Patent ID: 7728965
Filing Date: 2010-06-01
Classification: G01N,H01L

Abstract:
1. A system configured to inspect an edge of a specimen, comprising: an illumination subsystem configured to direct light to the edge of the specimen at an oblique angle of incidence, wherein the plane of incidence of the light is substantially perpendicular to a plane that is substantially tangent to the edge of the specimen; and a detection subsystem configured to collect light scattered from the edge of the specimen and to generate signals responsive to the scattered light, wherein the signals can be used to detect defects on the edge of the specimen, wherein the system is further configured to inspect a center region of an upper surface of the specimen, wherein the center region is spaced from the edge by an edge region of the specimen, wherein an optical component of the illumination subsystem or the detection subsystem used for inspection of the edge is also used for inspection of the center region of the upper surface, wherein one or more optical parameters of the system used for inspection of the center region of the upper surface of the specimen are different than one or more optical parameters of the system used for inspection of the edge of the specimen, and wherein the detection subsystem comprises a mask configured to substantially prevent light specularly reflected from the edge of the specimen from impinging upon a detector of the detection subsystem.