Patent ID: 6982043
Filing Date: 2006-01-03
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for monitoring a patterned photoresist clad-wafer structure undergoing a first etch process comprising: providing a wafer structure comprising a silicon substrate, one or more intermediate material layers over the substrate, and a first patterned photoresist layer overlying the one or more intermediate material layers; irradiating at least one exposed portion of the wafer structure through at least one opening in the first patterned photoresist layer to effect an image-wise transfer from the photoresist layer to the wafer structure; monitoring the first patterned photoresist layer during the image-wise transfer via a pattern-specific grating structure to obtain data relating to the photoresist layer; and according to the obtained data, determining a removal rate of the first patterned photoresist layer in order to facilitate ascertaining at least one of one or more adjustments to at least a subsequent wafer clean process and a thickness of at least a second photoresist layer to be employed in at least a second etch process.