Three-dimensional deep sub-wavelength defect detection using (lambda) = 193 nm optical microscopy

Published

October 25, 2013

Author(s)

Bryan M. Barnes, Martin Y. Sohn, Francois R. Goasmat, Hui Zhou, Andras Vladar, Richard M. Silver, Abraham Arceo

Abstract

Identifying defects in photolithographic patterning is a persistent challenge in semiconductor manufacturing. Well-established optical methods in current use are jeopardized by upcoming sub-20 nm device dimensions. Volumetric processing of focus-resolved images of defects is presented using simulated and experimental examples. Defects are revealed using 193 nm light as the focus and illumination conditions are optimized. The data analysis protocol exploits the focal range of defect-based scattering leading to the observation of defects as small as 16 ± 2 nm (k=1) in critical dimension. Quantitative metrics to compare two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging indicate possible fourfold improvements in sensitivity using these methods.

Citation

Optics Express

Volume

21

Issue

22

Pub Type

Journals

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DOI Link

Keywords

Defect metrology, Volumetric data analysis, Subwavelength structures, Three-dimensional image processing, Industrial inspection, Defect understanding

Citation

Barnes, B. , Sohn, M. , Goasmat, F. , Zhou, H. , Vladar, A. , Silver, R. and Arceo, A. (2013), Three-dimensional deep sub-wavelength defect detection using (lambda) = 193 nm optical microscopy, Optics Express, [online], https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.21.026219 (Accessed December 22, 2024)