Abstract:
A processing tool (1) for manufacturing semiconductor devices (2), e.g. a lithography cluster, comprises a device transfer area (8) with an optical sensor (10), preferably a CCD-camera, and an illumination system (11) mounted within, such that a substrate (2) being transferred to or from one of its processing chambers (1a, 1b, 1c) can be scanned during its movement at low resolution. The substrate (2) may be either a semiconductor wafer to be manufactured or a reticle or mask used to perform an exposure on said wafer. The scanning is performed twice, prior and after processing in at least one the processing chambers (1a, 1b, 1c) of the processing tool (1). Both images are compared and optionally subtracted from each other. Defects imposed to the substrate due to contaminating particles only during the present processes with sizes larger than 10 microm are visible on the subtracted image, while defects imposed earlier are diminished as well as structures formed from e.g. a mask pattern below 10 microm. Pattern recognition allows an efficient classification of the defects being just detected in a processing tool (1). Thus, semiconductor device yield and metrology capacity are advantageously increased.
Abstract:
A configuration for the automatic inscription or reinscription of wafers provides the wafers with a marking for identification and for process management during the production of semiconductor components. The wafer must be moved between different stations for the automatic inscription of a wafer in an appropriate device. Considerable transport movements are saved by the integration of a read station in an inscription chamber having a positioning unit for the wafer.
Abstract:
By arranging sensors (31,32,33) on a carrier substrate (2), a sensor wafer (1) is provided which is compatible with the processor wafers for the manufacturing environment. The sensor wafer is exposed to the manufacturing environment in the manner of a process wafer. At least some of the sensors are formed as gas sensors. Independent claims are included for a sensor-wafer, and for a measuring device for detecting environmental and/or process parameters.