Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved lithographic apparatus in which at least one of the disadvantages in the conventional techniques has been removed or alleviated. SOLUTION: A substrate stage of an immersion-type lithographic apparatus configured to project a patterned radiation beam from a patterning device onto a substrate is provided to hold the substrate and comprises at least one sensor for sensing the patterned radiation beam. The sensor includes, at least a partially transmissive layer having a front surface facing the incoming radiation beam and a back surface opposite to the front surface, and the back surface is provided with at least one sensor mark to be exposed to the radiation beam passing through the transmissive layer. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and method of determining parameters, such as a critical dimension of a patterned structure and a best focus state of a lithographic apparatus and the like, based on strength measurement of nonzero degree of diffracted light from an experimental structure. SOLUTION: An experimental structure includes a first line having a period longer than a wavelength of diffracted light, and an array of a partially filled space. The experimental structure also includes a second line including a partially filled space, and an array of the space. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
A mark used in the determination of overlay error comprises sub-features, the sub-features having a smallest pitch approximately equal to the smallest pitch of the product features. The sensitivity to distortions and aberrations is similar as that for the product features. When the mark is developed the sub-features merge and the outline of the larger feature is developed.