Kla-tencor Technologies Corporation

Kla Tencor Corporation

Nat Ceglio

Shiow-Hwei Hwang

Tao-Yi Fu

Paul Frank Marella

Steve R Lange

Methods and systems for inspection of a specimen using different parameters are provided. One computer-implemented method includes determining optimal parameters for inspection based on selected defects. This method also includes setting parameters of an inspection system at the optimal parameters prior to inspection. Another method for inspecting a specimen includes illuminating the specimen with light having a wavelength below about 350 nm and with light having a wavelength above about 350 nm. The method also includes processing signals representative of light collected from the specimen to detect defects or process variations on the specimen. One system configured to inspect a specimen includes a first optical subsystem coupled to a broadband light source and a second optical subsystem coupled to a laser. The system also includes a third optical subsystem configured to couple light from the first and second optical subsystems to an objective, which focuses the light onto the specimen.

Methods and systems for inspection of a specimen using different inspection parameters

A system and method are disclosed for performing bright field and dark field optical inspection. In one embodiment, a system is provided for performing bright field coherent detection by means of an interferometer and dark field detection of scattered light using a single apparatus. In other embodiments, the system is operable to perform dark field detection of scattered light as well as phase measuring through phase shifting or spatial fringe analysis techniques. In yet another embodiment, an additional light source is provided for generating an illumination beam directed obliquely at the substrate to permit capture and detection of scattered light in directions near a normal direction to a surface of the substrate, and in directions away from a normal direction to a surface.

System and method for performing bright field and dark field optical inspection

An integrated interferometric and intensity based microscopic inspection system inspects semiconductor samples. A switchable illumination module provides illumination switchable between interferometric inspection and intensity based microscopic inspection modes. Complex field information is generated from interference image signals received at a sensor. Intensity based signals are used to perform the microscopic inspection. The system includes at least one illumination source for generating an illumination beam and an integrated interferometric microscope module for splitting the illumination beam into a test beam directed to the semiconductor sample and a reference beam directed to a tilted reference mirror. The beams are combined to generate an interference image at an image sensor. The tilted reference mirror is tilted with respect to the reference beam that is incident on the mirror to thereby generate fringes in the interference image. The system also includes an image sensor for acquiring the interference image from the inteferometric microscope module and intensity signals from the microscopic inspection image.

Growing community of inventors

Pleasanton, CA, United States of America

Nat Ceglio