Patent ID: 8214771
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: G03F,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for optimizing a metrology target design, comprising: a) receiving inputs including information relating to the metrology target design, information relating to a substrate on which a metrology target is to be formed, information relating to a process used to form the metrology target, or information relating to a metrology system to be used to measure the metrology target; b) modeling acquisition of a metrology signal by the metrology system using the inputs to generate one or more optical characteristics of the metrology target; c) applying a metrology algorithm to the one or more optical characteristics to determine a predicted accuracy and precision of one or more measurements made with the metrology system using the metrology target on the substrate; d) modifying at least a portion of the information relating to the metrology target design; d′) modeling acquisition of a metrology signal with the metrology system, applying a metrology algorithm to the one or more optical characteristics, and modifying at least a portion of the information relating to the metrology target design to optimize the accuracy and precision of the one or more measurements; and e) displaying or storing information representing the metrology target design after the accuracy and precision are optimized.