Sub-Nanometer Wavelength Metrology of Lithographically Prepared Structures: A Comparison of Neutron and X-Ray Scattering

Published

June 1, 2003

Author(s)

Ronald L. Jones, T Hu, Eric K. Lin, Wen-Li Wu, D M. Casa, Ndubuisi George Orji, Theodore V. Vorburger, P J. Bolton, Z Barclay

Abstract

The challenges facing current metrologies based on SEM, AFM, and light scatterometry for technology nodes of 157 nm imaging and beyond suggest that the development of new metrologies capable of routine measurement in this regime are required. We provide results of initial tests of a measurement technique based on Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) capable of rapid measurements of test samples produced using conventional test masks without significant sample preparation. Using a sample photoresist grating, the technique is shown to apply equally to both organic, including photoresist, and inorganic patterns, including metal and oxide. The sub-Angstrom wavelength provides nanometer level resolution, with significant room for increasing resolution to sub-nanometer levels. The current technique is shown as a dramatic improvement over prior attempts using neutron scattering, both in resolution, but also in its practical application within industry.

Proceedings Title

Metrology, Inspection and Process Control for Microlithography | 17th | Metrology, Inspection and Process Control for Microlithography XVII | SPIE

Volume

5038

Conference Dates

February 1, 2003

Conference Location

Undefined

Conference Title

Proceedings of SPIE--the International Society for Optical Engineering

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

lithgraphy, nanostructures neutron scattering, pattern metrology, x-ray scattering

Citation

Jones, R. , Hu, T. , Lin, E. , Wu, W. , Casa, D. , Orji, N. , Vorburger, T. , Bolton, P. and Barclay, Z. (2003), Sub-Nanometer Wavelength Metrology of Lithographically Prepared Structures: A Comparison of Neutron and X-Ray Scattering, Metrology, Inspection and Process Control for Microlithography | 17th | Metrology, Inspection and Process Control for Microlithography XVII | SPIE, Undefined, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=852192 (Accessed December 21, 2024)