Patent ID: 6707056
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method for inspecting a sample with a probe beam, said probe beam being focused to a spot onto the sample surface, said spot having a generally elliptical shape with a long and a short axis, with the properties of the probe beam being measured after interaction with the sample, said method for minimizing the area adjacent to the edge of the sample which cannot be accurately inspected comprising the steps of:positioning the sample with respect to the probe beam so that the probe beam spot is adjacent the edge of the sample with the short axis being substantially perpendicular to the sample edge; and repositioning the sample with respect to the probe beam so that the probe beam spot falls on a different edge location on the sample, said repositioning step including rotating the sample with respect to the probe beam so that the probe beam spot is again positioned adjacent the edge of the sample with the short axis being substantially perpendicular to the sample edge.