Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lithography projection system performing alignment using a small size alignment structure and/or a reference structure while sustaining the capturing range or the error strength. SOLUTION: The lithography system comprises an alignment subsystem (21) for aligning substrates (W) for a mask (MA), the alignment structure (10) includes an acyclic formulation (15) detectable as a capturing position or a check position between phase grating parts (11) and (12) of the same periodicity using a reference grating (26) in the alignment subsystem (21). It causes phase effect or amplitude effect in a detected signal of the alignment subsystem (21). The alignment structure can be made thin enough to enter a scribe lane and effective area of the substrate is not reduced. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for accurately determining the location on a patterned substrate from which a measurement of an image of the pattern is being obtained. SOLUTION: A method of measuring a property of a substrate includes generating a patterned mask configured to cause a radiation beam B passing through the mask MA to acquire the pattern, simulating radiating the substrate W with a patterned radiation beam that has been patterned using the mask to obtain a simulated pattern, determining at least one location of the simulated pattern that is prone to patterning errors, and irradiating the substrate with the patterned radiation beam using a lithographic process. The method also includes measuring the accuracy of at least one property of the at least one location of the pattern on the substrate that has been determined as being prone to patterning errors, and adjusting the lithographic process according to the measuring. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide reconfiguration of a target which diffracts radiation. SOLUTION: This reconfiguration includes estimating the geometry of a target; obtaining a model diffraction pattern based on the estimated geometry; irradiating radiation to the target; detecting a diffraction pattern of the radiation diffracted by the target; comparing the model diffraction pattern and the detected diffraction pattern; and determining the actual geometry of the target based on the difference between the model diffraction pattern and the detected diffraction pattern. The model diffraction pattern is determined based on the Bloch mode expansion. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
Passive integrated optical systems and methods are described. The present systems and methods facilitate reduction of spatial optical coherence in source radiation used for metrology, for example. Current coherence scramblers used for metrology typically include one or more (moving) mechanical components configured to reduce the coherence of source radiation. However, these mechanical coherence scramblers occupy volume within a system and introduce the threat of mechanical wear and/or failure. In contrast, the present systems and methods utilize a combination of passive integrated optical elements to form a coherence scrambler. This reduces or eliminates the use of mechanical components and increases durability, among other advantages.
Abstract:
Alignment to buried marks is carried out by using electromagnetic radiation to induce waves in the layers covering the buried layer. The acoustic or thermal waves cause reflectivity changes and displacements in the surface whose position and/or time dependence reveals the true position of the buried alignment mark. The buried alignment mark may be revealed by mapping the thickness of covering layers in its vicinity, e.g. by measuring the time dependence of the decay of a standing wave induced in the covering layers or by measuring the delay time of echoes of a travelling wave created at interfaces between different ones of the covering layers. Alternatively, a travelling wave can be created over the whole area of the mark so that echoes off the top and bottom of the buried mark carry positive and negative images of the mark; these cause reflectivity differences and displacements when they reach the surface which can be aligned to.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a Fourier-transform spectrometer comprising a beamsplitting arrangement operable to define a first radiation source and a second radiation source from a common radiation source, and at least one detector operable to detect interferogram data as a function of detection position in at least a first detection plane direction of a detection plane, the interferogram data resulting from interference of a first diverging beam emitted from said first radiation source and a second diverging beam emitted from said second radiation source. A processor is operable to:perform a linearization correction to said interferogram data to obtain linearized interferogram data; and Fourier transform the linearized interferogram data to obtain spectral characteristic data relating to the common radiation source.
Abstract:
Alignment to buried marks is carried out by using electromagnetic radiation to induce waves in the layers covering the buried layer. The acoustic or thermal waves cause reflectivity changes and displacements in the surface whose position and/or time dependence reveals the true position of the buried alignment mark. The buried alignment mark may be revealed by mapping the thickness of covering layers in its vicinity, e.g. by measuring the time dependence of the decay of a standing wave induced in the covering layers or by measuring the delay time of echoes of a travelling wave created at interfaces between different ones of the covering layers. Alternatively, a travelling wave can be created over the whole area of the mark so that echoes off the top and bottom of the buried mark carry positive and negative images of the mark; these cause reflectivity differences and displacements when they reach the surface which can be aligned to.