Patent ID: 7087440
Filing Date: 2006-08-08
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for determining one or more process parameters of a nitrided oxide film; comprising: receiving a wafer having a pre-formed nitrided oxide film having a first thickness, formed under a predetermined process including the one or more process parameters; measuring the first thickness; etching the film for a pre-determined etch time; measuring the post-etching film-thickness and calculate a first change in thickness; accessing an etch-rate reference of a nitrided oxide film formed under known process parameters including the one or more process parameters of the pre-determined process; determining from the reference an expected film thickness change corresponding to the pre-determined process and the pre-determined etch time; comparing the first change in thickness to the expected film thickness change; and if the difference between the first change in thickness and the expected film thickness change is within a pre-determined range forming nitride oxide in layer on a production wafer.