JP6790123B2 - Measurement of semiconductor structures using capillary condensation - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments described relate to measurement systems and methods, and more specifically to methods and systems for improved measurement of structures manufactured in the semiconductor industry.

This patent application was filed on May 2, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 330,751 and January 3, 2017, entitled "Porosity and Critical Distance Measurement Measurement Condensation." U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 441,887 under the title "Critical Measurement Measurements Priority Filling" and the title "Critical Dimension Measurements With Patents With Patents US Patent No. 15 Capillary" filed on July 7, 2016. , 938, claiming priority under Article 119 of the US Patent Act, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Semiconductor devices such as ethical devices and memory devices are typically manufactured by a series of processing steps applied to the sample. Various features and multiple structural levels of semiconductor devices are formed by these processing steps. For example, lithography, among others, is a semiconductor manufacturing process that involves generating a pattern on a semiconductor wafer. Further examples of semiconductor manufacturing processes include, but are not limited to, chemical mechanical polishing, etching, deposition, and ion implantation. A plurality of semiconductor devices may be manufactured on a single semiconductor wafer and then separated into individual semiconductor devices.

The measurement process is used in various steps during the semiconductor manufacturing process to detect defects on the wafer and promote higher yields. Model-based measurement techniques offer high throughput potential without the risk of sample destruction. Numerous model-based measurement-based technologies, including performing scatterometry, ellipsometry, and reflectometry, and related analysis algorithms characterize the critical dimensions, film thickness, composition, overlays, and other parameters of nanoscale structures. Widely used for.

Modern semiconductor processes are used to produce complex structures. Complex measurement models with multiple parameters are needed to represent these structures and explain process and dimensional changes. Complex multi-parameter models involve modeling errors induced by parameter correlation and low measurement sensitivity for some parameters. In addition, regression of complex multi-parameter models with relatively large numbers of floating parameter values may not be easy to calculate.

In model-based measurements, some parameters are typically fixed to mitigate the effects of these error sources and to reduce complexity. Fixing the values of some parameters can speed up the calculation and reduce the effects of parameter correlations, but it also results in errors in estimating the parameter values.

Today, solutions for complex multi-parameter measurement models often require unsatisfactory compromises. Current model reduction techniques sometimes fail to reach a measurement model that is easy to calculate and accurate enough. Moreover, complex multi-parameter models make it difficult or impossible to optimize system parameter selection (eg, wavelength, angle of incidence, etc.) for each parameter of interest.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0081810

Future measurement applications present challenges due to smaller and smaller resolution requirements, multi-parameter correlations, increasingly complex geometric structures, and increasing use of opaque materials. Therefore, methods and systems for improved measurements are desired.

Methods and systems for performing optical measurements of geometric structures filled by capillary condensation processes are presented herein. As soon as the measurement is performed, the local environment around the structure under measurement is treated with a stream of purge gas containing a controlled amount of filler. A portion of the packing material (ie, condensate) condenses onto the structure under measurement and is small, such as openings within structural features, gaps between structural features, notches, grooves, slits, contact holes, etc. Fill the volume.

In one embodiment, the saturation of the evaporated material in the gas stream provided to the structure under measurement is adjusted based on the maximum feature size filled by capillary condensation.

In another embodiment, the measurement is performed using a dataset containing measurement signals collected from a structure whose geometric features are filled with condensate. The presence of condensate alters the optical properties of the structure under measurement as compared to measurement scenarios where the purge gas lacks any filler.

In some examples, multiple measurements of the structure are performed for different condensed states. Each measurement corresponds to a different amount of condensate condensing on the structure under measurement. By collecting the measurement signal information associated with the structure in which the geometric features are filled with different amounts of condensate, the parameter correlation between the floating measurement parameters is reduced and the measurement accuracy is improved.

In some examples, measurement data is collected when the structure is filled by capillary condensation, and measurement data is from the same structure when the structure is unfilled (ie, not subject to capillary condensation). Will be collected.

In some embodiments, the amount of filler vaporized in the gas stream provided to the structure under measurement is adjusted by controlling the partial pressure of the filler in the gas stream. In some embodiments, the unsaturated purge gas stream is mixed with the saturated purge gas stream. The ratio of these streams is adjusted to regulate the partial pressure of the filler in the combined stream.

In some embodiments, the purge gas is bubbled through the filler tank to create a stream of purge gas that is completely saturated with the filler. The partial pressure of the filler evaporating in the purge gas stream is equal to the equilibrium pressure of the filler across the filler tank.

In some embodiments, the filler tank is maintained at the same temperature as the sample under measurement. In some other embodiments, the filler tank is maintained at a lower temperature than the sample under measurement.

In some embodiments, the saturation of the evaporative packing material on the wafer is controlled by adding a non-volatile solute to the packing material tank, thereby reducing the equilibrium vapor pressure of the packing material. In these embodiments, the saturation of the evaporative packing material is adjusted by controlling the concentration of solute in the solution.

In some embodiments, the packing material fluoresces in response to illumination light provided to the structure under measurement, enhancing measurement contrast, especially in image-based measurement applications.

The above is an overview and therefore necessarily includes simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of the details. Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that this outline is merely an example and is not limited in any way. Other aspects of the device and / or process described herein, features of the invention, and advantages shall be apparent in the non-limiting detailed description described herein.

It is a figure exemplifying the system 100 for measuring the structure of the semiconductor wafer which is the object of capillary condensation. It is a figure exemplifying the steam injection system 120 of the system 100 in one embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the steam injection system 120 of the system 100 in another embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates Table 127 containing the enthalpy of vaporization ΔH of water, toluene, and ethanol. In addition, Table 127 illustrates the difference between the wafer temperature to achieve the relative saturation of the packing material of 0.9 on the wafer and the temperature of the tank of the liquid filling material. FIG. 5 depicts a plot 128 of the partial pressure of water as a function of the concentration of hydrochloric acid in the aquarium. It is a figure which depicts the plot 135 of the dispersion characteristic of deionized water as a function of wavelength. FIG. 6 illustrates Table 129 illustrating molar volume and surface tension associated with water, toluene, and ethanol. FIG. 5 illustrates plot 172 exemplifying the maximum diameter of a cylindrical hole that can be filled by capillary condensation at different partial pressures according to Kelvin's equation for water, ethanol, and toluene as fillers. FIG. 5 illustrates plot 160 exemplifying the maximum diameter of long groove-like features that can be filled by capillary condensation at different partial pressures according to Kelvin's equation for water, ethanol, and toluene as fillers. It is a figure which illustrates the unfilled line space measurement target which has a periodic two-dimensional resist grating structure made on the substrate. It is a figure which illustrates the line space measurement target which is illustrated in FIG. 10 filled with the packing material. FIG. 5 illustrates an unfilled measurement target having multiple layers, including an upper layer with cylindrical contact holes. FIG. 5 illustrates a measurement target exemplified in FIG. 10 having a cylindrical contact hole filled with a filler. For some parameters of the measurement target depicted in FIG. 10, the measurement results obtained without shape filling and the measurement results obtained by a multi-target model using the data collected with and without shape filling. It is a figure which describes the comparison. It is a figure exemplifying the method 200 for carrying out the measurement of the structure which is the object of capillary condensation in one example. FIG. 5 illustrates a chart 210 of relative humidity RH for different combinations of flows F ₁ and F ₂ as defined with respect to equation (1). FIG. 5 depicts a plot 220 of spectroscopic ellipsometry parameters α for measurements of the same structure in both unfilled and filled states. FIG. 16 depicts a plot 230 of spectral differences between spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements depicted in FIG. FIG. 5 depicts a plot 240 of spectroscopic ellipsometry parameters β for measurements of the same structure in both unfilled and filled states. FIG. 8 illustrates a plot 250 of spectral differences between spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements depicted in FIG.

The background examples and some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but these examples are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Methods and systems for performing optical measurements of geometric structures filled with condensate by capillary condensation processes are presented herein. Model-based measurements are performed using a rich data set containing measurement signals collected from measurement targets whose geometric features are filled with condensate. This reduces the parameter correlation between the floating measurement parameters and improves the measurement accuracy. Therefore, sufficiently accurate model-based measurement results can be obtained, and the amount of calculation is often reduced.

As soon as the measurement is performed, the local environment around the measurement target under the measurement is treated with a stream of purge gas containing a controlled amount of filler. A portion of the packing material (ie, condensate) condenses onto the structure under measurement and fills openings within structural features, openings between structural features, and the like. The presence of condensate alters the optical properties of the structure under measurement as compared to measurement scenarios where the purge gas lacks any filler.

In some examples, multiple measurements of the measurement target are performed for different condensation states. In other words, each measurement corresponds to a different amount of condensate condensing on the structure under measurement. Model-based measurements are performed with a rich set of measurement data by collecting measurement signal information associated with measurement targets whose geometric features are filled with different amounts of condensate.

In one example, measurement data is collected when the structure is unfilled and additional measurement data is collected when the same structure is filled by capillary condensation. The data collected are combined to estimate the value of one or more parameters of interest in a multi-target model-based measurement, with reduced parameter correlation and improved measurement performance.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for measuring the characteristics of a semiconductor wafer. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 can be used to perform spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements of one or more structures 114 of semiconductor wafers 112 placed on a wafer positioning system 110. In this embodiment, the system 100 may include a spectroscopic ellipsometer 101 and a spectroscope 104 with a illuminant 102. The illuminant 102 of the system 100 is configured to generate illumination in a selected wavelength range (eg, 100-2500 nm) and direct it towards a structure 114 placed on the surface of the semiconductor wafer 112. Next, the spectrometer 104 is configured to receive light from the surface of the semiconductor wafer 112. It should be further noted that the light generated from the illuminant 102 is polarized using the polarization state generator 107 to generate the polarized illumination beam 106. The radiation reflected by the structure 114 placed on the wafer 112 is directed to the spectrometer 104 through the polarization state analyzer 109. The radiation received by the spectrometer 104 in the recovery beam 108 is analyzed with respect to the polarization state, allowing spectral analysis of the radiation passed by the analyzer. The detected spectrum 111 is passed to the computing system 130 for analysis of the structure 114.

The calculation system 130 is configured to receive measurement data 111 associated with measurements of structure 114 of sample 112 that is filled due to capillary condensation (eg, limit dimensions, film thickness, composition, process, etc.). To. In one example, the measurement data 111 includes an index of the measured spectral response of the sample by the measurement system 100 based on one or more sampling processes from the spectrometer 104. In some embodiments, the computational system 130 is further configured to determine sample parameter values for structure 114 from measurement data 111. In one example, the computational system 130 is configured to access model parameters in real time using real-time limit dimensioning (RTCD), or the computational system 130 is at least associated with the target structure 114. You can access a library of precomputed models to determine the values of one desired parameter. In some embodiments, estimates of one or more parameters of interest are stored in memory (eg, memory 132). In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, estimates of one or more parameters of interest 115 are communicated to an external system (not shown).

Ellipsometry is generally an indirect method of measuring the physical properties of a sample under test. In most cases, raw measurement signals (eg, α- _meas and β- _meas ) cannot be used to directly determine the physical properties of the sample. The nominal measurement process consists of parameterizing the structure (eg, film thickness, critical dimensions, material properties, etc.) and machinery (eg, wavelength, angle of incidence, angle of polarization, etc.). Measurement models are created that attempt to predict measurements (eg, α _meas and β _meas ). As illustrated in formulas (1) and (2), this model includes parameters associated with a machine (P _machine ) and a sample (P _specimen ).
α _model = f (P _machine , P _specimen ) (1)
β _model = g (P _machine , P _specimen ) (2)

Mechanical parameters are parameters used to characterize measuring tools (eg, ellipsometer 101). Illustrative mechanical parameters include incident angle (AOI), analyzer angle (A ₀ ), polarizer angle (P ₀ ), illumination wavelength, numerical aperture (NA), compensator or wave plate (if any), etc. Can be mentioned. The sample parameter is a parameter used to characterize a sample (eg, sample 112 containing structure 114). For thin film samples, exemplary sample parameters include refractive index, dielectric function tensor, nominal layer thickness of all layers, layer order, and the like. In the case of a CD sample, exemplary sample parameters include geometric parameter values associated with different layers, refractive index associated with different layers, and the like. For measurement purposes, mechanical parameters are treated as known and one or more of fixed and sample parameters are treated as unknown floating parameters.

In some examples, floating parameters are elucidated by an iterative process (eg, regression) that produces the best fit between theoretical predictions and experimental data. Unknown sample parameter _{P Specimen} varies, the model output value (e.g., alpha _model and beta _model) is a set of sample parameter values, the model output value and experimentally measured values (e.g., alpha _meas and beta _meas) and the Calculated until determined to result in a close match. In model-based measurement applications such as spectroscopic ellipsometry in CD samples, the regression process (eg, least squares regression) minimizes the difference between the model output value and the experimentally measured value for a fixed set of mechanical parameter values. Used to identify sample parameter values.

In some examples, floating parameters are elucidated by searching the library of precomputed solutions to find the closest match. For model-based measurement applications such as spectroscopic ellipsometry in CD samples, the library search process minimizes the difference between pre-calculated output values and experimentally measured values for a fixed set of machine parameter values. Is used to identify.

In some other examples, model-based library regression or signal response measurement models are used to estimate the values of the parameters of interest.

In model-based measurement applications, it is often necessary to simplify the hypothesis in order to maintain sufficient throughput. In some examples, the order of censoring for tightly coupled wave analysis (RCWA) must be reduced to minimize computational time. In another example, the number or complexity of library functions is reduced to minimize search time. In another example, the number of floating parameters is reduced by fixing a particular parameter value. In some examples, these hypothesis simplifications result in unacceptable errors in estimating the values of one or more target parameters (eg, limit dimension parameters, overlay parameters, etc.). By performing measurements of structures subject to capillary condensation as described herein, model-based measurement models can be resolved with reduced parameter correlation and increased measurement accuracy.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the measurement system 100 includes a steam injection system 120 configured to provide a gas flow 126 to the structure 114 during measurement. In one embodiment, the gas stream 126 comprises a purge gas and a filler that evaporates within the purge gas. When the gas stream comes into contact with the structure 114, condensation occurs and a portion of the packing material (ie, the condensate) condenses onto the structure 114 under measurement. The condensate fills at least a portion of one or more structural features of structure 114. The presence of condensate changes the optical properties of the structure being measured.

In some embodiments, measurements are taken when the purge gas stream does not contain filler (eg, pure nitrogen gas or clean dry air), another measurement results in the purge gas stream containing filler. It is carried out when the condensate completely fills the opening between the structural features under measurement. The measurement data collected from these two measurements is communicated to the computational system 130 to estimate one or more desired structural parameters based on both sets of measurement data.

In some embodiments, the series of measurements is performed under different condensation conditions such that the amount of condensation on the structural features under measurement is different for each measurement. The measurement data collected from the series of measurements is communicated to the computational system 130 to estimate one or more desired structural parameters based on the collected measurement data.

As depicted in FIG. 1, a certain amount of filler 123 is transported from the filler source 121 to the steam injection system 120. In addition, the flow of purge gas 124 is transported from the purge gas source 122 to the steam injection system. The steam injection system 120 evaporates the filler into the stream of purge gas to generate the gas stream 126 provided to the structure 114 under measurement. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the flow of purge gas and the amount of filler vaporized in the flow of purge gas are controlled by a command signal 125 communicated from the calculation system 130 to the steam injection system 120. Therefore, the command signal 125 controls the desired composition of the gas stream 126. As depicted in FIG. 1, the gas stream 126 passes through a nozzle 105 that directs the gas stream 126 to a desired location on the wafer 110 with appropriate flow characteristics. In some embodiments, the nozzle 105 is located very close to the measurement area to transfer the packing material to the area that includes the structure under measurement. After the measurement, the condensed filler evaporates into the overall wafer-level purge gas stream and is transferred away from the wafer. In some examples, the gas stream 126 is provided to the wafer 112 at a flow rate of 1000-2000 cubic centimeters per minute (SCCM). However, in general, any suitable flow rate can be contemplated within the scope of this patent document.

FIG. 1 depicts a gas stream 126 that is locally provided to a measurement target under measurement. However, in general, the gas stream 126 may be provided throughout the wafer through any part of the beam path from the illumination source to the detector, or in any combination thereof. Various examples of providing purge gas flow over a wafer and through a beam path between an illumination source and a detector are described in US Pat. No. 7,755, issued July 13, 2010 by Hidong Kwak et al. It is described in No. 764, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the steam injection system 120 evaporates the filler 123 into the stream of purge gas 124 in order to generate the gas stream 126 provided to the structure 114 under measurement. However, in general, the steam injection system 120 may control the evaporation of two or more different fillers into the stream of purge gas in order to generate the gas stream provided to the structure 114 under measurement. In this mode, the steam injection system 120 provides the wafer 112 with a gas stream 126 containing a controlled amount of different packing material.

Embodiments of the system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be further configured as described herein. In addition, system 100 may be configured to implement any other block of any of the method embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the steam injection system 120 in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the amount of filler evaporated in the gas stream 126 provided to the wafer 112 under measurement (ie, the partial pressure of the condensate) is adjusted. By adjusting the partial pressure of the packing material, the structural dimensions filled by capillary condensation are controlled.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the partial pressure of the filler evaporated in the purge gas stream (eg, nitrogen gas, clean dry air, etc.) is equal to the equilibrium pressure of the filler across the filler tank. The purge gas is bubbled through this liquid tank. In one example, the bubbler type steam injection system is described by Sigma-Aldrich, St. Model Z553360, a 1.2 liter capacity stainless steel bubbler commercially available from Louis, Missouri (USA).

As depicted in FIG. 2, a portion 146 of the purge gas stream 124 passes through the mass flow controller 148A and another portion 145 of the purge gas stream 124 passes through the mass flow controller 148B. The flow rates of the gas flows 146 and 145 are controlled by the states of the mass flow controllers 148A and 148B, respectively. In this mode, the amount of purge gas stream 124 into which the filler is evaporated is controlled by the mass flow controller 148B, and the amount of purge gas stream 124 that is not subject to evaporation is controlled by the mass flow controller 148B. .. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the instruction signal 125 communicated from the computing system 130 to the steam injection system 120 includes a plurality of signals 149A-C. The signal 149A includes an index of the desired state of the mass flow controller 148A. Accordingly, the mass flow controller 148A adjusts to the desired position and thus to the desired proportion of purge gas flow in which the filler is not evaporated. The signal 149B includes an index of the desired state of the mass flow controller 148B. Accordingly, the mass flow controller 148B adjusts to the desired state and thus to the desired rate of purge gas flow into which the filler material evaporates. Part 145 of the purge gas flow 124 passes through the check valve 142 and the mass flow controller 143 and enters the bubbler 140. In the bubbler 140, an amount of filler is evaporated into portion 145 of purge gas stream 124 to produce purge gas and filler gas stream 147. The gas stream 147 is combined with a portion 146 of the purge gas that did not flow through the bubbler 140 to produce a gas stream 126.

In some embodiments, the mass flow controllers 148A and 148B are controlled so that the entire purge gas stream 124 flows completely through either the bubbler 140 or the bypass bubbler 140. In this mode, the gas stream 126 is either a dry purge gas stream 124 having a zero partial pressure of the filler, or the entire purge gas stream 124 is subject to evaporation of the filler.

As the packing material evaporates in the bubbler 140 and is carried out as a gas stream 147, additional filling material 123 flows from the filling material source 121 to maintain a constant filling level in the bubbler 140. In some embodiments, the filling level is automatically controlled based on a level sensor or flow control scheme. In some other embodiments, the filling level is regularly maintained by a manual filling operation.

In one embodiment, the degree of saturation of the evaporation filler material in the gas stream 126 at ambient temperature T _a is the purge gas flow 145 filler material is vaporized into them, for the portion of the purge gas flow 146 not covered by evaporation It is controlled by adjusting the ratio. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature of the packing material in the bubbler 140 is maintained at the same temperature as the wafer under measurement (eg, ambient temperature _Ta ). Under these conditions, the relative saturation p ₀ / p of the filler in the gas stream 126 is described in equation (1), where F ₁ is the flow rate of the fully saturated gas stream 147, F. Reference numeral ₂ denotes a flow rate of the unsaturated gas flow 146.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the gas streams 146 and 147 combine to form the gas stream 126 provided to the wafer under measurement. Thus, the total flow rate to be provided to the wafer under measurement is controlled by adjusting the sum of F ₁ and F ₂ to communicate command signals 149A and 149B. The relative saturation of the flow provided to the wafer under measurement is controlled by communicating the instruction signals 149A and 149B to adjust the ratio of F ₁ and F ₂ .

FIG. 15 depicts a chart 210 of relative humidity RH for different combinations of flows F ₁ and F ₂ as defined for equation (1).

In another embodiment, the degree of saturation of the evaporation filler material at ambient temperature T _a is controlled by maintaining the liquid bath to a temperature T below ambient temperature. The relationship between the equilibrium vapor pressure p ₀ and the temperature T of the pure substance, Clausius illustrated by equation (2) - is obtained by the equation Clapeyron, wherein, [Delta] H is the enthalpy of evaporation of the pure substance, R represents It is an ideal gas constant, which is 8.31 J / mole · ° K.

Based on formula (2), the relative saturation p / p ₀ for a filler saturated at a temperature T below the ambient temperature Ta is illustrated by formula (3).

FIG. 4 depicts Table 127 containing the enthalpy ΔH of evaporation of water, toluene, and ethanol. Each of these substances may be suitable as a filler as described herein. In addition, Table 127 illustrates the difference between the ambient temperature (ie wafer temperature) and the tank temperature when the ambient temperature is 25 degrees Celsius and the desired relative saturation p / p _{0 of the} packing material is 0.9. To do. By keeping the tank temperature below the ambient temperature by an illustrated amount, as illustrated in Table 127, a partial pressure of 0.9 is maintained for each of the listed fillers. Utilizing any of these materials as a filler is advantageous as it is relatively easy to maintain a temperature difference of approximately 2 degrees Celsius between the wafer and the bubble tank of the bubbler 140. possible. In this embodiment, without combining a flow of dry purge gas 146 and the flow of saturated purge gas 147, it is possible to control the degree of saturation of the evaporation filler material in the gas stream 126 at ambient temperature T _a. In other words, the flow 146 may be set to zero, the degree of saturation of the evaporation filler material in the gas stream 126 at ambient temperature T _a, is controlled by the temperature difference between the bubbler temperature and wafer temperature. In some other examples, the flow of dry purge gas 146 is combined with the flow of saturated purge gas 147, saturation evaporation filler material in the gas stream 126 at ambient temperature T _a is the bubbler temperature and wafer temperature It is controlled by the combination of the temperature difference between them and the ratio of the flow rates of the gas flow 146 and the gas flow 147.

In some embodiments, the tank temperature and wafer temperature are measured and communicated to the computing system 130. The calculation system determines the difference between the wafer temperature and the tank temperature and calculates the desired wafer temperature, tank temperature, or both. In some embodiments, the computing system 130 produces a command signal 149C indicating the desired bath temperature for the steam injection system 120. Accordingly, the steam injection system 120 adjusts the tank temperature to the desired value using a local heating or cooling device (not shown). In some embodiments, the computational system 130 produces a command signal (not shown) indicating the desired wafer temperature for the wafer conditioning subsystem (not shown). Accordingly, the wafer conditioning subsystem uses a wafer heating or cooling device (not shown) to adjust the wafer temperature to the desired value. In some embodiments, the computational system 130 produces an instruction signal 113 (as depicted in FIG. 1) indicating the desired wafer temperature for the local wafer heating element 103. Accordingly, the heating device 103 uses a radiant heating element to locally (ie, in the immediate vicinity of the measurement location) adjust the wafer temperature to the desired value.

In some embodiments, control of the temperature difference between the wafer and the tank is controlled by a computational system associated with the steam injection system 120. In this sense, the control of the temperature difference between the wafer and the tank by the calculation system 130 is provided as a non-limiting example. Any suitable control architecture and temperature control scheme can be contemplated within the scope of this patent document.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the steam injection system 120 in another embodiment. The similarly numbered elements are similar to those described with reference to FIG.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the flow of purge gas 124 passes through the three-way valve 141. In some embodiments, the three-way valve 141 proportions portion 145 of the purge gas flow 124 flowing through the bubbler 140 to portion 146 that does not flow through the bubbler 140, based on the position of the three-way valve. In this mode, the amount of purge gas stream 124 at which the filler evaporates is controlled by the three-way valve 141. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the instruction signal 125 communicated from the computing system 130 to the steam injection system 120 includes a plurality of signals 149C-D. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the signal 149D includes an indicator of the desired position of the three-way valve 141. Accordingly, the three-way valve 141 is adjusted to the desired position and thus to the desired rate of purge gas flow in which the filler evaporates. Part 145 of the purge gas flow 124 passes through the check valve 142 and the mass flow controller 143 and enters the bubbler 140. In the bubbler 140, an amount of filler is evaporated into portion 145 of purge gas stream 124 to produce purge gas and filler gas stream 147. The gas stream 147 is combined with a portion 146 of the purge gas that did not flow through the bubbler 140 to produce a gas stream 126.

In some embodiments, the three-way valve 141 is controlled so that the entire purge gas stream 124 flows completely through either the bubbler 140 or the bypass bubbler 140, based on the position of the three-way valve. In this mode, depending on the state of the three-way valve 141, either the gas stream 126 is a dry purge gas stream 124 with zero partial pressure of the filler, or the entire purge gas stream 124 is subject to evaporation of the filler. Is it?

As described with reference to FIG. 3, the amount of filler provided to the wafer under measurement is the portion 145 of the purge gas stream 124 that is subject to evaporation of the filler and the portion 146 of the purge gas stream 124 that is not. It is controlled by adjusting against. In addition, the saturation of the evaporative filling material at the wafer temperature is controlled by adjusting the difference between the wafer temperature and the tank temperature.

In another embodiment, the saturation of the evaporative filler at ambient temperature is a non-volatile solute in the solvent (ie, filler) tank that suppresses the solvent's equilibrium vapor pressure compared to the solvent's equilibrium vapor pressure. Is controlled by adding. In one example, a solution formed from water as a solvent and a non-volatile solute (eg, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid, etc.) exhibits a water vapor pressure lower than the equilibrium vapor pressure of pure water. FIG. 5 depicts a plot 128 of the partial pressure of water as a function of the concentration of hydrochloric acid in the aquarium. Similar results exist for solutions of sodium chloride dissolved in water. For example, a solution of 6 percent sodium chloride dissolved in water results in 90% relative humidity p / p ₀ .

In these embodiments, the saturation of the evaporative packing material (ie, solvent) is adjusted by controlling the concentration of solute in the solution. In some embodiments, the amount of solvent in the tank is controlled to maintain the desired concentration and thus the desired partial pressure of the evaporative solvent. In these embodiments, accurate temperature control is not required as long as the tank temperature is nominally maintained at ambient temperature (ie, wafer temperature).

In general, any suitable purge gas and filler may be selected for use in performing measurements as described herein. Exemplary purge gases include inert gases, nitrogen, and clean dry air. The choice of suitable purge gas is largely determined by availability in the semiconductor manufacturing plant. Exemplary fillers include water, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, benzene, toluene and the like. The choice of suitable packing material depends on the vapor pressure, void filling properties, optical properties, and the ability to control any chemical interaction between the filling material and the sample under measurement.

For example, since the liquid filler not only refracts the incident light but also absorbs the incident light, the refractive index of the filler and the absorption coefficient of the filler are taken into account in the underlying measurement model. Both of these properties are between measurements performed with and without filling, especially at relatively short illumination wavelengths (eg, vacuum UV wavelengths ranging from 120 nanometers to 190 nanometers). Make a difference. Therefore, the selection of liquid fillers that are substantially different from air in both refractive index and absorption coefficient provides favorable conditions for reduced parameter correlation in multi-target measurement analysis.

In addition, the selection of liquid fillers in which both the index of refraction and the absorption coefficient change as a function of the illumination wavelength provides favorable conditions for reduced parameter correlation in spectral measurement analysis. FIG. 6 depicts plot 135 of the dispersion of deionized water as a function of wavelength. Plot lines 136 depict the extinction coefficient and plot lines 137 depict the refractive index. As depicted in FIG. 6, deionized water exhibits strong dispersion changes in the ultraviolet, vacuum ultraviolet, and deep ultraviolet and infrared regions. Spectroscopes operating in these wavelength ranges utilize dispersion changes when water is used as a condensate in periodic structures.

In some embodiments, the measurements are performed using deionized water as the packing material by several different spectral metrology techniques that capture a wide range of wavelengths from 100 nanometers to 2,500 nanometers. .. Illustrative metrological techniques include spectroscopic ellipsometry, Muller matrix ellipsometry, spectroscopic reflectometry, and angle-resolved reflectometry.

In a further embodiment, the selection of a liquid filler that fluoresces at the illumination wavelength provides an advantageous condition for reduced parameter correlation in image-based measurement analysis. In some embodiments, the fluorescence of the filler enhances image contrast and improves the measurement performance of image-based measurement techniques such as image-based overlays, image-based inspections (eg, darkfield and brightfield inspections). To do.

In a further embodiment, capillary condensation is used to geometrically structure the measurement target itself (eg, critical dimension (CD) structure, grating structure, overlay structure, etc.) during measurement of the measurement target by capillary condensation. Fill the space between the features. In general, the desired saturation of the evaporated material in the gas stream 126 is determined based on the maximum feature size to be filled by capillary condensation. Capillary condensation is used to fill small features (eg, small volumes such as notches, grooves, slits, contact holes, etc.) with filler. The Kelvin equation provides an approximation of the maximum feature size that can be filled for a particular filling material, partial pressure of the packing material, and ambient temperature (eg, wafer temperature). Equation (3) illustrates Kelvin's equation for a condensed meniscus with _two different radii r ₁ and r ₂ , where R is the ideal gas constant, _Ta is the ambient temperature, and V is It is the molar volume of the packing material, γ is the surface tension constant associated with the filling material, and p / p ₀ is the partial pressure of the filling material.

FIG. 7 illustrates Table 129 exemplifying the molar volume and surface tension associated with water, toluene, and ethanol.

In the case of a cylindrical hole feature, r ₁ is equal to r ₂ . FIG. 8 depicts a plot 172 exemplifying the maximum diameter of a cylindrical hole that can be filled by capillary condensation according to equation (3). Plot 172 shows the maximum diameter of cylindrical holes that can be filled with water (plot line 175), ethanol (plot line 174), and toluene (plot line 173), with a variety of packing materials at ambient temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius. Depict for partial pressure. As depicted in FIG. 8, a cylindrical hole with a diameter of up to 40 nanometers can be filled when the gas stream 126 is provided to the measurement target with a partial pressure of 95% or more water or ethanol. Further, as depicted in FIG. 8, a cylindrical hole having a diameter of up to 90 nanometers can be filled when the gas stream 126 is provided to the measurement target with a partial pressure of 95% or more of toluene.

For lines and spaces, r ₂ is zero. FIG. 9 depicts plot 160 exemplifying the maximum diameter of long groove-like features that can be filled by capillary condensation according to equation (3). Plot 160 shows the maximum diameter of a groove that can be filled with water (plot line 164), ethanol (plot line 163), and toluene (plot line 162) for various fractions of each filling material at an ambient temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Depict against pressure. As illustrated, the maximum diameter across a long groove-like feature is half the maximum diameter of the cylindrical hole feature. As depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the plot lines of water and ethanol appear to overlap because the performance of ethanol as a filler is very similar to that of water.

In one embodiment, saturation of evaporation filler material at ambient temperature T _a, all of the features of less than a desired maximum feature size is adjusted to be filled. In some embodiments, this is achieved by controlling the ratio of the flow of purge gas that is subject to evaporation to the flow of purge gas that is not subject to evaporation, as described earlier herein. .. In some embodiments, this is achieved by controlling the temperature difference between the wafer and the liquid tank of the filler. In some other embodiments, this is achieved by controlling the concentration of the non-volatile solute dissolved in the tank of the filler.

In a further embodiment, the measurements are performed at different saturations of the evaporative packing material at ambient temperature so that all features below the range of maximum feature size are filled. The measurements are combined to estimate the value of one or more parameters of interest in a multi-target model-based measurement, with reduced parameter correlation and improved measurement performance.

FIG. 10 illustrates an unfilled linespace measurement target 150 having a periodic two-dimensional resist grating structure 152 made on a substrate 151. The grating structure 152 has a nominal upper limit dimension (TCD) of 7 nanometers and a height H of 50 nanometers.

FIG. 11 illustrates a filled line space measurement target 155. The line space measurement target 155 includes the same periodic two-dimensional resist grating structure 152 made on the substrate 151, but the space between the resist grating structures 152 is filled with the filler 153. This can be achieved in one example by providing the gas stream 126 with toluene at a partial pressure of approximately 70% or greater to the measurement target 155. In another example, filling of the grating structure 152 can be achieved by providing a gas stream 126 to the measurement target 155 with water or ethanol at a partial pressure of approximately 85% or greater.

FIG. 12A depicts an unfilled measurement target 156 with multiple layers, including an upper layer with cylindrical contact holes. As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the measurement target 156 includes a first layer 166, a second layer 167, a third layer 168, and a fourth layer 169, having a nominal height of 135 nanometers. .. The fourth layer includes a cylindrical hole feature 170 through the fourth layer, which has a nominal diameter of 10 nanometers. The structure of the measurement target 165 has a nominal width of 40 nanometers and a nominal length of 40 nanometers.

FIG. 12B depicts a filled measurement target 157 containing the same measurement target 156, except that the cylindrical hole 170 is filled with a certain amount of filling material 171. This can be achieved in one example by providing the gas stream 126 with toluene at a partial pressure of approximately 85% or greater to the measurement target 156. In another example, filling of the cylindrical hole 170 can be achieved by providing a gas stream 126 to the measurement target 155 with water or ethanol at a partial pressure of approximately 95% or greater.

The measurement targets depicted in FIGS. 10-10B are provided as non-limiting examples. Generally, the measurement location includes one or more measurement targets measured by a measurement system (eg, the measurement system 100 depicted in FIG. 1). In general, measurement data collection can be performed over the entire wafer or a subset of the wafer area. In addition, in some embodiments, the measurement target is designed for printability and sensitivity to changes in process parameters, structural parameters of interest, or both. In some examples, the measurement target is a special purpose target. In some embodiments, the measurement target is based on a conventional line / spatial target. As non-limiting examples, CD targets, SCOL targets, or AiM ™ targets available from KLA-Tencor Corporation, Milpitas, California (USA) can be used. In some other embodiments, the measurement target is a device-like structure. In some other examples, the measurement target is a device structure, or part of a device structure. Regardless of the type of measurement target used, a set of measurement targets that are sensitive to process variation, structural variation, or both being investigated uses shape filling by capillary condensation as described herein. Is measured.

In another embodiment, the measurement data is when the structure is filled (ie subject to capillary condensation as described herein) and when the structure is unfilled (ie subject to capillary condensation). When it does not) it is collected from a structure (eg, a CD structure, an overlay structure, etc.). The data collected are combined to improve measurement performance in multi-target model-based measurements. In one example, measurement data is collected when the measurement target 156 is unfilled as depicted in FIG. 12A. In this scenario, the gas stream 126 is provided to the measurement target 156 without the filler evaporating into the stream. In addition, measurement data is collected when the measurement target 156 is filled as depicted in FIG. 12B. In this scenario, the gas stream 126 is provided to the measurement target 156 with sufficient saturation of the filling material to fill the cylindrical holes 170 as described with reference to FIG. 12B. The collected data is received by the computing system 130. Computational system 130 uses both measurement data sets to perform model-based measurement analysis using a multi-target model to estimate the values of the parameters of interest. In some examples, the multi-target model described herein is performed offline by a computing system that implements AcuShape® software available from, for example, KLA-Tencor Corporation, Milpitas, California, USA. To. The resulting multi-target model is incorporated as an element of the AcuShape® library, which is accessible by measurement systems that perform measurements using the multi-target model.

FIG. 13 is obtained by a multi-target model using the measurement results obtained without shape filling and the data collected with and without shape filling for some parameters of the measurement target 156 depicted in FIG. 12A. Describe the comparison with the measurement results. The parameter L1_HT refers to the height of the first layer 166 of the measurement target 156 depicted in FIG. 12A. L2_HT refers to the height of the second layer 167. L3_HT refers to the height of the third layer 168. G4_TCD refers to the upper limit dimension of the cylindrical hole 170. G4_BCD refers to the lower limit dimension of the cylindrical hole 170. G4_EL refers to the ellipticity of the cylindrical hole 170. As depicted in FIG. 13, the improvement in measurement accuracy of each of L1_HT, L2_HT, L3_HT, G4_TCD, G4_BCD, and G4_EL is improved at a significant rate as illustrated by the measurement bars 177A-F, respectively. Similarly, the measurement correlations of L1_HT, L2_HT, L3_HT, G4_TCD, G4_BCD, and G4_EL are improved (ie, reduced) at a significant rate, as illustrated by the measurement bars 178A-F, respectively.

FIG. 16 depicts a plot 220 of spectroscopic ellipsometry parameters α for measurements of the same structure in both unfilled and filled states. Plot line 221 depicts the spectral results for a measurement scenario when the structure is unfilled. Plot line 222 depicts the spectral results of the measurement scenario when the structure is filled.

FIG. 17 depicts a plot 230 of spectral differences between spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements depicted in FIG. Plot line 231 depicts the difference between the measurement results for parameter α. As depicted in FIG. 17, the spectral differences are extremely dramatic. These datasets are effectively used in multi-target analysis to break correlations and improve measurement performance.

FIG. 18 depicts a plot 240 of spectroscopic ellipsometry parameters β for measurements of the same structure in both unfilled and filled states. Plot line 241 depicts the spectral results for a measurement scenario when the structure is unfilled. Plot line 242 depicts the spectral results of the measurement scenario when the structure is filled.

FIG. 19 depicts a plot 250 of spectral differences between spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements depicted in FIG. Plot line 251 depicts the difference between the measurement results for parameter α. As depicted in FIG. 19, the spectral differences are extremely dramatic. Again, these datasets are effectively used in multi-target analysis to break correlations and improve measurement performance.

In another embodiment, the series of measurements is performed such that each set of measurement data is collected from the measurement target structure when the measurement target structure is filled with different fillers or combinations of different fillers. The data collected are combined to reduce parameter correlation and improve measurement performance in multi-target model-based measurements.

In another embodiment, the measurement data is collected from the measurement target to be condensed when the condensation process reaches a stable state. In other words, the amount of filling provided by the condensation process has reached a stable state.

In yet another embodiment, the measurement data is collected from the measurement target to be condensed before the condensation process reaches a stable state. In other words, the amount of filling provided by the condensation process varies over the duration of the measurement.

FIG. 14 illustrates method 200 for performing measurements of structures subject to capillary condensation. The method 200 is suitable for implementation by a measurement system such as the measurement system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 of the present invention. In one embodiment, it is understood that the data processing block of method 200 can be performed via a preprogrammed algorithm executed by one or more processors of computing system 130 or any other general purpose computing system. .. It is understood herein that a particular structural aspect of the measurement system 100 does not imply any limitation and should only be construed as an example.

At block 201, a first amount of illumination light is provided to one or more structural elements placed on the sample.

At block 202, a first gas stream containing the first filler in the gas phase is provided to the one or more structural elements during the illumination of the one or more structural elements. A portion of the first filler is condensed onto one or more structural elements of the liquid phase. A portion of this first filling material fills at least a portion of the space between one or more geometric features of one or more structural elements.

At block 203, a first amount of focused light is detected from one or more structural elements in response to a first amount of illumination light.

At block 204, a first set of measurement signals indicating a first amount of focused light is generated.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, spectroscopic ellipsometer measurements of measurement targets of gas flow with varying amounts of liquid filler are performed. However, in general, any suitable measurement technique is used to perform measurements of measurement targets subject to gas flow with varying amounts of liquid filler according to the methods and systems described herein. Can be.

Suitable measurement techniques include, but are not limited to, spectroscopic ellipsometry and spectroscopic reflectometry, spectroscopic scatterometry, scatterometry overlays, angle resolution and, including, but not limited to, single wavelength, multi-wavelength, and angle-resolved implementations. Beam profile reflectometry and beam profile ellipsometry, imaging overlays, dark-field and bright-field patterned wafer inspections, including polarization resolution implementations, can be contemplated individually or in any combination.

In one example, an image of a filled structure and an image of the same unfilled structure are utilized in image-based measurements of overlays, patterned wafer defects, and the like. In another example, only images of the filled structure are utilized in image-based measurements such as overlays, patterned wafer defects, etc. In the imaging overlay example, an AIM target or box-in-box target is filled, measured and analyzed to estimate overlay error. In these examples, image-based analysis is used to estimate the values of the parameters of interest.

In general, the measurement techniques described above can be applied to the measurement of process parameters, structural parameters, layout parameters, distribution parameters, or any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples include overlays, profile geometry parameters (eg, limit dimensions, height, sidewall angles), process parameters (eg, lithography focus, and lithography dose), dispersion parameters, layout parameters (eg, pitchwalk). , Placement edge error), film thickness, composition parameters, or any combination of parameters can be measured using the techniques described above.

As a non-limiting example, the structures measured by shape filling include line space grating structures, FinFet structures, SRAM device structures, flash memory structures, and DRAM memory structures.

In another further aspect, the measurement target located on the wafer is a design reference dimension target. In other words, the measurement target adheres to the design reference dimensions applicable to the underlying semiconductor manufacturing process. In some examples, the measurement target is preferably located within the active die region. In some examples, the measurement target has dimensions of 15 micrometers x 15 micrometers or less. In some other examples, the measurement target is located within the scribe line or otherwise outside the active die region.

In some examples, model-based measurements are performed using shape filling to estimate one parameter of interest. Therefore, the measurement model associated with the parameter of interest is individually optimized. By measuring each desired parameter individually, the computational load is reduced and the underlying measurement performance is optimized for different wavelengths, measurement subsystems, and each individual parameter. Can be maximized by choosing. In addition, different model-based measurement solvers may be selected or configured differently for each desired parameter.

However, in some other examples, model-based measurements are performed using shape filling to estimate multiple parameters of interest in parallel. Therefore, measurement models are developed to elucidate multiple parameters of interest.

In some examples, the measurement of the desired parameter performed at a particular measurement point depends on the data collected only from that particular measurement point, even if the data can be collected from multiple points on the wafer. .. In some other examples, measurement data collected from multiple locations over a wafer or a subset of wafers is used for measurement analysis. This may be desirable to capture parameter variation across wafers.

In some examples, measurements of the parameters of interest are performed based on the filled measurement target using a number of different measurement techniques, including single-target techniques, multi-target techniques, and spectral forward feed techniques. The accuracy of the measured parameters can be improved by any combination of side feed analysis, forward feed analysis, and parallel analysis. Lateral feed analysis refers to taking multiple datasets in different regions of the same sample and passing the common parameters determined from the first dataset to a second dataset for analysis. Forward feed analysis refers to taking datasets in different samples and using a stepwise replication precision parameter forward feed technique to pass common parameters forward to the next analysis. Parallel analysis refers to the parallel or simultaneous application of nonlinear fitting methodologies to multiple datasets in which at least one common parameter is combined during fitting.

Multiple tool and structure analysis refers to forward feed, side feed, parallel analysis based on regression, look-up table (ie, "library" match), or different fitting procedures for multiple databases. An exemplary method and system for multiple tools and structure analysis is available from KLA-Tencor Corp., published January 13, 2009. U.S. Pat. No. 7,478,019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In yet another embodiment, the measurement results obtained as described herein can be used to provide active feedback to process tools (eg, lithography tools, etching tools, deposition tools, etc.). For example, limit dimension values determined using the methods and systems described herein can be communicated to a lithographic tool to tune the lithographic system to achieve the desired output. In a similar manner, etching parameters (eg, etching time, diffusivity, etc.) or deposition parameters (eg, time, concentration, etc.) may be included in the measurement model to provide active feedback to the etching tool or deposition tool, respectively. .. In some examples, modifications to process parameters determined based on measured device parameter values may be communicated to a lithography tool, etching tool, or deposition tool.

It should be understood that the various steps described throughout this disclosure can be performed by a single computer system 130, multiple computer systems 130, or multiple different computer systems 130. Furthermore, different subsystems of the system 100, such as the spectroscopic ellipsometer 101, may include a computer system suitable for performing at least a portion of the steps described herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as a limitation on the present invention, but as merely an example. In addition, the computational system 130 may be configured to perform any other step of any of the method embodiments described herein.

The computing system 130 may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer system, a mainframe computer system, a workstation, an image computer, a parallel processor, or any other device known in the art. In general, the term "computational system" can be broadly defined to include any device or combination of devices having one or more processors that execute instructions from a memory medium. In general, the computational system 130 can be integrated with a measurement system such as the measurement system 100, or, optionally, completely or partially separate from any measurement system. In this sense, the computing system 130 may be located remotely, receive measurement data from any measurement source, and transmit instruction signals to any element of the measurement system 100.

Program instructions 134 that implement methods such as those described herein can be transmitted via transmission media such as wires, cables, and wireless transmission links. The memory 132 for storing the program instructions 134 may include a computer-readable medium such as read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic or optical disc, or magnetic tape.

In addition, the computational system 130 may be communicably connected to the spectroscope 104, or the illuminant subsystem 102 of the ellipsometer 101, in any manner known in the art.

Computational system 130 receives data or information from system subsystems (eg, spectrometer 104, illuminant 102, steam injection system 120, and the like) by means of a transmission medium that may include wire and / or wireless parts. And / or can be configured to acquire. In this manner, the transmission medium can serve as a data link between the computer system 130 and other subsystems of the system 100. Further, the computing system 130 may be configured to receive measurement data via a storage medium (ie, memory). For example, the spectral results obtained using the spectrometer of the ellipsometer 101 can be stored in a permanent or semi-permanent memory device (not shown). In this regard, spectral results can be imported from external systems. Further, the computer system 130 may receive data from an external system via a transmission medium.

Computational system 130 transmits data or information to system subsystems (eg, spectrometer 104, illuminant 102, steam injection system 120, and the like) by means of a transmission medium that may include wire and / or wireless parts. Can be configured to. In this manner, the transmission medium can serve as a data link between the computer system 130 and other subsystems of the system 100. Further, the computing system 130 may be configured to transmit instruction signals and measurement results via a storage medium (ie, memory). For example, the measurement result 115 obtained by analyzing the spectral data can be stored in a permanent or semi-permanent memory device (not shown). In this regard, the spectral results can be exported to an external system. Further, the computer system 130 may transmit data to an external system via a transmission medium. In addition, the determined values of the parameters of interest are stored in memory. For example, this value may be stored in the onboard measurement system 100, eg, memory 132, or communicated to an external memory device (eg, by output signal 115).

As described herein, the term "capillary condensation" includes any process by which the evaporative filling material is deposited in liquid form onto the structure under measurement. This includes absorption and any other related physical mechanism. As such, the filler may be referred to interchangeably as a condensing or absorbing material.

As described herein, the term "limit dimension" refers to any limit dimension of a structure (eg, lower limit dimension, middle limit dimension, top limit dimension, side wall angle, grating height, etc.). Includes limit dimensions between two or more structures (eg, distance between two structures) and displacement between two or more structures (eg, overlay displacement between overlay grating structures). .. The structure may include a three-dimensional structure, a patterned structure, an overlay structure, and the like.

As described herein, the terms "limit dimension application" or "limit dimension measurement application" include any limit dimension measurement.

As described herein, the term "measurement system" is used to characterize a sample in any way, including measurement applications such as marginal dimension measurement, overlay measurement, focus / irradiation measurement, and composition measurement. Includes any system that is used at least partially. However, such terminology does not limit the scope of the term "measurement system" as described herein. In addition, the measurement system 100 may be configured for measurement of patterned and / or unpatterned wafers. The measurement system is based on inspection tools such as LED inspection tools, edge inspection tools, backside inspection tools, macro inspection tools, or multimode inspection tools (with data from one or more platforms at the same time), and critical dimension data. It can be configured as any other measurement or inspection tool that benefits from calibration of system parameters. For the purposes of this patent document, "measurement" and "inspection" systems are synonymous.

Various embodiments are described herein of semiconductor processing systems (eg, inspection systems or lithography systems) that can be used to process a sample. The term "sample" as used herein refers to a wafer, reticle, or any other sample that can be processed (eg, printed or inspected for defects) by means known in the art. Used to point.

As used herein, the term "wafer" generally refers to a substrate made of a semiconductor or non-semiconductor material. Examples include, but are not limited to, single crystal silicon, gallium arsenide, and indium phosphide. Such substrates can be commonly found and / or processed in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. In some cases, the wafer may contain only the substrate (ie, bare wafer). Alternatively, the wafer may include one or more layers of different materials formed on the substrate. The one or more layers formed on the wafer may be "patterned" or "unpatterned". For example, a wafer may include multiple dies with repeatable pattern features.

A "reticle" can be a reticle at any stage of the reticle manufacturing process or a finished reticle, and the finished reticle may or may not be released for use in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. A reticle, or "mask," is generally defined as a substrate that is substantially transparent, on which substantially opaque regions are formed and composed of patterns. The substrate may include, for example, a glass material such as Almofus SiO2. The reticle can be placed on a resist-coated wafer during the exposure step of the lithography process so that the pattern on the reticle can be transferred to the resist.

One or more layers formed on the wafer may or may not be patterned. For example, a wafer may include multiple dies, each with repeatable pattern features. The formation and processing of such a material layer can result in the final finished device. Many different types of devices can be formed on a wafer, and the term wafer, as used herein, includes wafers on which any type of device known in the art is made. Is intended.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, features can be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one location to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, such computer readable media are RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or instruction or data structure. Can be used to carry or store the desired program code means in the form of, and may include any other medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or general purpose or special purpose processor. Also, any connection is appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, software transmits from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twist pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless techniques such as infrared, wireless, and microwave. Where so, wireless techniques such as coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, DSL, or infrared, wireless, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Discs, as used herein, include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital multipurpose discs (DVDs), floppy (registered trademark) discs, and Blu-ray discs (registered trademarks). The disk) normally reproduces the data magnetically, and the disk (disk) optically reproduces the data using a laser. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer readable media.

Although certain embodiments are described above for teaching purposes, the teachings of this patent document are versatile and are not limited to the particular embodiments described above. Thus, various variations, adaptations, and combinations of the various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

Claims (79)

An illumination source configured to provide a first amount of illumination light to one or more geometric features of one or more measurement targets placed on a wafer in a first adsorption state. Prepare,
The one or more geometric feature features are characterized by marginal dimensions and molded by a semiconductor manufacturing process.
A steam injection system configured to provide a gas stream containing a gas phase filler to the one or more measurement targets during illumination of the one or more measurement targets, wherein a portion of the filling material is present. , Condensed on the one or more measurement targets of the liquid phase, and the portion of the packing material fills at least a portion of the one or more geometric features of the one or more measurement targets. With a steam injection system,
A measurement signal that receives a first amount of focused light from the one or more measurement targets in response to the first amount of illumination light and indicates the first amount of focused light. A measurement system comprising a detector configured to generate a set of ones. The measurement system according to claim 1.
Further equipped with a calculation system, the calculation system
Upon receiving the first set of measurement signals,
Measurements characterized in that they are configured to estimate the value of the limit dimension of the one or more geometric feature features, at least in part, based on a first set of measurement signals and a measurement model. system. The measurement system according to claim 2, wherein the illumination light source is on the one or more measurement targets installed on the wafer in a second adsorption state different from the first adsorption state. Further configured to provide two quantities of illumination light, the detector responds to the second quantity of illumination light by a second amount of focused light from the one or more measurement targets. Is further configured to receive and generate a second set of measurement signals indicating the second amount of focused light.
The calculation system
Upon receiving the second set of measurement signals,
Configured to estimate the value of the limit dimension of the one or more geometric features based at least in part on the first and second sets of measurement signals and the multi-target measurement model. A measurement system characterized by being In the measurement system according to claim 3, the first amount of illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets at a first partial pressure of the filler to provide the second amount of illumination light. A measurement system characterized in that illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets at a second partial pressure of the filler. The measuring system according to claim 4, wherein the second partial pressure of the filling material is approximately zero. In the measurement system of claim 3, while the filler is the first filler, the first amount of illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets and the filler is provided. A measurement system characterized in that a second amount of illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets while being a second filling material. The measurement system according to claim 2, wherein the estimation of the value of the limit dimension is among model-based regression, model-based library search, model-based library regression, image-based analysis, and signal response measurement model. A measurement system characterized by being accompanied by either. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the steam injection system
A bubbler containing a liquid filling material at a first temperature, wherein a portion of the liquid filling material evaporates into the gas stream provided to the one or more measurement targets and the one or more measurement targets. However, a measurement system comprising a bubbler at a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the steam injection system
A bubbler containing a non-volatile solute dissolved in a liquid filling material, characterized in that a portion of the liquid filling material evaporates into the gas stream provided to the one or more measurement targets. Measurement system to do. The measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the filling substance is any one of water, ethanol, and toluene. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the filling substance contains a plurality of different substances. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein when the adsorption process reaches a stable state, the first amount of illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets. .. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the first amount of illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets before the adsorption process reaches a stable state. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the illumination light source and the detector are any one of a spectroscopic ellipsometer, a spectroscopic reflector, a beam profile reflector, a beam profile ellipsometer, or any combination thereof. A measurement system characterized by. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the first amount of illumination light includes wavelengths in the range of 120 nanometers to 190 nanometers. It comprises the step of providing a first amount of illumination light to one or more geometric features of one or more measurement targets placed on the wafer in the first adsorption state.
The one or more geometric feature features are characterized by marginal dimensions and molded by a semiconductor manufacturing process.
During the illumination of the one or more measurement targets, a step of providing a gas stream containing the gas phase packing material to the one or more measurement targets, wherein a part of the filling material is one of the liquid phases. A step that is condensed onto the measurement target and the portion of the packing material fills at least a portion of one or more geometric features of the one or more measurement targets.
A step of detecting a first amount of focused light from the one or more measurement targets in response to the first amount of illumination light.
With the step of communicating a first set of measurement signals indicating the first amount of focused light,
A method characterized by including. The method according to claim 16.
The step of receiving the first set of measurement signals and
A step of estimating the value of the critical dimension of the one or more geometric features, at least partially based on the first set of measurement signals and the measurement model.
A method characterized by further including. The method according to claim 16.
A step of providing a second amount of illumination light to the one or more measurement targets placed on the wafer in a second adsorption state different from the first adsorption state.
A step of detecting a second amount of focused light from the one or more measurement targets in response to the second amount of illumination light.
The step of generating a second set of measurement signals indicating the second amount of focused light,
A step of estimating the value of the limit dimension of the one or more geometric feature features, at least partially based on the first and second sets of measurement signals, and the multi-target measurement model.
A method characterized by further including. 18. The method of claim 18, wherein the first amount of illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets at a first partial pressure of the filler and the second amount of illumination light. Is provided to the one or more measurement targets at a second partial pressure of the filler. 18. The method of claim 18, wherein while the filler is the first filler, the first amount of illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets and the filler is the first. A method characterized in that a second amount of illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets while being the filling material of 2. 16. The step of providing the gas stream according to claim 16.
A step of bubble-forming the purge gas through a tank of the liquid-filled material at a first temperature, wherein a portion of the tank of the liquid-filled material into the gas stream provided to the one or more measurement targets. A method comprising evaporating and involving a step in which the one or more measurement targets are at a second temperature above the first temperature. 16. The step of providing the gas stream according to claim 16.
A step of bubble-forming the purge gas through a tank containing a non-volatile solute dissolved in the liquid-filled material, wherein a portion of the liquid-filled material evaporates into the gas stream provided to the one or more measurement targets. A method characterized by involving steps. The method according to claim 16, wherein the filling substance is any one of water, ethanol, and toluene. The method according to claim 16, wherein the filling substance contains a plurality of different substances. The method according to claim 16, wherein when the adsorption process reaches a stable state, the first amount of illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets. 18. The method of claim 18, wherein the first amount of illumination light is provided to the one or more measurement targets before the adsorption process reaches a stable state. The method according to claim 16, optionally the one or more geometric shapes features less than the maximum feature size as is also filled, the step of adjusting the pre KiTakashi Hama saturation substances A method characterized by further inclusion. 27. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of adjusting the degree of saturation involves controlling the temperature difference between the one or more measurement targets and the liquid tank of the filler. how to. A step of providing a first gas stream containing a gas phase filler to one or more measurement targets under measurement by an optical measurement system, wherein a portion of the filler is one or more of the liquid phase. The portion of the filling material that is adsorbed onto the measurement target fills at least a portion of the space between one or more geometrical features of the one or more measurement targets in the first adsorption state. Including steps and
The one or more geometric feature features are characterized by marginal dimensions and molded by a semiconductor manufacturing process.
In the second adsorption state, a step of providing a second gas flow to the one or more measurement targets under measurement by the optical measurement system.
A first set of optical measurement signals detected from the one or more measurement targets by the optical measurement system in the first adsorption state, and one or more measurements by the optical measurement system in the second adsorption state. It comprises a second set of optical measurement signals detected from the target, and a step of estimating the limit dimension value of the one or more measurement targets based at least in part based on a multi-target measurement model. How to. 29. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of providing the first gas stream comprises providing the filler in the gas phase to the one or more measurement targets at a first partial pressure. A method characterized in that the step of providing the second gas stream involves providing the filler in the gas phase to the one or more measurement targets at a second partial pressure. 29. The second method of claim 29, wherein the step of providing the second gas stream comprises providing a second filler of the gas phase to the one or more measurement targets. A method characterized in that the filler is different from the filler. An illumination source configured to provide a first amount of illumination light to one or more structural elements placed on the sample.
A steam injection system configured to provide a first gas stream containing a first filler in the gas phase to the one or more structural elements during illumination of the one or more structural elements. A portion of the first filler is condensed onto the one or more structural elements of the liquid phase, and the portion of the first filler is one or more geometric features of the one or more structural elements. A steam injection system that fills at least a portion of the space between parts.
A steam injection system that mixes a first stream of unsaturated purge gas with a second stream of purge gas saturated with said first filler in the gas phase to provide the first stream of gas.
A measurement signal that receives a first amount of focused light from the one or more structural elements in response to the first amount of illumination light and indicates the first amount of focused light. A measurement system comprising a detector configured to generate a set of ones. 32. The measurement system of claim 32, wherein the steam injection system provides one or more second gas streams containing a second filler in the gas phase during illumination of the one or more structural elements. Further configured to provide for the structural elements of the second filler, a portion of the second filler is condensed onto the one or more structural elements of the liquid phase, and the portion of the second filler is the 1 A measurement system comprising filling at least a portion of said space between one or more geometric features of one or more structural elements. The measurement system according to claim 32.
Further equipped with a calculation system, the calculation system
Upon receiving the first set of measurement signals,
A measurement system configured to estimate the value of a desired parameter of the one or more structural elements based at least in part on a first set of measurement signals. 34. The measurement system of claim 34, wherein the estimation of the value of the parameter of interest is for model-based regression, model-based library retrieval, model-based library regression, image-based analysis, and signal response measurement model. A measurement system characterized by involving one of them. 32. The measurement system of claim 32, wherein the illumination light source is further configured to provide a second amount of illumination light to the one or more structural elements placed on the sample, said steam. The injection system is further configured to provide a second gas stream containing the first filler at a partial pressure different from the first gas stream, and the detector is the second amount of illumination. To receive a second amount of focused light from the one or more structural elements in response to light and generate a second set of measurement signals indicating the second amount of focused light. A measurement system characterized by being further configured in. The measurement system according to claim 36.
Further equipped with a calculation system, the calculation system
Upon receiving the first set of measurement signals,
Upon receiving the second set of measurement signals,
Configured to estimate the value of the desired parameter of the one or more structural elements based at least in part on the first and second sets of measurement signals and the multi-target measurement model. A measurement system featuring. The measuring system according to claim 36, wherein the partial pressure of the first filling substance in the second gas stream is approximately zero. 32. The measurement system according to claim 32, wherein the measurement system is one of a spectroscopic ellipsometer, a spectroscopic reflector, an angle-resolved reflector, a dark-field inspection system, a bright-field inspection system, and an imaging overlay measurement system. A measurement system characterized by being configured. The measurement system according to claim 32, wherein the first amount of illumination light is broadband light including an illumination wavelength of 100 nanometers to 2,500 nanometers. The measuring system according to claim 32, wherein the temperature of the sample is substantially the same as the temperature of the first packing material that is evaporated in the first gas stream. .. 41. The measurement system of claim 41, wherein the steam injection system changes the ratio of the unsaturated purge gas flow to the gas phase saturated purge gas flow of the first filler. A measurement system characterized in that the partial pressure of the filling substance in the first gas stream is adjusted. The measurement system according to claim 32, wherein the steam injection system
A bubbler containing the first filler in the liquid phase, a portion of the liquid filler evaporates into a second stream of the purge gas, and the first filler in the gas phase of the purge gas. A measurement system characterized by having a bubbler that saturates the second flow. The measuring system according to claim 32, wherein the filling substance is any one of water, ethanol, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, and benzene. The measuring system according to claim 32, wherein the first filling material fluoresces in response to the first amount of illumination light. An illumination light source configured to provide an amount of illumination light in one or more structural elements placed on the sample.
It ’s a steam injection system.
A first mass flow controller that regulates the flow rate of the first flow of purge gas,
A bubbler comprising a second mass flow controller that regulates the flow rate of the second flow of the purge gas and a first filler in the liquid phase, the second flow of the purge gas passing through the bubbler. A bubbler is provided in which a portion of the liquid filling material evaporates into the second flow of the purge gas and saturates the second flow of the purge gas with the first filling material in the gas phase. ,
A steam injection system that mixes the first stream of the purge gas with the second stream of the purge gas saturated with the first filler in the gas phase to provide a gas stream.
Nozzles arranged in close proximity to the one or more structural elements on the sample to the one or more structural elements placed on the sample during illumination of the one or more structural elements. A nozzle that locally provides the gas flow is provided.
A portion of the first filler is condensed onto the one or more structural elements of the liquid phase, and the portion of the first filler is one or more geometric features of the one or more structural elements. Fill at least part of the space between the parts and
A measurement signal that receives a first amount of focused light from the one or more structural elements in response to the first amount of illumination light and indicates the first amount of focused light. A measurement system comprising a detector configured to generate a set of ones. The measuring system according to claim 46.
Further equipped with a calculation system, the calculation system
A first command signal is communicated to the first mass flow controller, thereby causing the first mass flow controller to adjust the flow rate of the first flow of the purge gas.
A second command signal is transmitted to the second mass flow controller, whereby the flow rate of the first flow of the purge gas and the second flow of the purge gas are transmitted to the second mass flow controller. It is configured to adjust the flow rate of the second stream of the purge gas so that the ratio to the flow rate is adjusted to achieve the desired partial pressure of the first filler in the gas stream. A measurement system characterized by that. A step of providing a first amount of illumination light to one or more structural elements placed on the sample,
During the illumination of the one or more structural elements, a step of providing a first gas stream containing the first filler of the gas phase to the one or more structural elements of the first filler. A portion is condensed onto the one or more structural elements of the liquid phase, and the portion of the first filler is at least a portion of the space between the one or more geometric features of the one or more structural elements. The step of providing the first gas flow, including the step of filling the gas, is such that the first flow of the unsaturated purge gas is combined with the second flow of the purge gas saturated with the first filling material in the gas phase. With the step of mixing,
A step of detecting a first amount of focused light from the one or more structural elements in response to the first amount of illumination light.
A method comprising the step of generating a first set of measurement signals indicating the first amount of focused light. The method according to claim 48.
A step of providing a second gas stream containing a second filler in the gas phase to the one or more structural elements during illumination of the one or more structural elements of the second filler. A portion is condensed onto the one or more structural elements of the liquid phase, and the portion of the second filler is at least the space between one or more geometric features of the one or more structural elements. A method comprising further stepping, filling a portion. The method according to claim 48.
A step of providing a second amount of illumination light to the one or more structural elements placed on the sample.
A step of providing a second gas stream containing the first packing material at a partial pressure different from that of the first gas stream.
A step of detecting a second amount of focused light from the one or more structural elements in response to the second amount of illumination light.
A method further comprising the step of producing a second set of measurement signals indicating the second amount of focused light. The method according to claim 50.
A method further comprising estimating the value of a desired parameter of the one or more structural elements based at least in part on a first set and a second set of measurement signals. 51. Of the methods of claim 51, the estimation of the value of the parameter of interest is model-based regression, model-based library retrieval, model-based library regression, image-based analysis, and signal response measurement model. A method characterized by being accompanied by any of. The method according to claim 48, wherein the temperature of the sample is substantially the same as the temperature of the first filler that is evaporated in the first gas stream. The method according to claim 48.
The partial pressure of the first filling material in the first gas flow is adjusted by changing the ratio of the unsaturated purge gas flow to the flow of the purge gas saturated with the first filling material in the gas phase. A method characterized by further including steps to be performed. The method according to claim 48, wherein the packing material is any one of water, ethanol, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, and benzene. The method according to claim 48, wherein the first filling material fluoresces in response to the first amount of illumination light. The method according to claim 48.
Further steps are taken to adjust the saturation of the first filling material in the first gas stream so that any space between the one or more geometric features smaller than the desired maximum feature size is filled. A method characterized by inclusion. An illumination source configured to provide a first amount of illumination light to one or more measurement targets placed on the sample.
A steam injection system configured to provide a first gas stream containing a first filler in the gas phase to the one or more measurement targets during illumination of the one or more measurement targets. A portion of the filler is condensed onto the one or more measurement targets in the liquid phase, and the portion of the filler is a space between one or more geometric features of the one or more measurement targets. A steam injection system that fills at least a portion,
A measurement signal that receives a first amount of focused light from the one or more measurement targets in response to the first amount of illumination light and indicates the first amount of focused light. A detector configured to generate a set of 1 and
A computational system configured to estimate a value indicating the porosity of one or more measurement targets, at least in part, based on a first set of measurement signals and a measurement model.
A measurement system characterized by being equipped with. 58. The measurement system according to claim 58, wherein the calculation system is at least partially based on the first set of measurement signals and the measurement model, and the value of the limit dimension of the one or more measurement targets. A measurement system characterized by being configured to estimate. 58. The measurement system of claim 58, wherein the illumination light source is further configured to provide a second amount of illumination light to the one or more measurement targets placed on the sample, said steam. The detector is further configured to provide a second gas stream to the one or more measurement targets while the injection system illuminates the one or more measurement targets with the second amount of illumination light. Receives a second amount of focused light from the one or more measurement targets in response to the second amount of illumination light, and a measurement signal indicating the second amount of focused light. The calculation system generated a second set of
A value indicating the porosity of the one or more measurement targets and the one or more measurement targets based on the first set and the second set of the measurement signals, and at least partially based on the multi-target measurement model. A measurement system characterized in that it is configured to estimate the value of a critical dimension. In the measurement system according to claim 60, the first gas flow contains the first filler at a first partial pressure, and the second gas stream contains the first filler in a second. A measurement system characterized by containing by partial pressure of. The measuring system according to claim 61, wherein the second partial pressure of the first filling material is approximately zero. The measuring system according to claim 60, wherein the first gas flow contains the first filler and the second gas stream contains a second filler. The measuring system according to claim 58, wherein the temperature of the sample is substantially the same as the temperature of the first packing material that is evaporated in the first gas stream. .. The measurement system of claim 58, wherein the steam injection system mixes a first stream of unsaturated purge gas with a second stream of purge gas saturated with the first filler in the gas phase. , A measuring system comprising providing the first gas flow. 58. The measurement system of claim 58, wherein the steam injection system changes the ratio of the unsaturated purge gas flow to the gas phase saturated purge gas flow of the first filler. A measurement system characterized in that the partial pressure of the filling substance in the first gas stream is adjusted. The measurement system according to claim 58, wherein the steam injection system
A bubbler containing the first filler in the liquid phase, a portion of the liquid filler evaporates into a second stream of the purge gas, and the first filler in the gas phase of the purge gas. A measurement system characterized by having a bubbler that saturates the second flow. The measuring system according to claim 58, wherein the filling substance is any one of water, ethanol, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, and benzene. The measuring system according to claim 58, wherein the first filling material fluoresces in response to the first amount of illumination light. The measurement system of claim 59, wherein the estimation of the values of the porosity and the critical dimensions is model-based regression, model-based library retrieval, model-based library regression, image-based analysis, and signal response measurement. A measurement system characterized by involving any of the models. 58. The measurement system according to claim 58, wherein the measurement system is one of a spectroscopic ellipsometer, a spectroscopic reflector, an angle-resolved reflector, a dark-field inspection system, a bright-field inspection system, and an imaging overlay measurement system. A measurement system characterized by being configured. An illumination light source configured to provide an amount of illumination light in one or more structural elements placed on the sample.
It ’s a steam injection system.
A first mass flow controller that regulates the flow rate of the first flow of purge gas,
A bubbler comprising a second mass flow controller that regulates the flow rate of the second flow of the purge gas and a first filler in the liquid phase, the second flow of the purge gas passing through the bubbler. Then, a part of the liquid filling substance evaporates into the second flow of the purge gas to saturate the second flow of the purge gas with the first filling substance in the gas phase, and the purge gas. The first stream and the second stream of the purge gas saturated with the first filler are combined to place the 1 on the sample during illumination of the one or more structural elements. A steam injection system with a bubbler that forms the gas flow provided to one or more structural elements, and
A measurement signal that receives a first amount of focused light from the one or more structural elements in response to the first amount of illumination light and indicates the first amount of focused light. A detector that produces a set of 1 and
A computational system configured to estimate a value indicating the porosity of the one or more structural elements based at least in part on the first set of measurement signals.
A measurement system characterized by being equipped with. The measuring system according to claim 72.
The calculation system
A first command signal is communicated to the first mass flow controller, thereby causing the first mass flow controller to adjust the flow rate of the first flow of the purge gas.
A second command signal is transmitted to the second mass flow controller, whereby the flow rate of the first flow of the purge gas and the second flow of the purge gas are transmitted to the second mass flow controller. It is characterized in that the flow rate of the second flow of the purge gas is adjusted so that the ratio with the flow rate achieves the desired partial pressure of the first filling material in the gas flow. Measurement system. The measuring system according to claim 72, wherein the one or more structural elements include a porous flat film. A step of providing a first amount of illumination light to one or more structural elements placed on the sample,
During the illumination of the one or more structural elements, a step of providing a first gas stream containing the first filler of the gas phase to the one or more structural elements, wherein a portion of the filler. A step of condensing on the one or more structural elements of the liquid phase, the portion of the packing material filling at least a portion of the space between the one or more geometric features of the one or more structural elements. When,
A step of detecting a first amount of focused light from the one or more structural elements in response to the first amount of illumination light.
The step of generating a first set of measurement signals indicating the first amount of focused light,
A step of estimating a value indicating the porosity of the one or more structural elements, at least partially based on the first set of measurement signals and the measurement model.
A method characterized by including. The method according to claim 75.
A method further comprising estimating the value of the critical dimension of the one or more structural elements based at least in part on the first set of measurement signals and the measurement model. The method according to claim 75.
A step of providing a second amount of illumination light to the one or more structural elements placed on the sample.
A step of providing a second gas stream to the one or more structural elements while illuminating the one or more structural elements with the second amount of illumination light.
A step of detecting a second amount of focused light from the one or more structural elements in response to the second amount of illumination light.
The step of generating a second set of measurement signals indicating the second amount of focused light,
A value indicating the porosity of the one or more structural elements and the one or more structural elements, at least partially based on the first and second sets of measurement signals and the multi-target measurement model. A method characterized by further including, and a step of estimating the value of the limit dimension of. The method of claim 75, wherein the step of providing the first gas flow is a second flow of the purge gas saturated with the first filler in the gas phase in the first flow of the unsaturated purge gas. A method characterized by involving steps to mix with the flow. The method according to claim 75, wherein the one or more structural elements include a porous flat film.