Patent ID: 7579858
Filing Date: 2009-08-25
Classification: G01R,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for inspecting a semiconductor device that has a photodiode isolated by element isolating regions comprising: a step in which different prescribed voltages are applied to a second semiconductor layer in photodiode regions and to moat regions in a semiconductor device having the following parts: a first semiconductor layer of a first electroconductive type, said second semiconductor layer of a second electroconductive type formed on the principal surface of said first semiconductor layer, element isolating regions of the first electroconductive type each formed extending through said second semiconductor layer to reach the outer layer portion of said first semiconductor layer in order to isolate said photodiode, and said moat regions of the second electroconductive type, each of which is formed extending through said second semiconductor layer to the outside of said photodiode region isolated by said element isolating regions and reaching the outer layer portion of said first semiconductor layer; and a step in which, by means of the current flowing between said second semiconductor layer in said photodiode regions and said moat regions, the presence/absence of an inversion layer of the second electroconductive type formed in the outer layer portion of said first semiconductor layer is detected.