Abstract:
A method to determine the usefulness of an alignment mark of a first pattern in transferring a second pattern to a substrate relative to the first pattern already present on the substrate includes measuring the position of the alignment mark, modeling the position of the alignment mark, determining the model error between measured and modeled position, measuring a corresponding overlay error between first and second pattern and comparing the model error with the overlay error to determine the usefulness of the alignment mark. Subsequently this information can be used when processing next substrates thereby improving the overlay for these substrates. A lithographic apparatus and/or overlay measurement system may be operated in accordance with the method.
Abstract:
An alignment measurement arrangement includes a source, an optical system and a detector. The source generates a radiation beam with a plurality of wavelength ranges. The optical system receives the radiation beam, produces an alignment beam, directs the alignment beam to a mark located on an object, receives alignment radiation back from the mark, and transmits the received radiation. The detector receives the alignment radiation and detects an image of the alignment mark and outputs a plurality of alignment signals, r, each associated with one of the wavelength ranges. A processor, in communication with the detector, receives the alignment signals, determines signal qualities of the alignment signals; determines aligned positions of the alignment signals, and calculates a position of the alignment mark based on the signal qualities, aligned positions, and a model relating the aligned position to the range of wavelengths and mark characteristics, including mark depth and mark asymmetry.