Patent ID: 7910885
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: G01B,G01N,G01R,H01J

Abstract:
1. A method for determining a cross sectional dimension of a measured structural element having a sub-micron cross section, the cross sectional dimension defining an intermediate section of the measured structural element that is located between first and second traverse sections of the measured structural element, the method comprising the steps of: scanning, while an inspection tool is in a first tilt state, a reference structural element and at least the first traverse section of the measured structural element, to determine a first distance between a certain point of the reference structural element and the first traverse section, wherein the first traverse section represents a first edge of the measured structural element; determining whether additional scanning is required based on one or more of an estimated width of the first traverse section and an estimated width of the second traverse section; if the additional scanning is required, scanning, while the inspection tool is in a second tilt state, the reference structural element and at least the second traverse section of the measured structural element, to determine a second distance between the certain point of the reference structural element and the second traverse section, wherein the second traverse section represents a second edge of the measured structural element; and determining a cross sectional dimension of the intermediate section of the measured structural element in response to at least the first distance, wherein the cross sectional dimension is located between the first and second traverse sections of the measured structural element.