Patent ID: 6691052
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
A method of generating a reference image for an inspection tool, the method comprising:collecting a plurality of parameters that characterize a process for fabricating a sample; providing a first reference representation that is designed to be used to fabricate a target structure on the sample; altering the first reference representation based on the collected parameters so as to produce a second reference representation that simulates process effects from fabricating the sample sufficiently well so as to reduce detection of false defects during a subsequent inspection of the sample using the first reference representation; and altering the second reference representation so as to simulate imaging effect from imaging the second reference representation with the inspection tool, wherein altering the first and second reference representations to simulate process and imaging effects, respectively, results in a simulated reference image that may be compared against the target structure to determine whether the target structure has any defects.