Patent ID: 7957917
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: G01N,H01L

Abstract:
1. A computer system comprising, a processor, a computer-readable storage device coupled to said processor, said storage device containing program code configured to be executed by said processor via said memory to implement a method for monitoring a solution in a tank of a processing tool used to fabricate integrated circuits, said method comprising: (a) receiving data indicating of an amount of copper in a region of a substrate of a monitor, said monitor comprising an N-type region in a single-crystal silicon substrate, said region abutting a top surface of said substrate, said monitor having been submerged in said solution for a preset duration of time; (b) converting said data indicating of said amount of copper in said region of said substrate of a monitor to data indicating an amount of copper in said solution and comparing said data indicating said amount of copper in said solution to a specification for copper content of said solution; and (c) if said data indicating an amount of copper in said solution exceeds a limit of said specification for the copper content, indicating a corrective action is required to prevent copper contamination of said integrated circuits.