Patent ID: 7012251
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
1. A pattern evaluation method for evaluating patterns formed on a plurality of chips on a wafer, comprising: a.) a step of dividing an area to be evaluated on said wafer into a plurality of stripes, each having a width smaller than a size of a field of view of an electronic optical system in an evaluation apparatus and aligned in parallel with one axial direction, wherein assuming that the longitudinal direction of each of said stripes is defined as Y direction and the transverse direction of each of said stripes is defined as X direction, said dividing step is carried out so that each of regions including identical patterns formed therein in different chips aligned in the Y direction may be aligned in the identical row of stripes, and each of regions including identical patterns formed therein in different chips aligned in the X direction may be included in the stripe in the identical place counted from the end place of each chip in the X direction; b.) a step of moving a stage in the evaluation apparatus so as to bring an optical axis of said electronic optical system approximately into alignment with a centerline in the X direction of one stripe after having selected a stripe to be evaluated; c.) a step of moving continuously said stage in the Y direction of said one stripe; d.) a step of scanning the pattern by an electron beam in the X direction and detecting secondary electrons emanated from points of said scanning so as to form an image of a pattern when the position of said optical axis has aligned with one end in the Y direction of said one stripe; e.) a step of decelerating a speed of the Y directional movement when the position of said optical axis has reached the other end in the Y direction of said one stripe to complete the image formation of said one stripe, or when it is determined that the image formation will be completed soon; f.) a step of moving said stage in the X direction to bring the position of said optical axis approximately into alignment with a centerline of a stripe in an adjacent chip having a pattern formed therein identical to that of said one stripe for which said image has been obtained; g.) a step of repeating a series of said steps e.) to f.); and h.) a step of confirming that all of the predetermined areas to be evaluated have been evaluated and then stopping the movement of said stage.