Process-induced asymmetry detection, quantification, and control using patterned wafer geometry measurements

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9779202
APP PUB NO 20160371423A1
SERIAL NO

14867226

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Abstract

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Systems and methods to detect, quantify, and control process-induced asymmetric signatures using patterned wafer geometry measurements are disclosed. The system may include a geometry measurement tool configured to obtain a first set of wafer geometry measurements of the wafer prior to the wafer undergoing a fabrication process and to obtain a second set of wafer geometry measurements of the wafer after the fabrication process. The system may also include a processor in communication with the geometry measurement tool. The processor may be configured to: calculate a geometry-change map based on the first set of wafer geometry measurements and the second set of wafer geometry measurements; analyze the geometry-change map to detect an asymmetric component induced to wafer geometry by the fabrication process; and estimate an asymmetric overlay error induced by the fabrication process based on the asymmetric component detected in wafer geometry.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • KLA-TENCOR CORPORATION

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Kim, Jong-Hoon Fremont, US 116 595
Sinha, Jaydeep Livermore, US 30 321
Vukkadala, Pradeep Newark, US 26 195

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