing the relationship between each wavelength of inspection light and the intensity of transmitted light as described above. The thickness D of the silicon film 102 is calculated from the wavelength corresponding to. Hereinafter, the film thickness inspection method will be specifically described.

本発明の実施の一形態に係る膜厚検査装置の基本的な構成は図5に示すようになっている。   A basic configuration of a film thickness inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG.

図5において、この膜厚検査装置は、X−Y平面内で2次元的な動きが可能となるステージ10、投光ヘッド12及び受光ヘッド21を有している。ステージ10には、膜厚の測定対象となる図1(a)に示すようなHOT構造の半導体ウエーハ100がセットされる。そして、図6に拡大して示すように、半導体ウエーハ100の裏面側に投光ヘッド12が配置されるとともに、半導体ウエーハ100を挟んで投光ヘッド12と逆側に受光ヘッド21が配置され、投光ヘッド12からスポットSP状に半導体ウエーハ100の面に照射される検査光が半導体ウエーハ100を透過して受光ヘッド21に入射するようになっている。   In FIG. 5, the film thickness inspection apparatus includes a stage 10, a light projecting head 12, and a light receiving head 21 that are capable of two-dimensional movement in the XY plane. On the stage 10, a semiconductor wafer 100 having a HOT structure as shown in FIG. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 6, the light projecting head 12 is disposed on the back surface side of the semiconductor wafer 100, and the light receiving head 21 is disposed on the opposite side of the light projecting head 12 with the semiconductor wafer 100 interposed therebetween. Inspection light irradiated on the surface of the semiconductor wafer 100 in the form of a spot SP from the light projecting head 12 passes through the semiconductor wafer 100 and enters the light receiving head 21.

投光ヘッド12は、白色光を出力する光源装置16に導光ファイバ13を介して接続されている。この投光ヘッド12は、レンズ、プリズム、回折格子等の光学部材を有しており、光源装置16から導光ファイバ13を介して入力する白色光から、波長が所定範囲(例えば、1000nm〜2500nmの範囲)で変化する検査光を生成し、その検査光を半導体ウエーハ100の面に照射する。受光ヘッド21は、投光ヘッド12から照射される各波長の検査光が半導体ウエーハ100を透過して出てくる透過光を受光する。受光ヘッド21は導光ファイバ22を介して検出器(光電変換素子)20に接続されており、受光ヘッド21にて受光された透過光が検出器20に入射する。検出器20は、入射した光の強度、即ち、前記透過光の強度に対応したレベルの信号(透過光強度信号)を出力する。   The light projecting head 12 is connected via a light guide fiber 13 to a light source device 16 that outputs white light. The projection head 12 includes optical members such as a lens, a prism, and a diffraction grating, and has a wavelength within a predetermined range (for example, 1000 nm to 2500 nm) from white light input from the light source device 16 via the light guide fiber 13. The inspection light that changes in the range (1) is generated, and the surface of the semiconductor wafer 100 is irradiated with the inspection light. The light receiving head 21 receives the transmitted light emitted from the inspection light of each wavelength irradiated from the light projecting head 12 through the semiconductor wafer 100. The light receiving head 21 is connected to a detector (photoelectric conversion element) 20 through a light guide fiber 22, and transmitted light received by the light receiving head 21 enters the detector 20. The detector 20 outputs a signal (transmitted light intensity signal) having a level corresponding to the intensity of incident light, that is, the intensity of the transmitted light.

膜厚検査装置は、更に、制御ユニット30及び演算ユニット40を有している。制御ユニット30は、前述した検出器20、光源装置16、投光ヘッド12及び演算ユニット40等の各部の動作を制御する。演算ユニット40は、制御ユニット30による制御のもと、検出器20からの透過光強度信号から、後述するような手順に従って、測定対象となる半導体ウエーハ100のシリコン膜102の厚さを演算する。   The film thickness inspection apparatus further includes a control unit 30 and an arithmetic unit 40. The control unit 30 controls the operation of each unit such as the detector 20, the light source device 16, the light projecting head 12, and the arithmetic unit 40 described above. The arithmetic unit 40 calculates the thickness of the silicon film 102 of the semiconductor wafer 100 to be measured from the transmitted light intensity signal from the detector 20 according to the procedure described later under the control of the control unit 30.

なお、カメラ50が受光ヘッド21の光学系を介して半導体ウエーハ100の面の所定部位を撮影している。この撮影映像はモニタユニット51に表示されるようになっている。これにより、シリコン膜102の厚さの測定とともに、半導体ウエーハ100の表面外観をモニタすることができる。また、図示されてはいないが、演算ユニット40にて演算されたシリコン膜102の厚さについての情報は、モニタユニット51にその測定結果として表示(出力)されるようになっている。   The camera 50 images a predetermined portion of the surface of the semiconductor wafer 100 via the optical system of the light receiving head 21. This captured image is displayed on the monitor unit 51. Thereby, the surface appearance of the semiconductor wafer 100 can be monitored together with the measurement of the thickness of the silicon film 102. Although not shown, information about the thickness of the silicon film 102 calculated by the calculation unit 40 is displayed (output) as a measurement result on the monitor unit 51.

制御ユニット30は、図7に示す手順にしたがって処理を行なう。   The control unit 30 performs processing according to the procedure shown in FIG.

図7において、制御ユニット30は、予め定めた波長範囲(シリコンに対する透過可能な波長範囲)の最小値λmin(例えば、1000nm)を照射光の波長λとして設定し(λ=λmin)(S1)、その設定された波長λの光が半導体ウエーハ100に照射されるように投光ヘッド12を制御する(S2)。その後、制御ユニット30は、所定のタイミングにて計測指示を演算ユニット40に与える(S3)。制御ユニット30は、計測指示を与えると、設定されている波長λが前記波長範囲の最大値λmax(例えば、2500nm)であるか否かを判定する(S4)。その設定されている波長λが最大値λmaxではないとの判定がなされると(S4でNO)、制御ユニット30は、所定のタイミングにて更に所定量Δλだけ増加させた波長λ+Δλを新たな波長λとして設定する(S5)。以後、制御ユニットは、前述したのと同様の処理(S2〜S5)を繰り返し実行する。その過程で、設定されている波長λが最大値λmaxに達したとの判定を行なうと(S4でYES)、制御ユニット30は、演算ユニット40に終了指示を与えて、一連の処理を終了する。   In FIG. 7, the control unit 30 sets a minimum value λmin (for example, 1000 nm) of a predetermined wavelength range (wavelength range that can be transmitted through silicon) as the wavelength λ of the irradiation light (λ = λmin) (S1), The light projecting head 12 is controlled so that the light of the set wavelength λ is irradiated onto the semiconductor wafer 100 (S2). Thereafter, the control unit 30 gives a measurement instruction to the arithmetic unit 40 at a predetermined timing (S3). When giving the measurement instruction, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the set wavelength λ is the maximum value λmax (for example, 2500 nm) of the wavelength range (S4). When it is determined that the set wavelength λ is not the maximum value λmax (NO in S4), the control unit 30 increases the wavelength λ + Δλ further increased by a predetermined amount Δλ at a predetermined timing to a new wavelength. Set as λ (S5). Thereafter, the control unit repeatedly executes the same processing (S2 to S5) as described above. In the process, when it is determined that the set wavelength λ has reached the maximum value λmax (YES in S4), the control unit 30 gives an end instruction to the arithmetic unit 40 and ends the series of processes. .

このような処理により、半導体ウエーハ100の面に対して検査光が、その波長λがシリコンに対する透過可能な波長範囲にわたって少しずつ(Δλ)変化しつつ照射されるようになる。   By such processing, the inspection light is irradiated onto the surface of the semiconductor wafer 100 while the wavelength λ thereof changes little by little (Δλ) over the wavelength range that can be transmitted to silicon.

また、前述したように半導体ウエーハ100の面に対して検査光が、その波長λがシリコンに対する透過可能な波長範囲にわたって少しずつ(Δλ)変化しつつ照射される過程で、演算ユニット40は、図8及び図9に示す手順に従って処理を行なっている。   Further, as described above, in the process in which the inspection light is irradiated onto the surface of the semiconductor wafer 100 while the wavelength λ is gradually changed (Δλ) over the wavelength range that can be transmitted to silicon, the arithmetic unit 40 is 8 and 9 are performed according to the procedure shown in FIG.

図8において、演算ユニット40は、制御ユニット30から計測指示(図7におけるS3参照)があるまで待機状態となっている(S11でNO)。そして、波長λの検査光が半導体ウエーハ100に照射された状態で制御ユニット30から計測指示があると(S11でYES)、演算ユニット40は、前記検査光が半導体ウエーハ100を透過して出てくる透過光の強度、即ち、透過光強度Iを表す検出器20からの透過光強度信号のレベルを取得する(S12)。 In FIG. 8, the arithmetic unit 40 is in a standby state until there is a measurement instruction (see S3 in FIG. 7) from the control unit 30 (NO in S11). Then, when there is a measurement instruction from the control unit 30 with the inspection light having the wavelength λ being applied to the semiconductor wafer 100 (YES in S11), the arithmetic unit 40 causes the inspection light to pass through the semiconductor wafer 100 and exit. The intensity of the transmitted light, that is, the level of the transmitted light intensity signal from the detector 20 representing the transmitted light intensity I is acquired (S12).

ところで、
A(λ)=Log{(Ii−I)/Ii} ・・・(1)
i:入射光(検査光)の強度
:透過光の強度
で定義される吸収率A(吸光パラメータ)は、半導体ウエーハ100を透過して出てくる透過光の強度に依存するパラメータとなる。そして、前記式(1)で定義される吸収率Aと波長λとの関係は、透過光強度Iと波長λとの関係(図3参照)と同様であって、例えば、図10に示す特性曲線Q3のようになる。
by the way,
A (λ) = Log {(I i −I ) / I i } (1)
I i : Incident light (inspection light) intensity
I : Absorptivity A (absorption parameter) defined by the intensity of transmitted light is a parameter depending on the intensity of transmitted light transmitted through the semiconductor wafer 100. The relationship between the absorption rate A and the wavelength λ defined by the equation (1) is the same as the relationship between the transmitted light intensity I and the wavelength λ (see FIG. 3). It becomes like a characteristic curve Q3.

演算ユニット40は、前記取得した透過光強度Iから前記式(1)に従って吸収率A(λ)を算出する(S13)。また、演算ユニット40は、シリコン基盤101単体となる基準半導体ウエーハ(図1(b)参照)について、各波長λに対応した吸収率AR(λ)を事前に計測して内部に保持している。この基準半導体ウエーハに対する吸収率AR(λ)は、シリコン基盤101単体となる基準ウエーハ(図1(b)参照)についての透過光強度に対応したものとなる。 The arithmetic unit 40 calculates the absorption rate A (λ) from the acquired transmitted light intensity I Tλ according to the equation (1) (S13). In addition, the arithmetic unit 40 measures the absorption rate A R (λ) corresponding to each wavelength λ in advance and holds the reference semiconductor wafer (see FIG. 1B) as a single silicon substrate 101 in advance. Yes. The absorptance A R (λ) with respect to the reference semiconductor wafer corresponds to the transmitted light intensity of the reference wafer (see FIG. 1B) that is the silicon substrate 101 alone.

演算ユニット40は、更に、検査光の波長λに対応した吸収率A(λ)と基準半導体ウエーハに対して同様に得られた吸収率AR(λ)との差分ΔA
ΔA=A(λ)−AR(λ) ・・・(2)
を算出し(S14)、その差分ΔAを波長λに対応付けて内部メモリに蓄積する(S15)。その後、演算ユニット40は、制御ユニット30から終了指示(図7におけるS6参照)がなされた否かを判定する(S16)。終了指示がなければ(S16でNO)、演算ユニット40は、前述した処理(S11〜S16)を再度実行し、次の波長(λ+Δλ:図7におけるS5参照)に対応した吸収率の差分ΔA(λ)を算出し、その差分を波長λに対応付けて内部メモリに蓄積する。
The arithmetic unit 40 further provides a difference ΔA between the absorption rate A (λ) corresponding to the wavelength λ of the inspection light and the absorption rate A R (λ) similarly obtained for the reference semiconductor wafer.
ΔA = A (λ) −A R (λ) (2)
(S14), and the difference ΔA is stored in the internal memory in association with the wavelength λ (S15). Thereafter, the arithmetic unit 40 determines whether or not an end instruction (see S6 in FIG. 7) is issued from the control unit 30 (S16). If there is no end instruction (NO in S16), the arithmetic unit 40 executes the above-described processing (S11 to S16) again, and the difference ΔA (absorption ratio corresponding to the next wavelength (λ + Δλ: see S5 in FIG. 7)). λ) is calculated, and the difference is associated with the wavelength λ and stored in the internal memory.

以後、演算ユニット40は、制御ユニット30から終了指示がなされるまで、前述した処理(S11〜S16)を繰り返し実行する。そして、制御ユニット30から終了指示がなされると(S16でYES)、演算ユニット40は、図9に示す処理に移行する。この時点で、演算ユニット40内には、所定範囲(1000nm〜2500nm)の波長と前記吸収率の差分ΔA(λ)との関係(特性曲線)が保存されたことになる。その関係は、図2に示す波形と図3に示す波形の差分に相当するものであり、例えば、図11に示す特性曲線Q(ΔA−λ特性)に対応したものとなる。このように吸収率の差分ΔAを用いて特性曲線Qが表されるので、特性曲線Qにおいてシリコン膜102に起因する干渉現象に基づいた変動成分が強調され得るようになる。   Thereafter, the arithmetic unit 40 repeatedly executes the above-described processing (S11 to S16) until an end instruction is given from the control unit 30. When an end instruction is given from the control unit 30 (YES in S16), the arithmetic unit 40 proceeds to the process shown in FIG. At this time, the relationship (characteristic curve) between the wavelength in a predetermined range (1000 nm to 2500 nm) and the difference ΔA (λ) of the absorption rate is stored in the arithmetic unit 40. The relationship corresponds to the difference between the waveform shown in FIG. 2 and the waveform shown in FIG. 3, and corresponds to, for example, the characteristic curve Q (ΔA-λ characteristic) shown in FIG. Thus, the characteristic curve Q is expressed using the difference ΔA in the absorption rate, so that the fluctuation component based on the interference phenomenon caused by the silicon film 102 can be emphasized in the characteristic curve Q.

図9において、演算ユニット40は、前記蓄積した情報から、図11に示す特性曲線Qにおける極大点(ピーク点)及び極小点(ボトム点)を検出する(S21)。そして、演算ユニット40は、公知の数学的手法を用いて、その特性曲線Qの極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線fp(λ)を算出し(S22)、その特性曲線Qの極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線fb(λ)を算出する(S23)。これら第1近似曲線fp(λ)と第2近似曲線fb(λ)は、一般的には指数関数曲線となる。   In FIG. 9, the arithmetic unit 40 detects the maximum point (peak point) and the minimum point (bottom point) in the characteristic curve Q shown in FIG. 11 from the accumulated information (S21). Then, the arithmetic unit 40 calculates a first approximate curve fp (λ) that is approximated as a curve that passes through the maximum point of the characteristic curve Q using a known mathematical method (S22). A second approximate curve fb (λ) approximated as a curve passing through the minimum point is calculated (S23). The first approximate curve fp (λ) and the second approximate curve fb (λ) are generally exponential function curves.

次いで、演算ユニット40は、第1近似曲線fp(λ)と第2近似曲線fb(λ)との交点Pxを算出する処理を実行する(S24)。そして、演算ユニット40は、この第1近似曲線fp(λ)と第2近似曲線fb(λ)との交点Pxが算出されたか否かを判定する(S25)。前記交点Pxが算出されると(S25でYES)、演算ユニット40は、前記特性曲線Qにおいて、前記交点Pxにその短波長側で最も近い極大点に対応した波長λp1を注目波長として決定し(S26)、その波長λp1(注目波長)を用いて、
D=2λp1 ・・・(3)
に従ってシリコン膜102の膜厚Dを算出する(S27)。
Next, the arithmetic unit 40 executes a process of calculating an intersection point Px between the first approximate curve fp (λ) and the second approximate curve fb (λ) (S24). Then, the arithmetic unit 40 determines whether or not the intersection point Px between the first approximate curve fp (λ) and the second approximate curve fb (λ) has been calculated (S25). When the intersection point Px is calculated (YES in S25), the arithmetic unit 40 determines the wavelength λp1 corresponding to the local maximum point closest to the intersection point Px on the short wavelength side in the characteristic curve Q as the wavelength of interest ( S26), using the wavelength λp1 (attention wavelength),
D = 2λp1 (3)
Accordingly, the film thickness D of the silicon film 102 is calculated (S27).

このように算出された膜厚Dは、例えば、モニタユニット51に表示され、オペレータに提示される。また、前記算出された膜厚Dを膜の形成工程にフィードバックすることもできる。   The film thickness D calculated in this way is displayed on the monitor unit 51 and presented to the operator, for example. Further, the calculated film thickness D can be fed back to the film forming process.

シリコン膜102の膜厚Dを、前記第1近似曲線fp(λ)と前記第2近似曲線fb(λ)との交点Pxにその短波長側で最も近い特性曲線Qの極大点に対応した波長λp1の2倍(2λp1)として算出することの妥当性について定性的に考察する。   The wavelength corresponding to the maximum point of the characteristic curve Q closest to the intersection Px of the first approximate curve fp (λ) and the second approximate curve fb (λ) on the short wavelength side of the film thickness D of the silicon film 102 Qualitative consideration will be given to the validity of calculating as 2 times λp1 (2λp1).

図11を参照するに、吸収率A(λ)と波長λとの関係を表す特性曲線Qには、前述したようにシリコン膜102の厚さDに依存した、変動成分が存在する。そして、その極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線fp(λ)とその極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線fb(λ)との交点Pxは、長波長側で特性曲線Qにおいて極大点と極小点とが一致する点である。即ち、その交点Pxに対応した波長λp0=λb0=λ0は、前記特性曲線Qにおいて極大点及び極小点がなくなる波長領域内あると推察される。   Referring to FIG. 11, the characteristic curve Q representing the relationship between the absorption rate A (λ) and the wavelength λ has a fluctuation component depending on the thickness D of the silicon film 102 as described above. The intersection Px between the first approximate curve fp (λ) approximated as a curve passing through the local maximum point and the second approximate curve fb (λ) approximated as a curve passing through the local minimum point is characteristic on the long wavelength side. In the curve Q, the maximum point and the minimum point coincide with each other. That is, it is assumed that the wavelength λp0 = λb0 = λ0 corresponding to the intersection point Px is in the wavelength region where the maximum point and the minimum point are eliminated in the characteristic curve Q.

一方、図2に示すように、膜厚D以上の波長λの光は、反射光による干渉を受けることなく半導体ウエーハ100を透過する。従って、干渉の影響を受けることなく透過する光(反射次数m=0)の最小の波長λ0は膜厚Dになる(λ0=D)。そして、シリコン膜102の膜厚Dにて2回反射(反射次数m=2)して透過する光成分による干渉の影響を受ける光の波長λ1は、波長λ0の2分の1(最小の偶数分の1)になるはずである(2λ1=λ0)。   On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, light having a wavelength λ equal to or greater than the film thickness D is transmitted through the semiconductor wafer 100 without being interfered by reflected light. Accordingly, the minimum wavelength λ0 of light that is transmitted without being affected by interference (reflection order m = 0) is the film thickness D (λ0 = D). The wavelength λ1 of the light that is affected by interference by the light component that is reflected twice by the film thickness D of the silicon film 102 (reflection order m = 2) is half the wavelength λ0 (the smallest even number). Should be 1 / (2λ1 = λ0).

これらのことを考慮すると、前記1次近似曲線fp(λ)と前記2次近似曲線fb(λ)との交点Pxに対応する波長λ0の光は、半導体ウエーハ100のシリコン膜102の境界で反射することなく透過するものであるが、その波長λ0がシリコン膜102の境界で反射することなく透過する光の波長の最小値、即ち、シリコン膜102の膜厚Dになる保証はない。しかし、特性曲線Qにおいて前記交点Pxにその短波長側で最も近い極大点に対応した波長λp1は、膜厚Dの波長λ0より短波長側で初めて干渉の影響を受ける波長、即ち、反射次数m=2での反射成分にて干渉の影響を受け得る波長であるとみることができる。従って、前記極大点に対応したλp1は、膜厚Dと同じ長さの波長λ0の2分の1であり、その関係から前記式(3)に基づいて膜厚Dを算出することができる。   Considering these, the light having the wavelength λ 0 corresponding to the intersection point Px between the primary approximate curve fp (λ) and the secondary approximate curve fb (λ) is reflected at the boundary of the silicon film 102 of the semiconductor wafer 100. However, there is no guarantee that the wavelength λ 0 will be the minimum value of the wavelength of light that is transmitted without reflecting at the boundary of the silicon film 102, that is, the film thickness D of the silicon film 102. However, in the characteristic curve Q, the wavelength λp1 corresponding to the local maximum closest to the intersection Px on the short wavelength side is the wavelength that is affected by interference for the first time on the short wavelength side from the wavelength λ0 of the film thickness D, that is, the reflection order m. It can be considered that the reflection component at = 2 is a wavelength that can be affected by interference. Therefore, λp1 corresponding to the maximum point is half of the wavelength λ0 having the same length as the film thickness D, and the film thickness D can be calculated based on the relationship (3).

図9に戻って、演算ユニット40は、前記第1近似曲線fp(λ)と前記第2近似曲線fb(λ)との交点Pxの算出が可能ではないと判定した場合(S25でNO)、半導体ウエーハ100の膜厚を測定している領域のシリコン膜102が剥離、ボイドなど、損傷しているものとの判定を行なう(S28)。例えば、シリコン膜102がボイド、剥離など、損傷している領域では、その特性曲線Qから得られるその極大点を通る曲線として近似された第1近似曲線fp(λ)と極小点を通る曲線として近似された第2近似曲線fb(λ)との交点Pxは、図12に示すように存在しない。このような処理(S25、S28)を行なうことにより、シリコン膜102の厚さDを測定する過程で、その測定部位でのシリコン膜102の欠陥の有無を判定することができるようになる。   Returning to FIG. 9, when the arithmetic unit 40 determines that the intersection point Px between the first approximate curve fp (λ) and the second approximate curve fb (λ) cannot be calculated (NO in S25), It is determined that the silicon film 102 in the region where the film thickness of the semiconductor wafer 100 is being measured is damaged, such as peeling or voids (S28). For example, in a region where the silicon film 102 is damaged such as voids or peeling, the first approximate curve fp (λ) approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point obtained from the characteristic curve Q and a curve passing through the minimum point are used. The intersection point Px with the approximated second approximate curve fb (λ) does not exist as shown in FIG. By performing such processing (S25, S28), in the process of measuring the thickness D of the silicon film 102, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of defects in the silicon film 102 at the measurement site.

ところで、シリコン基盤101がボロンB(ドーパント)を含有している場合がある。その場合、ボロンB自体が吸光特性(吸光係数ε(λ):濃度に対する光の吸収程度を表す)を有していることから、膜厚の測定中に得られる吸収率A(λ)は、そのボロン濃度の影響を受ける。一般には、図13に示すように、ボロン濃度Bが高い場合、その吸収率A(特性QB1)は、ボロン濃度Bが低い場合(特性QB2)に比べて、全体的に高くなる。   By the way, the silicon substrate 101 may contain boron B (dopant). In that case, since boron B itself has a light absorption characteristic (absorption coefficient ε (λ): represents the degree of light absorption with respect to concentration), the absorption rate A (λ) obtained during the measurement of the film thickness is It is affected by the boron concentration. In general, as shown in FIG. 13, when the boron concentration B is high, the absorption rate A (characteristic QB1) is generally higher than when the boron concentration B is low (characteristic QB2).

このような状況のなかで、図14に示すように、シリコン基盤101内のボロン濃度Bが比較的高い半導体ウエーハ100では、比較的吸収率が高い領域で、その基本的な吸収率の特性Q11に膜厚に依存した変動成分がのった特性Q12となる。また、シリコン基盤101内のボロン濃度Bが比較的低い半導体ウエーハ100では、比較的吸収率が低い領域で、その基本的な吸収率の特性Q21に膜厚に依存した変動成分がのった特性Q22となる。このため、前述したように予め定めた基準半導体ウエーハにて得られた吸収率との差分ΔA(λ)を特性曲線Qとする場合、測定対象となる半導体ウエーハ100と同じボロン濃度の基準半導体ウエーハをその都度用意しなければならない。   In such a situation, as shown in FIG. 14, in the semiconductor wafer 100 in which the boron concentration B in the silicon substrate 101 is relatively high, the basic absorptivity characteristic Q11 in a region where the absorptance is relatively high. The characteristic Q12 has a fluctuation component depending on the film thickness. Further, in the semiconductor wafer 100 having a relatively low boron concentration B in the silicon substrate 101, in a region where the absorption rate is relatively low, a characteristic in which a variation component depending on the film thickness is placed on the characteristic Q21 of the basic absorption rate. Q22. For this reason, when the difference ΔA (λ) from the absorptance obtained with a predetermined reference semiconductor wafer as described above is the characteristic curve Q, the reference semiconductor wafer having the same boron concentration as the semiconductor wafer 100 to be measured is used. Must be prepared each time.

これでは、実用上支障をきたすことから、測定対象となる半導体ウエーハ100のボロン濃度を得られた吸収率A(λ)から求めて、その特性曲線Qを表す吸収率の差分ΔAを補正することが好ましい。   Since this impedes practical use, the boron concentration of the semiconductor wafer 100 to be measured is obtained from the obtained absorption rate A (λ), and the absorption rate difference ΔA representing the characteristic curve Q is corrected. Is preferred.

具体的には、演算ユニット40は、図8に示すステップS14にて次のような処理を実行する。   Specifically, the arithmetic unit 40 performs the following process in step S14 shown in FIG.

測定対象となる半導体ウエーハ100の吸収率Aが得られると(S13)、その吸収率A(λ)とボロンBの吸光係数ε(λ)と半導体ウエーハ100の厚さLとから、
A(λ)=Bd・ε(λ)・L
Bd={A(λ)/(ε(λ)・L)} ・・・(4)
に従って、ボロン濃度Bdを算出する。そして、基準半導体ウエーハから既に得られているボロン濃度Bdrとの比(Bd/Bdr)を用いた比例配分の手法に従って前記差分ΔA(λ)(特性曲線Q)を補正する。
When the absorption rate A of the semiconductor wafer 100 to be measured is obtained (S13), from the absorption rate A (λ), the absorption coefficient ε (λ) of boron B, and the thickness L of the semiconductor wafer 100,
A (λ) = Bd · ε (λ) · L
Bd = {A (λ) / (ε (λ) · L)} (4)
Then, the boron concentration Bd is calculated. Then, the difference ΔA (λ) (characteristic curve Q) is corrected according to a proportional distribution method using a ratio (Bd / Bdr) with the boron concentration Bdr already obtained from the reference semiconductor wafer.

このように、ボロン濃度Bに応じて特性曲線Qを表す吸収率の差分ΔAが補正されるので、測定対象となる半導体ウエーハ100に含有されるボロンB(ドーパント)の濃度が種々変わっても、より精度の高い膜厚の測定が可能となる。   Thus, since the difference ΔA in the absorptance representing the characteristic curve Q is corrected according to the boron concentration B, even if the concentration of boron B (dopant) contained in the semiconductor wafer 100 to be measured varies, More accurate film thickness measurement is possible.

また、前述した処理において算出されたボロン濃度をモニタユニット51に表示(出力)させることもできる。これにより、オペレータは、測定対象となる半導体ウエーハ100の膜厚を測定する過程で、その半導体ウエーハ100に含有されるボロンB(ドーパント)の濃度も知ることができるようになる。   Further, the boron concentration calculated in the above-described processing can be displayed (output) on the monitor unit 51. Thus, the operator can know the concentration of boron B (dopant) contained in the semiconductor wafer 100 in the process of measuring the film thickness of the semiconductor wafer 100 to be measured.

なお、ドーパントの種類は、観測波長(例えば、1000nm〜2500nm)の範囲で有効な吸収率があって前記式(4)を満足するものであれば、どんなものでもその濃度を測定することができる。一方、観測波長の範囲に有効な吸収率がないドーパント(物質)の場合には、その濃度を知ることができないが、その場合、そもそもその物質の濃度に応じて特性曲線Qを補正する必要がない。   In addition, as long as the kind of dopant has an effective absorptance in the observation wavelength range (for example, 1000 nm to 2500 nm) and satisfies the formula (4), the concentration can be measured. . On the other hand, in the case of a dopant (substance) that does not have an effective absorptivity in the observation wavelength range, its concentration cannot be known. In this case, however, it is necessary to correct the characteristic curve Q according to the concentration of the substance in the first place. Absent.

前述した実施の形態では、特性曲線Qにおける極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線fp(λ)と極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線fb(λ)の交点Pxにその短波長側で最も近い特性曲線Qの極大点に対応する波長λP1を注目波長として決定しているが、他の手法を用いて、特性曲線Qにおける最も長波長側の極大点を注目波長として決定することもできる。また、理論的には、特性曲線Qにおける最も長波長側の極大点と極小点は、非常に近づいたものとなる(前記交点Pxでは一致している)。従って、特性曲線Qにおける最も長波長側の極小点に対応した波長λb1を注目波長として、
D=2・λb1
に従って、膜厚Dを算出することも可能である。
In the above-described embodiment, the intersection point Px of the first approximate curve fp (λ) approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point in the characteristic curve Q and the second approximate curve fb (λ) approximated as a curve passing through the minimum point is used. The wavelength λP1 corresponding to the maximum point of the characteristic curve Q closest to the short wavelength side is determined as the target wavelength, but the maximum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve Q is set as the target wavelength using another method. It can also be determined. Theoretically, the maximum point and the minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve Q are very close to each other (they coincide at the intersection point Px). Therefore, the wavelength λb1 corresponding to the minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve Q is set as the wavelength of interest.
D = 2 · λb1
Accordingly, the film thickness D can be calculated.

更に、特性曲線Qにおける最も長波長側の極大点に対応する波長λp1と最も長波長側の極小点に対応した波長λb1とに基づいて、例えば、平均化して、注目波長λxを決定することもできる。そして、その注目波長λxを用いて
D=2・λx
に従って、膜厚Dを算出することも可能である。
Further, based on the wavelength λp1 corresponding to the longest wavelength side maximum point in the characteristic curve Q and the wavelength λb1 corresponding to the longest wavelength side minimum point, for example, averaging may be performed to determine the target wavelength λx. it can. Then, using the wavelength of interest λx, D = 2 · λx
Accordingly, the film thickness D can be calculated.

また、更に、前記特性曲線Qの極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線fp(λ)と前記特性曲線Qの極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線fb(λ)との長波長側の交点Pxに対応する波長λ0を注目波長とし、その注目波長からシリコン膜102の膜厚Dを算出するようにしてもよい。具体的には、
D=λ0 ・・・(5)
として算出することができる。
Furthermore, a first approximate curve fp (λ) approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve Q, and a second approximate curve fb (λ) approximated as a curve passing through the minimum point of the characteristic curve Q, Alternatively, the wavelength λ0 corresponding to the intersection Px on the long wavelength side may be a target wavelength, and the film thickness D of the silicon film 102 may be calculated from the target wavelength. In particular,
D = λ0 (5)
Can be calculated as

前記第1近似曲線fp(λ)と前記第2近似曲線fb(λ)との交点Pxに対応する波長λ0の光は、前述したように、半導体ウエーハ100のシリコン膜102の境界で反射することなく透過するものであるが、その波長λ0がシリコン膜102の境界で反射することなく透過する光の波長の最小値、即ち、シリコン膜102の膜厚Dになる保証はない。しかし、それによる精度誤差を許容するものであれば、あるいは、特性曲線Qの極大点及び極小点から前記第1近似曲線fp(λ)及び前記第2近似曲線fb(λ)を生成する手法を工夫することにより、前記波長λ0をその膜層を反射することなく透過する光の波長の最小値として扱うこともできる。この場合、前記式(5)に従ってシリコン膜102の膜厚Dが演算される。   The light having the wavelength λ0 corresponding to the intersection Px between the first approximate curve fp (λ) and the second approximate curve fb (λ) is reflected at the boundary of the silicon film 102 of the semiconductor wafer 100 as described above. Although there is no guarantee that the wavelength λ0 is the minimum value of the wavelength of light that is transmitted without reflecting at the boundary of the silicon film 102, that is, the film thickness D of the silicon film 102. However, a method for generating the first approximate curve fp (λ) and the second approximate curve fb (λ) from the local maximum point and the local minimum point of the characteristic curve Q if the accuracy error due to this is allowed. By devising it, the wavelength λ0 can be handled as the minimum value of the wavelength of light transmitted without reflecting the film layer. In this case, the film thickness D of the silicon film 102 is calculated according to the equation (5).

前述した例では、検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線Qとして、吸収率Aの基準半導体ウエーハのものとの差分ΔA(λ)を用いたが、これに限定されず、透過光の強度に依存するパラメータと検査光の波長との関係を表すものであれば、特に限定されない。例えば、吸収率A(λ)を特性曲線Qとして用いることも、透過光強度Iそのものを特性曲線Qとして用いることもできる。 In the example described above, the difference ΔA (λ) from the reference semiconductor wafer having the absorption rate A is used as the characteristic curve Q representing the relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light. However, the present invention is not limited to this. There is no particular limitation as long as it represents the relationship between the parameter depending on the intensity of the transmitted light and the wavelength of the inspection light. For example, the absorptance A (λ) can be used as the characteristic curve Q, or the transmitted light intensity I itself can be used as the characteristic curve Q.

前述した例では、図1(a)、(b)に示すようなHOT構造の半導体ウエーハ100を測定対象としていたが、板状部材(半導体ウエーハ)を透過可能な光を用いることにより、種々の板状部材をその測定対象とすることができる。例えば、図15(a)、(b)、(c)、(d)に示すような他のHOT構造の半導体ウエーハでも、前述した手法にて膜厚を測定することができる。更に、図16(a)、(b)、(c)に示すような、SOI構造の半導体ウエーハであっても、酸化膜層(Oxide)やBox層が極めて薄ければ、前述した手法により表層の膜の厚さを測定することは可能であり、酸化膜層やBox層が比較的厚くても、それらを透過することのできるX線領域の光を検査光として用いることにより膜厚を前述した手法にて測定することができる。   In the above-described example, the semiconductor wafer 100 having the HOT structure as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is the object of measurement. However, by using light that can be transmitted through the plate-like member (semiconductor wafer), various kinds of light can be obtained. A plate-like member can be the measurement object. For example, the film thickness can be measured by the above-described method even in a semiconductor wafer having another HOT structure as shown in FIGS. 15 (a), (b), (c), and (d). Furthermore, even in the case of an SOI structure semiconductor wafer as shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C, if the oxide film layer (Oxide) or the Box layer is extremely thin, the surface layer is formed by the above-described method. It is possible to measure the thickness of the film by using the light in the X-ray region that can pass through the oxide layer and the Box layer as the inspection light even if the oxide film layer and the Box layer are relatively thick. It can be measured by the method.

前述した例では、半導体ウエーハ100の表層にある膜の厚さDを測定するものであったが、半導体ウエーハ100の内部に形成される膜層であっても、その界面で反射が発生し、その反射光によって透過光が振動的な影響を受け得るものであれば、前述した手法に従ってその内部の膜の厚さを測定することも可能である。   In the above-described example, the thickness D of the film on the surface layer of the semiconductor wafer 100 is measured. Even in the film layer formed inside the semiconductor wafer 100, reflection occurs at the interface, If the transmitted light can be influenced by vibration by the reflected light, the thickness of the inner film can be measured according to the method described above.

また、図5に示す膜厚測定装置において、半導体ウエーハ100は、厚さを測定すべきシリコン膜102を投光ヘッド12に対向するようにステージ10にセットしても、シリコン膜102を受光ヘッド21に対向するようにステージ10にセットしても、その厚さを測定することができる。   Further, in the film thickness measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 5, the semiconductor wafer 100 is configured such that even if the silicon film 102 whose thickness is to be measured is set on the stage 10 so as to face the light projecting head 12, the silicon film 102 is placed on the light receiving head. Even if it is set on the stage 10 so as to face 21, its thickness can be measured.

更に、図7、図8及び図9に示す手順に従った制御ユニット30及び演算ユニット40の処理は、半導体ウエーハ100に検査光がスポットSP状に照射された1箇所の部位についての処理であり、例えば、ステージ10を移動させてその測定部位が変更されるごとに、制御ユニット30及び演算ユニット40は、図7、図8及び図9に示す手順に従った処理を実行する。   Further, the processing of the control unit 30 and the arithmetic unit 40 in accordance with the procedure shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 is processing for one part where the semiconductor wafer 100 is irradiated with the inspection light in the spot SP shape. For example, every time the stage 10 is moved and its measurement site is changed, the control unit 30 and the arithmetic unit 40 execute processing according to the procedure shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9.

以上、説明したように、本発明に係る膜厚検査方法及び膜厚検査装置は、多くの基準となる板状部材の膜厚とパラメータとの関係を用いなくても広い範囲の膜厚測定が可能となるという効果を有し、半導体ウエーハ等の板状部材に含まれる膜の厚さを非接触にて測定する膜厚測定方法及び膜厚測定装置に適している。   As described above, the film thickness inspection method and the film thickness inspection apparatus according to the present invention can measure a wide range of film thicknesses without using the relationship between the film thickness and parameters of the plate-like member which is a lot of standards. The film thickness measuring method and the film thickness measuring apparatus have an effect that they can be achieved, and measure the thickness of a film included in a plate-like member such as a semiconductor wafer in a non-contact manner.

本発明の実施の一形態に係る膜厚検査方法に従って膜層の厚さが検査される半導体ウエーハ(板状部材)の断面構造及び光の透過状態を模式的に表した図(a)と、膜層のない基準半導体ウエーハ(基準板状部材)の断面構造及び光の透過状態を模式的に表した図(b)。である。FIG. 6A schematically shows a cross-sectional structure and a light transmission state of a semiconductor wafer (plate member) whose thickness is inspected according to a film thickness inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5B schematically shows a cross-sectional structure and a light transmission state of a reference semiconductor wafer (reference plate member) without a film layer. It is. 図1(a)に示す断面構造を有する半導体ウエーハ(板状部材)に入射した検査光の挙動を模式的に示す図である。It is a figure which shows typically the behavior of the inspection light which injected into the semiconductor wafer (plate-shaped member) which has the cross-sectional structure shown to Fig.1 (a). 図1(b)に示すようなシリコン基盤での波長に対する透過強度の特性例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the example of a transmission intensity with respect to the wavelength in a silicon | silicone base | substrate as shown in FIG.1 (b). 図1(a)に示すような膜層を有する半導体ウエーハでの波長に対する透過強度の特性例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the example of a characteristic of the transmission intensity with respect to the wavelength in the semiconductor wafer which has a film layer as shown to Fig.1 (a). 本発明の実施の一形態に係る膜厚測定装置の構成例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the film thickness measuring apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 図5に示す測定対象となる半導体ウエーハ及びその近傍領域を拡大して示す図である。It is a figure which expands and shows the semiconductor wafer used as the measuring object shown in FIG. 5, and its vicinity area. 図5に示す膜厚測定装置の制御ユニットでの処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process in the control unit of the film thickness measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 図5に示す膜厚測定装置の演算ユニットでの処理の手順を示すフローチャート(その1)である。It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the procedure of the process in the calculating unit of the film thickness measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 図5に示す膜厚測定装置の演算ユニットでの処理の手順を示すフローチャート(その2)である。It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the procedure of the process in the calculating unit of the film thickness measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 半導体ウエーハでの波長に対する吸収率の特性例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the example of a characteristic of the absorptance with respect to the wavelength in a semiconductor wafer. 特性曲線Q(ΔA(λ))から膜厚を算出する手法を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the method of calculating a film thickness from the characteristic curve Q ((DELTA) A ((lambda))). 膜が損傷している場合の特性曲線Qの状態例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the example of the state of the characteristic curve Q in case the film | membrane is damaged. シリコン基盤に含有されるボロン(ドーパント)濃度の違いによる吸光特性の相違を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the difference in the light absorption characteristic by the difference in the boron (dopant) density | concentration contained in a silicon base. 異なるボロン濃度での特性曲線Qの例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the example of the characteristic curve Q in a different boron density | concentration. 膜の測定対象となり得る半導体ウエーハの構造例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the semiconductor wafer which can become a measuring object of a film | membrane. 膜の測定対象となり得る半導体ウエーハの構造例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structural example of the semiconductor wafer which can become a measuring object of a film | membrane.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

10 ステージ
12 投光ヘッド
13 導光ファイバ
16 光源装置
20 検出器
21 受光ヘッド
22 導光ファイバ
30 制御ユニット
40 演算ユニット
50 カメラ
51 モニタユニット
100 半導体ウエーハ
101 シリコン基盤
102 シリコン膜
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Stage 12 Light projection head 13 Light guide fiber 16 Light source device 20 Detector 21 Light receiving head 22 Light guide fiber 30 Control unit 40 Arithmetic unit 50 Camera 51 Monitor unit 100 Semiconductor wafer 101 Silicon substrate 102 Silicon film

Claims (23)

板状部材に含まれる膜層の厚さを測定する膜厚測定方法であって、
前記板状部材の面に対して透過可能な検査光を、その波長を所定範囲にわたって変化させつつ照射する検査光照射工程と、
照射される各波長の検査光が前記板状部材を透過して出てくる透過光の強度を検出する透過光強度検出工程と、
前記検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線における極大点及び極小点に基づいて注目波長を決定する注目波長決定工程と、
前記決定された注目波長から前記膜層の厚さを算出する演算工程とを有することを特徴とする膜厚測定方法。
A film thickness measuring method for measuring the thickness of a film layer included in a plate-shaped member,
Inspection light irradiation step of irradiating inspection light that can be transmitted to the surface of the plate-shaped member while changing the wavelength over a predetermined range;
A transmitted light intensity detection step of detecting the intensity of transmitted light that is emitted through the plate-shaped member through which the inspection light of each wavelength irradiated is emitted;
An attention wavelength determination step of determining an attention wavelength based on a maximum point and a minimum point in a characteristic curve representing a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light;
And a calculation step of calculating the thickness of the film layer from the determined wavelength of interest.
前記注目波長決定工程は、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて前記注目波長を決定することを特徴とする請求項1記載の膜厚測定方法。   2. The film thickness according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength of interest determination step determines the wavelength of interest based on a wavelength corresponding to at least one of a maximum point and a minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve. Measuring method. 前記注目波長決定工程は、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点に対応した波長を前記注目波長として決定することを特徴とする請求項2記載の膜厚測定方法。   3. The film thickness measuring method according to claim 2, wherein the wavelength of interest determination step determines a wavelength corresponding to a maximum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve as the wavelength of interest. 前記注目波長決定工程は、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極小点に対応した波長を前記注目波長として決定することを特徴とする請求項2記載の膜厚測定方法。   3. The film thickness measuring method according to claim 2, wherein the wavelength of interest determination step determines a wavelength corresponding to a minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve as the wavelength of interest. 前記注目波長決定工程は、前記特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線を生成する第1工程と、
前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線を生成する第2工程と、
前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点を算出する第3工程と、
前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点にその短波長側で最も近い前記特性曲線の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて前記注目波長を決定する第4工程とを有することを特徴とする請求項2記載の膜厚測定方法。
The wavelength of interest determination step includes a first step of generating a first approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve;
A second step of generating a second approximated curve approximated as a curve passing through the minimum point of the characteristic curve;
A third step of calculating an intersection on the long wavelength side of the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve;
The target wavelength is determined based on a wavelength corresponding to at least one of the maximum point and the minimum point of the characteristic curve that is closest to the intersection on the long wavelength side of the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve on the short wavelength side. The film thickness measuring method according to claim 2, further comprising a fourth step of determining.
前記注目波長決定工程は、前記特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線を生成する第1工程と、
前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線を生成する第2工程と、
前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点を算出する第3工程とを有し、
前記交点に対応する波長を前記注目波長として決定することを特徴とする請求項1記載の膜厚測定方法。
The wavelength of interest determination step includes a first step of generating a first approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the maximum point of the characteristic curve;
A second step of generating a second approximated curve approximated as a curve passing through the minimum point of the characteristic curve;
A third step of calculating an intersection on the long wavelength side of the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve,
The film thickness measuring method according to claim 1, wherein a wavelength corresponding to the intersection is determined as the wavelength of interest.
前記第3工程での交点の演算が可能であるか否かを前記膜層の欠陥の有無として判定する判定工程を有することを特徴とする請求項5または6記載の膜厚測定方法。   7. The film thickness measurement method according to claim 5, further comprising a determination step of determining whether or not the intersection point in the third step can be calculated as the presence or absence of a defect in the film layer. 前記特性曲線は、前記検査光の各波長に対応した透過光の強度と予め定めた基準板状部材に対して前記板状部材と同様に得られた透過光の強度との差と、波長との関係を表すものであることを特徴とする請求項1乃至7のいずれかに記載の膜厚計測方法。   The characteristic curve includes the difference between the intensity of transmitted light corresponding to each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of transmitted light obtained in the same manner as the plate member with respect to a predetermined reference plate member, the wavelength, The film thickness measuring method according to claim 1, wherein: 前記特性曲線は、前記検査光の各波長と前記透過光の強度に依存する所定のパラメータとの関係を表すものであることを特徴とする請求項1乃至7のいずれかに記載の膜厚測定装置。   The film thickness measurement according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic curve represents a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and a predetermined parameter depending on the intensity of the transmitted light. apparatus. 前記特性曲線は、前記検査光の各波長に対応した前記パラメータの値と予め定めた基準板状部材に対して前記板状部材と同様に得られた前記パラメータの値との差と、波長との関係を表すものであることを特徴とする請求項9記載の膜厚測定方法。   The characteristic curve includes a difference between a value of the parameter corresponding to each wavelength of the inspection light and a value of the parameter obtained in the same manner as the plate member with respect to a predetermined reference plate member, and a wavelength. The film thickness measuring method according to claim 9, characterized in that: 前記パラメータは、前記検査光の前記板状部材での吸収の度合いを表す吸光パラメータであることを特徴とする請求項9または10記載の膜厚測定方法。   The film thickness measuring method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the parameter is an absorption parameter indicating a degree of absorption of the inspection light by the plate member. 予め定めた物質の濃度に対する吸光特性と、前記検査光の各波長と前記検査光の前記吸光パラメータとの関係を表す特性曲線とに基づいて前記物質の前記板状部材内での濃度を算出する工程を有することを特徴とする請求項11記載の膜厚測定方法。   The concentration of the substance in the plate-like member is calculated based on a light absorption characteristic with respect to a predetermined substance concentration and a characteristic curve representing a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the absorption parameter of the inspection light. The film thickness measuring method according to claim 11, further comprising a step. 前記パラメータは、前記検査光の前記板状部材での吸収の度合いを表す吸光パラメータであって、
予め定めた物質の濃度に対する吸光特性と、前記検査光の各波長と前記検査光の前記吸光パラメータとの関係を表す特性曲線とに基づいて前記物質の前記板状部材内での濃度を算出する物質濃度算出工程と、
前記基準板状部材に含まれる既知の前記物質の濃度と、前記物質濃度算出工程にて得られた前記物質の濃度とに基づいて、前記特性曲線を補正する補正工程とを有することを特徴とする請求項10記載の膜厚測定方法。
The parameter is an absorption parameter that represents the degree of absorption of the inspection light in the plate-shaped member,
The concentration of the substance in the plate-like member is calculated based on a light absorption characteristic with respect to a predetermined substance concentration and a characteristic curve representing a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the absorption parameter of the inspection light. A substance concentration calculation step;
A correction step of correcting the characteristic curve based on the known concentration of the substance contained in the reference plate-like member and the concentration of the substance obtained in the substance concentration calculation step. The film thickness measuring method according to claim 10.
板状部材に含まれる膜層の厚さを測定する膜厚測定装置であって、
前記板状部材の面に対して透過可能な検査光を、その波長を所定範囲にわたって変化させつつ照射する検査光照射手段と、
照射される各波長の検査光が前記板状部材を透過して出てくる透過光の強度を検出する透過光強度検出手段と、
前記検査光の各波長とその透過光の強度との関係を表す特性曲線における極大点及び極小点に基づいて注目波長を決定する注目波長決定手段と、
前記決定された注目波長から前記膜層の厚さを算出する演算手段とを有することを特徴とする膜厚測定装置。
A film thickness measuring device for measuring the thickness of a film layer included in a plate-shaped member,
Inspection light irradiating means for irradiating inspection light that is transmissive to the surface of the plate-shaped member while changing its wavelength over a predetermined range;
Transmitted light intensity detecting means for detecting the intensity of transmitted light that is emitted through the plate-shaped member through which the inspection light of each wavelength to be irradiated is transmitted;
Wavelength of interest determination means for determining the wavelength of interest based on the maximum and minimum points in the characteristic curve representing the relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the intensity of the transmitted light;
A film thickness measuring apparatus comprising: an arithmetic unit that calculates the thickness of the film layer from the determined wavelength of interest.
前記注目波長決定手段は、前記特性曲線における最も長波長側の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて前記注目波長を決定することを特徴とする請求項14記載の膜厚測定装置。   15. The film thickness according to claim 14, wherein the wavelength of interest determination unit determines the wavelength of interest based on a wavelength corresponding to at least one of a maximum point and a minimum point on the longest wavelength side in the characteristic curve. measuring device. 前記注目波長決定手段は、前記特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線を生成する第1手段と、
前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線を生成する第2手段と、
前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点を算出する第3手段と、
前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点にその短波長側で最も近い前記特性曲線の極大点及び極小点の少なくともいずれかに対応する波長に基づいて前記注目波長を決定する第4手段とを有することを特徴とする請求項15記載の膜厚測定装置。
The wavelength-of-interest determining unit generates a first approximate curve that is approximated as a curve that passes through the maximum point of the characteristic curve;
A second means for generating a second approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the minimum point of the characteristic curve;
A third means for calculating an intersection on the long wavelength side of the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve;
The target wavelength is determined based on a wavelength corresponding to at least one of the maximum point and the minimum point of the characteristic curve that is closest to the intersection on the long wavelength side of the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve on the short wavelength side. 16. The film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a fourth means for determining.
前記注目波長決定手段は、前記特性曲線の極大点を通る曲線として近似される第1近似曲線を生成する第1手段と、
前記特性曲線の極小点を通る曲線として近似される第2近似曲線を生成する第2手段と、
前記第1近似曲線と前記第2近似曲線との長波長側の交点を算出する第3手段とを有し、
前記交点に対応する波長を前記注目波長として決定することを特徴とする請求項14記載の膜厚測定装置。
The wavelength-of-interest determining unit generates a first approximate curve that is approximated as a curve that passes through the maximum point of the characteristic curve;
A second means for generating a second approximate curve approximated as a curve passing through the minimum point of the characteristic curve;
A third means for calculating an intersection on the long wavelength side of the first approximate curve and the second approximate curve;
The film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a wavelength corresponding to the intersection is determined as the wavelength of interest.
前記第3手段での交点の演算が可能であるか否かを前記膜層の損傷の有無として判定する判定手段を有することを特徴とする請求項16または17記載の膜厚測定装置。   18. The film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the intersection point can be calculated by the third unit as the presence or absence of damage to the film layer. 前記特性曲線は、前記検査光の各波長と前記透過光の強度に依存する所定のパラメータとの関係を表すものであることを特徴とする請求項14乃至18のいずれかに記載の膜厚測定装置。   The film thickness measurement according to claim 14, wherein the characteristic curve represents a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and a predetermined parameter depending on the intensity of the transmitted light. apparatus. 前記特性曲線は、前記検査光の各波長に対応した前記パラメータの値と予め定めた基準板状部材に対して前記板状部材と同様に得られた前記パラメータの値との差と、波長との関係を表すものであることを特徴とする請求項19記載の膜厚測定装置。   The characteristic curve includes a difference between a value of the parameter corresponding to each wavelength of the inspection light and a value of the parameter obtained in the same manner as the plate member with respect to a predetermined reference plate member, and a wavelength. The film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: 前記パラメータは、前記検査光の前記板状部材での吸収の度合いを表す吸光パラメータであることを特徴とする請求項19または20記載の膜厚測定装置。   21. The film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the parameter is an absorption parameter indicating a degree of absorption of the inspection light by the plate-like member. 予め定めた物質の濃度に対する吸光特性と、前記検査光の各波長と前記検査光の前記吸光パラメータとの関係を表す特性曲線とに基づいて前記物質の前記板状部材内での濃度を算出する手段と、
該濃度を出力する手段とを有することを特徴とする請求項21記載の膜厚測定装置。
The concentration of the substance in the plate-like member is calculated based on a light absorption characteristic with respect to a predetermined substance concentration and a characteristic curve representing a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the absorption parameter of the inspection light. Means,
The film thickness measuring apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising means for outputting the concentration.
前記パラメータは、前記検査光の前記板状部材での吸収の度合いを表す吸光パラメータであって、
予め定めた物質の濃度に対する吸光特性と、前記検査光の各波長と前記検査光の前記吸光パラメータとの関係を表す特性曲線とに基づいて前記物質の前記板状部材内での濃度を算出する物質濃度算出手段と、
前記基準板状部材に含まれる既知の前記物質の濃度と、前記物質濃度算出工程にて得られた前記物質の濃度とに基づいて、前記特性曲線を補正する補正手段とを有することを特徴とする請求項20記載の膜厚測定装置。
The parameter is an absorption parameter that represents the degree of absorption of the inspection light in the plate-shaped member,
The concentration of the substance in the plate-like member is calculated based on a light absorption characteristic with respect to a predetermined substance concentration and a characteristic curve representing a relationship between each wavelength of the inspection light and the absorption parameter of the inspection light. A substance concentration calculating means;
Correction means for correcting the characteristic curve based on the known concentration of the substance contained in the reference plate-like member and the concentration of the substance obtained in the substance concentration calculating step; The film thickness measuring device according to claim 20.
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JP6487579B1 (en) 2018-01-09 2019-03-20 浜松ホトニクス株式会社 Film thickness measuring apparatus, film thickness measuring method, film thickness measuring program, and recording medium for recording film thickness measuring program

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