Patent ID: 7492455
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
1. A spectroscopic ellipsometer system comprising: a source of a polychromatic beam of electromagnetic radiation; a stage for supporting a sample system; a multi-element spectroscopic detector system; said spectroscopic ellipsometer system further comprising: at least two polarizers (P an analyzer, which remains fixed in position during data acquisition, after said stage for supporting a sample system and before said multi-element spectroscopic detector system; and at least one means for discretely, sequentially, modifying a polarization state of a beam of electromagnetic radiation provided by said source of a beam of polychromatic electromagnetic radiation through a plurality of polarization states, said means for discretely, sequentially, modifying a polarization state of a beam of electromagnetic radiation provided by said source of a beam of polychromatic electromagnetic radiation through a plurality of polarization states being present at least one location selected from the group consisting of: between said polarizer and said stage for supporting a sample system; and between said stage for supporting a sample system and said analyzer; and positioned so that said beam of electromagnetic radiation transmits therethrough in use; said ellipsometer system being configured such that a polychromatic beam of electromagnetic radiation provided by said source thereof is directed to interact with a sample system present on said stage for supporting a sample system; said ellipsometer system being distinguished in that said source of a beam of polychromatic electromagnetic radiation comprises: a. at least a first (S b. at least one electromagnetic beam combining (BC said at least first (S 1 ) and second (S 2 ) sources being separately energizable.