Semiconductor structure processing using multiple laterally spaced laser beam spots delivering multiple blows

Abstract

Methods and systems process a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of structures to be selectively irradiated with multiple laser beams. The structures are arranged in a plurality of substantially parallel rows extending in a generally lengthwise direction. The method generates a first laser beam that propagates along a first laser beam axis that intersects a first target location on or within the semiconductor substrate. The method also generates a second laser beam that propagates along a second laser beam axis that intersects a second target location on or within the semiconductor substrate. The second target location is offset from the first target location in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the rows by some amount such that, when the first target location is a structure on a first row of structures, the second target location is a structure or between two adjacent structures on a second row distinct from the first row. The method moves the semiconductor substrate relative to the first and second laser axes in a direction approximately parallel to the rows of structures, so as to pass the first target location along the first row to irradiate for a first time selected structures in the first row, and so as to simultaneously pass the second target location along the second row to irradiate for a second time structures previously irradiated by the first laser beam during a previous pass of the first target location along the second row.