Apparatus for inspecting three dimensional shape of a specimen and method of watching an etching process using the same
    31.
    发明授权
    Apparatus for inspecting three dimensional shape of a specimen and method of watching an etching process using the same 有权
    用于检查样本的三维形状的装置和使用其的观察蚀刻工艺的方法

    公开(公告)号:US07230239B2

    公开(公告)日:2007-06-12

    申请号:US10918381

    申请日:2004-08-16

    IPC分类号: H01L21/302 H01L21/461

    摘要: A system for inspecting a pattern shape operates to detect secondary electrons from a specimen by irradiation of a focused electron beam and perform arithmetic processing on this detected signal. The detected signal waveform is divided into a plurality of regions on the basis of a variation of the signal quantity. The size of the divided regions is used for quantitative evaluation of a three dimensional shape of the specimen. This system, especially by displaying measurement results of the pattern shape for each divided signal waveform (bottom width in the final shape, resist bottom width, etching shift quantity, and etching slope-angle component by the exposure), permits an easy check on which a component varies and how the component varies in all shape variations. With this arrangement, a pattern cross section information effective in determining etching process conditions can be acquired using images by an in-line SEM capable of nondestructive observation.

    摘要翻译: 用于检查图案形状的系统用于通过照射聚焦电子束来检测来自样品的二次电子,并对该检测信号进行运算处理。 检测信号波形根据信号量的变化被分成多个区域。 分割区域的大小用于样本的三维形状的定量评估。 该系统特别是通过显示每个分割信号波形(最终形状的底部宽度,抗蚀剂底部宽度,蚀刻偏移量和通过曝光的蚀刻倾斜角度分量)的图案形状的测量结果,可以容易地检查哪个 一个组件变化,以及组件在所有形状变化中的变化。 通过这种布置,可以通过能够进行非破坏性观察的直列SEM的图像来获取有效确定蚀刻工艺条件的图案横截面信息。

    System and method for evaluating a semiconductor device pattern, method for controlling process of forming a semiconductor device pattern and method for monitoring a semiconductor device manufacturing process
    32.
    发明授权
    System and method for evaluating a semiconductor device pattern, method for controlling process of forming a semiconductor device pattern and method for monitoring a semiconductor device manufacturing process 有权
    用于评估半导体器件图案的系统和方法,用于控制形成半导体器件图案的工艺的方法和用于监测半导体器件制造工艺的方法

    公开(公告)号:US07216311B2

    公开(公告)日:2007-05-08

    申请号:US10648231

    申请日:2003-08-27

    IPC分类号: G06F17/50 G06F9/45 G01N23/00

    摘要: In order to realize a means for acquiring three-dimensional shape information about patterns by nondestruction and evaluate a relationship between the three-dimensional shape information about these patterns and device properties, a semiconductor device pattern evaluating system is provided with a feature index calculating means for quantifying a property of a three-dimensional shape of a pattern to be evaluated, as feature index, a database that records therein a relationship between the feature index of each three-dimensional pattern shape and a device property of a circuit containing patterns each having the feature index, and a device property estimating means for estimating a property of a device circuit formed by the pattern to be evaluated, on the basis of the feature index of the three-dimensional pattern shape, which have been quantified by the feature index calculating means, and the information recorded in the database.

    摘要翻译: 为了实现用于通过非破坏获取关于图案的三维形状信息的手段,并且评估关于这些图案的三维形状信息和装置特性之间的关系,半导体装置图案评估系统设置有特征指标计算装置, 量化要评估的图案的三维形状的属性作为特征索引,记录其中每个三维图案形状的特征索引与包含各自具有所述三维图案形状的图案的电路的装置特性之间的关系的数据库 特征索引,以及装置属性估计装置,用于根据由特征指标计算装置量化的三维图案形状的特征指标,估计由待评估图案形成的装置电路的特性 ,以及记录在数据库中的信息。

    Method of measuring pattern dimension and method of controlling semiconductor device process
    33.
    发明授权
    Method of measuring pattern dimension and method of controlling semiconductor device process 有权
    测量图案尺寸的方法和半导体器件工艺的控制方法

    公开(公告)号:US07173268B2

    公开(公告)日:2007-02-06

    申请号:US10986910

    申请日:2004-11-15

    IPC分类号: G01N21/86

    摘要: This invention provides a method of measuring semiconductor pattern dimensions capable of realizing a stable and highly precise pattern dimension measurement technique even when the pattern cross-sectional shapes are changed and making the calculation amount relatively small to reduce the calculation time. More specifically, the relationship between cross-sectional shapes of a pattern and measurement errors in a specified image processing technique is evaluated in advance by the electron beam simulation in a pattern measurement system in a length measuring SEM, and in the actual dimension measurement, dimensions of an evaluation objective pattern are measured from image signals of a scanning electron microscope, and errors of the dimensional measurement of the evaluation objective pattern are estimated and revised based on the relationship between cross-sectional shapes of a pattern and measurement errors evaluated in advance, thereby realizing highly precise measurement where dimensional errors depending on pattern solid shapes are eliminated.

    摘要翻译: 本发明提供一种测量半导体图案尺寸的方法,即使当图案截面形状改变并使计算量相对较小以减少计算时间时,也能够实现稳定且高度精确的图案尺寸测量技术。 更具体地说,通过长度测量SEM中的图案测量系统中的电子束模拟预先评估图案的截面形状与特定图像处理技术中的测量误差之间的关系,并且在实际尺寸测量中,尺寸 根据扫描电子显微镜的图像信号测量评价对象图案,并且基于预先评估的图案的截面形状和测量误差之间的关系来估计和修正评估对象图案的尺寸测量的误差, 从而实现高精度测量,其中取消了取决于图形实心形状的尺寸误差。

    Scanning electron microscope system and method for measuring dimensions of patterns formed on semiconductor device by using the system
    35.
    发明授权
    Scanning electron microscope system and method for measuring dimensions of patterns formed on semiconductor device by using the system 有权
    扫描电子显微镜系统和通过使用该系统测量在半导体器件上形成的图案的尺寸的方法

    公开(公告)号:US08481936B2

    公开(公告)日:2013-07-09

    申请号:US13348813

    申请日:2012-01-12

    IPC分类号: H01J37/26

    CPC分类号: G03F1/84 G03F1/86 G03F7/70625

    摘要: The present invention is for providing a scanning electron microscope system adapted to output contour information fitting in with the real pattern edge end of a sample, and is arranged to generate a local projection waveform by projecting the scanning electron microscope image in the tangential direction with respect to the pattern edge at each point of the pattern edge of the scanning electron microscope image, estimate the cross-sectional shape of the pattern transferred on the sample by applying the local projection waveform generated at each point to a library, which has previously been created, correlating the cross-sectional shape with the electron beam signal waveform, obtain position coordinate of the edge end fitting in with the cross-sectional shape, and output the contour of the pattern as a range of position coordinates.

    摘要翻译: 本发明提供一种扫描电子显微镜系统,其适于输出与样品的实际图案边缘端相匹配的轮廓信息,并且被布置成通过相对于扫描电子显微镜图像沿切线方向投影而产生局部投影波形 到扫描电子显微镜图像的图案边缘的每个点处的图案边缘,通过将在每个点处生成的局部投影波形应用到先前已经创建的库来估计在样本上传送的图案的横截面形状 将横截面形状与电子束信号波形相关联,以横截面形状获得边缘端配件的位置坐标,并将图案的轮廓作为位置坐标的范围输出。

    Pattern Shape Estimation Method and Pattern Measuring Device
    36.
    发明申请
    Pattern Shape Estimation Method and Pattern Measuring Device 有权
    图案形状估计方法和图案测量装置

    公开(公告)号:US20120151428A1

    公开(公告)日:2012-06-14

    申请号:US13390354

    申请日:2010-07-15

    IPC分类号: G06F17/50

    摘要: The present invention aims at proposing a library creation method and a pattern shape estimation method in which it is possible, when estimating a shape based on comparison between an actual waveform and a library, to appropriately estimate the shape.As an illustrative embodiment to achieve the object, there are proposed a method of selecting a pattern by referring to a library, a method of creating a library by use of pattern cross-sectional shapes calculated through an exposure process simulation in advance, and a method for selecting a pattern shape stored in the library.

    摘要翻译: 本发明旨在提出一种库创建方法和图案形状估计方法,其中当基于实际波形和库之间的比较来估计形状时,可以适当地估计形状。 作为实现该目的的说明性实施例,提出了通过参照库来选择图案的方法,通过使用预先通过曝光处理模拟计算的图案横截面形状来创建库的方法,以及方法 用于选择存储在库中的图案形状。

    SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING DIMENSIONS OF PATTERNS FORMED ON SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE BY USING THE SYSTEM
    37.
    发明申请
    SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING DIMENSIONS OF PATTERNS FORMED ON SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE BY USING THE SYSTEM 有权
    扫描电子显微镜系统和通过使用系统测量形成在半导体器件上的图案尺寸的方法

    公开(公告)号:US20120112067A1

    公开(公告)日:2012-05-10

    申请号:US13348813

    申请日:2012-01-12

    IPC分类号: H01J37/28

    CPC分类号: G03F1/84 G03F1/86 G03F7/70625

    摘要: The present invention is for providing a scanning electron microscope system adapted to output contour information fitting in with the real pattern edge end of a sample, and is arranged to generate a local projection waveform by projecting the scanning electron microscope image in the tangential direction with respect to the pattern edge at each point of the pattern edge of the scanning electron microscope image, estimate the cross-sectional shape of the pattern transferred on the sample by applying the local projection waveform generated at each point to a library, which has previously been created, correlating the cross-sectional shape with the electron beam signal waveform, obtain position coordinate of the edge end fitting in with the cross-sectional shape, and output the contour of the pattern as a range of position coordinates.

    摘要翻译: 本发明提供一种扫描电子显微镜系统,其适于输出与样品的实际图案边缘端相匹配的轮廓信息,并且被布置成通过相对于扫描电子显微镜图像沿切线方向投影而产生局部投影波形 到扫描电子显微镜图像的图案边缘的每个点处的图案边缘,通过将在每个点处生成的局部投影波形应用到先前已经创建的库来估计在样本上传送的图案的横截面形状 将横截面形状与电子束信号波形相关联,以横截面形状获得边缘端配件的位置坐标,并将图案的轮廓作为位置坐标的范围输出。

    Sample and method for evaluating resolution of scanning electron microscope, and electron scanning microscope
    38.
    发明申请
    Sample and method for evaluating resolution of scanning electron microscope, and electron scanning microscope 有权
    扫描电子显微镜和电子扫描显微镜的分辨率评估样本和方法

    公开(公告)号:US20100133426A1

    公开(公告)日:2010-06-03

    申请号:US12588517

    申请日:2009-10-19

    IPC分类号: G01D18/00 G01N23/00

    CPC分类号: G01N23/225 H01J2237/2823

    摘要: A method of evaluating a resolution of a scanning electron microscope includes picking up a first image of a concave and convex pattern formed on a surface of a sample utilizing a first scanning electron microscope, picking up a second image of the concave and convex pattern on the sample utilizing a second scanning electron microscope, respectively processing the first image and the second image in order to evaluate unevenness in resolution between the first scanning electron microscope and the second scanning electron microscope, and determining whether a height of the concave and convex pattern as measured from a bottom thereof is sufficient so that no affection by a secondary electron emitted from the bottom of the concave and convex pattern is exhibited.

    摘要翻译: 评价扫描型电子显微镜的分辨率的方法包括利用第一扫描电子显微镜拾取形成在样品表面上的凹凸图案的第一图像,在第二图像上拾取凹凸图案的第二图像 分别处理第一图像和第二图像以评估第一扫描电子显微镜和第二扫描电子显微镜之间的分辨率的不均匀性,以及确定测量的凹凸图案的高度是否为第二扫描电子显微镜 从底部开始就足够了,从而不会发生由凹凸图案的底部发射的二次电子的影响。

    Apparatus for measuring a three-dimensional shape
    39.
    发明申请
    Apparatus for measuring a three-dimensional shape 有权
    用于测量三维形状的装置

    公开(公告)号:US20060108526A1

    公开(公告)日:2006-05-25

    申请号:US11320752

    申请日:2005-12-30

    IPC分类号: G21K7/00

    摘要: Conventionally, there is no method for quantitatively evaluating the three-dimensional shape of an etched pattern in a non-destructive manner and it takes much time and costs to determine etching conditions. With the conventional length measuring method only, it has been impossible to detect an abnormality in the three-dimensional shape and also difficult to control the etching process. According to the present invention, variations in signal amounts of an SEM image are utilized to compute three-dimensional shape data on the pattern associated with the etching process steps, whereby the three-dimensional shape is quantitatively evaluated. Besides, determination of etching process conditions and process control are performed based on the three-dimensional shape data obtained. The present invention makes it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the three-dimensional shape of the etched pattern in a non-destructive manner. Further, the efficiency of determining the etching process conditions and a stable etching process can be realized.

    摘要翻译: 通常,没有以非破坏性的方式定量地评价蚀刻图案的三维形状的方法,并且确定蚀刻条件需要花费大量时间和成本。 仅使用常规的长度测量方法,就不可能检测到三维形状的异常,并且也难以控制蚀刻工艺。 根据本发明,利用SEM图像的信号量的变化来计算与蚀刻工艺步骤相关联的图案上的三维形状数据,从而定量评估三维形状。 此外,基于获得的三维形状数据进行蚀刻工艺条件和工艺控制的确定。 本发明能够以非破坏性的方式对蚀刻图案的三维形状进行定量评价。 此外,可以实现确定蚀刻工艺条件的效率和稳定的蚀刻工艺。

    Method of monitoring an exposure process
    40.
    发明授权
    Method of monitoring an exposure process 有权
    监测曝光过程的方法

    公开(公告)号:US06929892B2

    公开(公告)日:2005-08-16

    申请号:US10894044

    申请日:2004-07-20

    摘要: In monitoring of an exposure process, a highly isolative pattern greatly changed in a shape of cross section by fluctuations in the exposure dose and the focal position is an observation target. Especially, to detect a change in a resist shape of cross section from a tapered profile to an inverse tapered profile, one of the following observation methods is employed to obtain observation data: (1) a tilt image of a resist pattern is imaged by using tilt imaging electron microscopy, (2) an electron beam image of a resist pattern is imaged under imaging conditions for generating asymmetry on an electron beam signal waveform, and (3) scattering characteristic data of a resist pattern is obtained by an optical measurement system. The observation data is applied to model data created beforehand in accordance with the exposure conditions to estimate fluctuations in the exposure dose and the focal position.

    摘要翻译: 在曝光处理的监视中,通过曝光剂量的波动,焦点位置的横截面形状大幅度变化的高度隔离图案是观察对象。 特别地,为了检测从锥形轮廓到逆锥形轮廓的截面抗蚀剂形状的变化,采用以下观察方法之一来获得观察数据:(1)通过使用抗蚀剂图案的倾斜图像成像 倾斜成像电子显微镜,(2)抗蚀剂图案的电子束图像在用于在电子束信号波形上产生不对称的成像条件下成像,并且(3)通过光学测量系统获得抗蚀剂图案的散射特性数据。 将观测数据应用于根据曝光条件预先创建的模型数据,以估计曝光剂量和焦点位置的波动。