Multiple measurement techniques including focused beam scatterometry for characterization of samples

A system for monitoring thin-film fabrication processes is herein disclosed. Diffraction of incident light is measured and the results are compared to a predictive model based on at least one idealized or nominal structure. The model and/or the measurement of diffracted incident light may be modified using the output of one or more additional metrology systems.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to measurement of samples and, more specifically, relates to focused beam scatterometry and other metrology measurements of samples.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the increasing integration density and operating frequencies of microelectronic devices, manufacturing processes for these devices require the ability to measure dimensions of submicron structures that make up the devices and thickness of the thin films deposited on, around, or under the structures. These measurements are performed during the numerous lithography, etching, and thin-film deposition steps of the manufacturing process. New transistor generations are built of non-planar structures defined during processing of multilayered films, and these generations require metrology measurements beyond just measuring the multilayered films at each process step.

Optical measurements provide fast, accurate, non-destructive, and relatively inexpensive analysis techniques. As sample structure dimensions become smaller than or comparable to the light wavelength, simple imaging such as microscopy is not possible, and the measurements require analysis of the intensity and/or the polarization state of the light scattered off the sample structure. The simplest analysis and greatest sensitivity are achieved when periodic arrays of sample structures are measured.

Non-destructive, non-contact, small spot, high throughput and high accuracy method and apparatus are necessary for accurate characterization of the dimensions of the sub-micron structures and the thin films surrounding the structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Wherever possible, the standard definitions of words used in this specification have been adopted. However, to minimize misunderstanding the following words are defined with added particularity: “characteristic”, “parameter”, “model”, “sample”, and “structure”. It is understood that the preceding words have generally understood meanings and to the extent possible, those meanings have been followed. The additional definitions found below are for clarification purposes only.

Sample—a sample may be any thing having one or more structures or materials deposited or formed thereon. As used herein, the terms “sample”, “substrate”, and “wafer” may be used interchangeably.

Structure—a structure is a thing on the sample or part of the sample that is being measured. Note that the term “structure” may be used interchangeably at times to denote an item such as, e.g. a grating, line or a layer that is formed on the sample. Further, it should be recalled that samples are typically formed of multiple layers and that layers may be formed over, under, adjacent, or apart from one or more objects such as gratings or lines.

Characteristic—a characteristic is an objective feature of a structure on the sample that may be a dimension, a geometry, a spacing or an alignment.

Parameter—a parameter is a value obtained or derived observationally (using a metrology tool) or mathematically (through solution of an appropriate model) that at least partially correlates with one or more characteristics of a sample, for example, the measured Rp/Rs ratio of a sample. Keep in mind that parameters may be measured directly, i.e. may be directly related to light intensities derived directly from the detector, but are also likely to be derived from such intensity data. Additional parameters may include, but are not limited to diffraction patterns, spectra and spectral patterns, intensities, polarization states of reflected light, an index of refraction, dopant concentration, crystalline structure, stress, strain, chemical makeup, and the like.

Model—a model is one or more equations and/or their solutions that are representative of one or more parameters of a sample under a predefined set of conditions. Conditions for a model may include by way of example and without limitation, angle of incidence, wavelength of incident light, periodicity of gratings, sidewall configuration of linear structures, or optical characteristics of materials from which the sample being modeled is fashioned. Models are used to predict what might occur for a given set of conditions.

Turning now toFIGS. 1A through 1D, a simplified diagram of an exemplary focused beam scatterometry measurement system100is shown.FIG. 1Aillustrates a system100suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the disclosed invention including, but not limited to critical dimension metrology, overlay alignment metrology, edge roughness metrology, line width metrology, and line geometry metrology.FIG. 1Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the sample10shown inFIG. 1A, whileFIG. 1Cillustrates a top view of the sample10shown inFIG. 1A.FIG. 1Dillustrates how system100may be used in conjunction with other metrology or inspection systems.

System100has one or more coherent light sources1, such as lasers, that produce a collimated beam20of light. The collimated beam20of light passes through a polarizer2and a compensator3and is focused to the sample10by the focusing optic4. The focused beam21illuminates part of the periodic structure9within the measurement spot11created by the focused beam21on the sample10.

A reflected beam22is then collected by the receiving optic5, which converts the reflected beam22into a collimated beam23. Light scattered off the sample, corresponding to the different incidence angles, is now distributed along the cross-section91of the collimated beam23. This light of the collimated beam23passes through the analyzer element6and is incident upon the detector array7. Intensity of the light detected by each pixel (not shown) of the detector array7corresponds to a different angle of incidence and the intensity is converted to measured signals51. Light from the different parts of the cross-section91of the reflected beam22and the collimated beam23therefore hits different pixels of the detector array, thus resolving multiple incidence angles and providing capability of fast simultaneous multi-angle measurement. In an exemplary embodiment, the system100is designed to characterize change of both the intensity and the polarization state of the incident light after the incident light is reflected off the structure. Such a configuration was earlier described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,752 to Spanier et al. (which is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference), in applications including the measurements of multilayered thin films, and is implemented in the Rudolph Technologies, Inc. SpectraLASER™ and Ultra™ metrology products for characterization of thin multilayered films.

The intensity of light is converted by the detector array7into measured signals51. One or more of compensator3, polarizer2, and analyzer6can be rotating. Further, it should be understood that the compensator3is an optional element and may be omitted entirely. Alternatively, the compensator3may be replaced by or used in combination with a photo-elastic modulator. The rotation of the compensator3, polarizer2, and/or analyzer6changes the polarization state of the light incident on the detector array7, and allows measurement of the ellipsometric ratio, Rp/Rs, of the reflectivities for the P- and S-polarizations as a function of the rate(s) of rotation of the rotating elements. Encoder(s)50on the rotating elements (e.g., one or more of compensator3, polarizer2, and analyzer6) provides information to the data processing and measurement control system8about the position and rate of rotation of each element, in order to interpret a change of the intensity at each detector pixel, which is then converted to the Rp/Rs ratio by the data processing and control system8as is well known in the art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the system100described above may be operated as a scatterometer, ellipsometer, or reflectometer, among others, and that when operated as an ellipsometer may be operated in multiple static or dynamic manners. Some examples of modes of operation of the system100include, but are not limited to, rotating compensator ellipsometry, rotating polarizer ellipsometry, rotating analyzer ellipsometry, null ellipsometry and stokes ellipsometry and extinction ellipsometry.

Data processing and control system8uses measured signals51to identify structure parameters, based on modeling of the light scattering. Analysis is performed by calculating the Rp/Rs ratio of the scattered light for a given wavelength, incidence angle, structure orientation, and one or more model parameters associated with the structure. The measurement results may include, among others, structure pitch, layer thicknesses, critical dimensions, and sidewall angle. It will be appreciated that additional measurements or parameters may be obtained. Incidence plane60(seeFIG. 1B) is the plane that contains the incident beam (e.g., focused light beam21), and a vector61, normal to the surface62of the sample10. The incidence angle64, θi, is the angle between the incident beam (e.g., focused light beam21) and the vector61normal to the surface62. Note that incidence angle64could be a range of angles as defined by the focusing lens4. In the example ofFIG. 1B, the angle of incidence109is measured using the center or principal optical axis66of the focused light beam21. Additionally, in the example ofFIG. 1B, the incidence plane60is the x-z plane, though it is to be understood that the incidence plane60may be oriented at any desired angle around the normal vector61.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,206,070 to Opsal, et. al. discloses a normal incidence ellipsometer for use in scatterometry that suffers from a coupling between polarization state and azimuthal angle in the data output from the detector of the ellipsometer. This coupling makes it difficult to differentiate variations in the output due to changes in polarization state of reflected light and those due to variations in azimuthal angle. Accordingly, Opsal et. al. must accommodate this by modeling the output of their system on a coupled basis. The alternative to this is to perform a series of fairly complicated calculations to de-couple the data.

The system100of the present invention avoids these pitfalls by providing data in which the polarization state of reflected light is substantially uniform over substantially the entire range of azimuthal angles at which light is incident upon the sample10. Accordingly, models of the predicted response of the system100for a given set of conditions are not required to accommodate coupling between what are essential independent variables. This simplifies the model and obviates the need to de-couple the polarization state and azimuthal angle variables.

A system, utilizing focused beam to implement simultaneous multi-angle measurement, has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,943 to Opsal et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,943 describes using incident light focused on the sample by a large numerical aperture lens with the light beam center normal to the sample surface. The light beam in U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,943 when a light beam center is normal to the sample surface62is would therefore cause a spot15on the surface62of the sample10. Meanwhile, in the example ofFIGS. 1A and 1C, illustrated also by U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,752 to Spanier et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, the center66of the focused light beam21is proposed to be off-normal, typically around 50 degrees off-normal (e.g., the incidence angle64, θi, would be 50 degrees). This off-normal arrangement is represented inFIG. 1Cin x-y plane portion101, where elliptical measurement spot11produced by an off-normal beam as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,752, and as represented byFIGS. 1A-1C, is shown compared to a spot15produced by a normal beam as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,943. The off-normal arrangement in U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,752 and inFIGS. 1A-1Cprovides incident angles64, Γi, up to 70 degrees, and such values of incident angles64, θi, are known to be more sensitive to thin multilayered films, to thin layers covering periodic structures, and to thin space layers formed on the side of poly-silicon gate electrode lines; see Thompson, et al., “A Logic Nanotechnology Featuring Strained-Silicon”, IEEE Electron Device Letters, Vol. 25, No. 4 (April 2004).

The cone of angles of incidence of focused light beam21is a function of the focusing optic4. In one embodiment, the focusing optic4is a refractive optical element or a combination of refractive optical elements. In another embodiment, the focusing optic4is a reflective optical element or elements such as, for example, a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical arrangement or a portion thereof In yet another embodiment, the focusing optic4may be a combination of refractive and reflective optical elements such as, for example, a catadioptric lens or a portion thereof. As each of the foregoing examples of focusing optic4are known by those skilled in the art as being interchangeable with one another, the present system is illustrated and described using only refractive optics.

The absolute range of angles of incidence is relatively large and may extend from near 0° to near 90°. The range of the cone of angles of incidence provided by focusing optic4is a function of its numerical aperture and may be as large or as small as is useful or possible given the constraints of optical design. In one embodiment the range of the cone of angles of incidence is at least 30° all told or ±15° to either side of the principal optical axis66of focused light beam21. As an example, using an angle of incidence for the principal optical axis 66 of 50°, an absolute range of angles of incidence of about 35° to 65° may be obtained. As can be seen, by varying the optical design of the focusing optic4and by positioning principal optical axis66thereof in a desired location, many different ranges and orientations of angles of incidence may be obtained.

In addition to providing a simultaneous range of angles of incidence, focusing optic4may also provide a simultaneous range of azimuthal angles, Φ. Where the focusing optic4is symmetrical about the principal optical axis66, the range of azimuthal angles Φ will be substantially the same as the range of angles of incidence. In some embodiments however, focusing optic4may be asymmetric with respect to the optical axis66, such as where the focusing optic is a section of a reflective or catadioptric design. In these embodiments, the range of azimuthal angles may differ from the range of angles of incidence. As seen inFIG. 1C, the x-axis defines a principal azimuthal axis.

Characterization, including thickness and/or periodicity measurements of submicron structures (e.g., periodic structure9) and thin film layers deposited under, on top, or around the structures, is performed by illuminating the structures and thin film layers with the focused light beam21of monochromatic light, and by detecting the light reflected by the structure with the detector array7.

Characteristics of the thin films and/or structures on a sample10are determined using the measured signals51which are then compared to the predicted model values obtained by the solution of the scattering problem for the model of the structure. Model parameters (e.g., as defined by the measured signals51) providing the best fit to the measured parameters constitute a measurement result. Model calculations require some preliminary knowledge of the dispersion properties of the materials comprising the structure and the geometry of the structure itself. In addition to standard interpolation and extrapolation techniques, analysis can be accomplished by the use of conventional non-linear optimization techniques such as the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, or a variety of other techniques, including locating the best match in the pre-calculated multi-dimensional libraries of the modeled Rp/Rs, for a multitude of combinations of the model parameters values, as described for instance in the following references, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,943 to Opsal et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,753 to Rovira et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,052 to Zhao et al.

In some embodiments, a model is created using the nominal dimensions of a structure, i.e. layers and objects such as gratings, lines and the like, provided by a semiconductor device designer. Keeping in mind that process variations may change the dimensions of the structures on a sample10, it is useful to verify the dimensions of a structure so as to optimize the model itself. This may be accomplished by using system100to obtain dimensional data such as layer thickness from a metrology site of a sample10. Where the structures of interest are substantially transparent, an ellipsometer (such as system100) may be used to obtain dimensional data. Alternatively, a separate ellipsometer101may be used to obtain the required dimensional data at the same metrology site simultaneous with a measurement by system100or at different metrology sites or at different times as system100. Where one or more layers of a structure are sufficiently opaque or absorptive of incident light such that an ellipsometer is unable to obtain useful optical or dimensional data, a metrology system101such as picosecond ultrasonic metrology system or an X-Ray based metrology system may be used to obtain useful dimensional data, such as, for example layer thickness, though other dimensional data and characteristics of materials may also be obtained and utilized. Note that an ellipsometer is capable of obtaining dimensional data such as layer thickness in opaque materials only to a depth of approximately 200 to 300 angstroms. Accordingly, if a layer or structure fashioned of opaque materials is thicker than 200-300 angstroms, an ellipsometer will not provide any dimensional data. Dimensional data such as layer thickness may be used directly to modify the model used in the scatterometry metrology process. Alternatively, dimensional data such as layer thickness may be used to modify the predicted results output by the model. In either case, dimensional data may be used to correct or optimize the results obtained by a system100.

Scatterometry systems for measurements of periodic structures for semiconductor manufacturing process metrology have been described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,483,580 to Xu et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,052 to Zhao et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,657,736 to Finarov et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,753 to Rovira et al., the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The systems in these cited patents are based, e.g., on spectroscopic ellipsometry or reflectometry measurements performed by measuring reflectances and/or ellipsometric functions for a range of light wavelengths at a single incidence angle. In these cases, accuracy relies on the accurate knowledge of the complex refractive indices of the materials of the structure across the broad wavelength spectrum.

The accuracy of multi-angle of incidence and azimuth measurements using light at a one or a number of discrete wavelengths values requires knowledge of the material of the sample complex refractive indices only at these wavelengths. Independent measurements at the same discrete wavelengths on simpler samples can be used to establish refractive indices at the required wavelengths of the materials in the samples. Consequently, in an exemplary embodiment herein, independent measurements of a sample are taken at a multitude of discrete wavelengths and data from the measurements are combined and analyzed. Using lasers (e.g., as coherent light sources1) as a source of monochromatic light makes this exemplary measurement system faster and more stable in comparison to conventional spectroscopic systems utilizing continuous spectrum light sources. Further, using more than just one light wavelength provides information necessary to obtain more structural information to cover a wider range of parameter variation, and also to resolve possible solution ambiguities. Performing multiple measurements including using multiple coherent light sources1is described in further detail in reference toFIGS. 2 through 4. It should be noted that the coherent light sources1will typically be lasers but could also include laser light emitting diodes (LEDs) and other devices able to produce coherent light. In some embodiments, partially or completely incoherent light sources arranged to output substantially a single wavelength may be used. An example of one such source is an LED. Further, by incorporated appropriate filters (not shown) or a monochromator (not shown) positioned between the light source1and the polarizer2, broad band light sources may also be used to obtain suitable incident light beams21.

It is beneficial for the scatterometry measurements to cover as many periods of the sample structure as possible, as the models used to extract the structure parameters from the measurement assume infinite number of the grating periods covered by the incident light. The normal incidence system in U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,943 to Opsal et al. has a small circular measurement spot15on the sample. U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,943 describes a proposal for the spot15to be scanned across the periodic structure9in order to cover more periods of the periodic structure9. The exemplary system ofFIGS. 1A-1C, however, provides an elliptical measurement spot11on the sample10, and such elliptical measurement spot11can be arranged to cover more periods of the periodic structure, as shown inFIG. 1C. That the elliptical measurement spot11provides extra periods70therefore can provide improved results as compared to the results provided when the measurement spot15is used. In one embodiment, a metrology spots sites on a sample10may be approximately 50 microns square. As semiconductor device sizes continue to shrink, so do metrology site dimensions. For example, newer semiconductor devices may include metrology sites of approximately 30 microns square. Metrology spots15may be any suitable shape including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, circular, elliptical, or any other shape that a designer finds suitable.

The data processing and control system8typically will include one or more processors (not shown) coupled to one or more memories (not shown). The data processing and control system8may include, for example, multiple discrete, networked computer systems. The data processing and control system8will typically include one or more software portions (not shown) comprising instructions suitable for execution by the one or more processors of the data processing and control system8. The software portions may also be embodied as a signal bearing medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by the data processing and control system8(e.g., one or more processors thereof) to perform operations described herein. Note that a processor will typically be a general-purpose processor but could also be a digital signal processor, data processor, or a processing unit custom designed to efficiently generate modeled scattering data.

Similar to measuring the sample10at different wavelengths, measuring the sample10at different orientations relative to the incidence plane60of the ellipsometer provides more information about the periodic structure9, and also provides selective sensitivities to different structure parameters. For the orientations of the periodicity direction71(seeFIG. 1C) when the lines92of the periodic structure9are either parallel or perpendicular to the incidence plane60of the ellipsometer, no mixing between the S- and P-polarizations should occur, and the measurements are therefore less subject to variability in sample orientation. InFIG. 1B, the periodicity direction71is shown parallel to the x axis (i.e., perpendicular to the y axis) and parallel to the incidence plane60. Lines92run perpendicular to the periodicity direction71. Other orientations of the periodicity directions71may also be used.

In the example ofFIG. 1A, the sample10is placed on a sample platen12that has the ability to orient the sample10in a number of orientations to create a number of corresponding periodicity directions. In an exemplary embodiment, the orientations are defined by the periodicity direction71. The sample platen12may also provide translational movement (e.g., movement along the x axis and/or y axis), and/or rotational movement (e.g., movement relative to the center of the sample platen), and/or vertical movement (e.g., movement in the x axis). Such movement may be performed for sample positioning, such that the measurement spot11is focused on a particular periodic structure, or for focusing. Further, the sample10may be positioned such that the largest number of periods for the periodic structure9is positioned within the focused measurement spot11.

Referring now toFIG. 2along with reference when needed toFIGS. 1A-1C, a chart200is shown inFIG. 2of a measurement flow diagram is shown. Chart200is a simplified diagram of certain exemplary steps taken, including systems and inputs, outputs, and internal data used for such systems, for measurement of a sample10. Reference numerals210,260,275and280are related to inputs, outputs, and internal data, whereas reference numerals220,230,240,250, and270are related to systems.

Reference210represents a step of providing a sample10. The sample10includes a multilayer film, typically including dielectric or metallic periodic structures. It should be noted that “flat”. measurements could also be taken, where flat measurements are taken on “flat” portions of samples or a “flat” sample. A “flat” portion of a sample is a flat area of a sample10that does not contain structures (e.g., does not contain a periodic structure9). A “flat” sample10is a sample10that does not contain structures (e.g., does not contain a periodic structure9).

Reference220indicates that sample positioning and focusing system(s) position and focus the sample. Positioning includes, e.g., ensuring that the measurement spot11is placed at a particular portion of the sample10. For example, a particular periodic structure9or a set thereof could be aligned with and illuminated by the measurement spot11. As another example, a portion of the sample10that is flat is aligned with and illuminated by the measurement spot11. Positioning may also include positioning for other measurement systems, such as a picosecond ultrasonic tool.

Reference230indicates that sample measurement systems are used to measure characteristics of the sample10. In particular, one or more scatterometry systems240(e.g., such as scatterometry system100ofFIG. 1A, which can include ellipsometry and reflectometry systems) are used to produce measured signals260(e.g., measured signals51ofFIG. 1A) corresponding to the portion of the sample10that is illuminated. Reference270indicates that a data analysis algorithm operates to analyze the measured signals260to determine output characteristics280of the sample10. In an exemplary embodiment, the data analysis algorithm270operates on the measured signals260to create measured data275. For instance, the data analysis algorithm270converts analog measured signals260to digital measurement data275. As another example, the data analysis algorithm270maps the measured signals260into measurement data275. In another exemplary embodiment, the measured signals275do not need to be operated on and the measured signals275are used without creating measurement data275. The output characteristics280of the sample10could include thickness of thin-films (e.g., in both in flat portions of the sample and portions containing periodic structures9) and parameters for periodic structures9such as structure dimensions including pitch, critical dimension, spacer sizes and width of structures such as gate electrodes.

Another exemplary embodiment includes measuring the sample10by using both the scatterometry system(s)240(e.g., an ellipsometer) along with a picosecond ultrasonic metrology tool250, where the scatterometry system(s)240makes flat measurements (i.e., measurements on a flat portion of the sample10or using a flat sample) and the picosecond ultrasonic tool250makes flat measurements, and the measured signals260(e.g., or measurement data275) are combined in data analysis algorithm270to produce improved results in characteristics280of the sample10. As another example, the scatterometry system(s)240makes structured measurements (i.e., measurements on a portion of the sample10having a periodic structure9) and the picosecond ultrasonic tool250makes structured measurements, and the measured signals260(e.g., or measurement data275) are combined in data analysis algorithm270to produce improved results in characteristics280of the sample10.FIG. 1Dillustrates one embodiment of a combination of system100with a second system101. In this embodiment, measurements of characteristics of a sample10are captured using one or more metrology systems101other than system100. These characteristics are then used to improve the accuracy of the measurement of a sample10under test by the system100. For example, an index of refraction of a material or sample may be obtained using a picosecond ultrasonic metrology tool. Such a metrology tool is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,175,416 and 7,050,178, which are hereby incorporated by reference. An index of refraction may also be obtained using a separate ellipsometer, spectroscopic or monochromatic, a reflectometer, or a refractometer, among others. Other characteristics that may be obtained using metrology or inspection systems other than system100and used to improve the accuracy of a measurement include transmittance, surface reflectances, and any other useful optical property of a material of a sample10. System101may be a picosecond ultrasonic metrology system, a monochromatic or spectroscopic ellipsometer, a reflectometer, a macro or micro defect inspection system or any other useful metrology or inspection system. In another embodiment, the system100may be operated as an ellipsometer either prior to or simultaneous with its function as a scatterometer. In this embodiment, ellipsometric measurements of characteristics of the sample are used to modify the model and/or correlation between measured data and the model to ensure proper and efficient functioning.

Referring now toFIG. 3with appropriate reference to previous figures, a flowchart is shown of an exemplary method200for performing multiple measurements including focused beam scatterometry for characterization of samples including periodic structures. Method300starts in step305, when the sample10is oriented to a specific direction. For instance, the sample10could be oriented such that periodicity direction71(seeFIG. 1B) is parallel to the incidence plane60. InFIGS. 3 and 4, the term “measurement data” includes one or more of measurement data275or measured signals260.

In step310, the periodic structure9on the sample10is measured. Steps320and325are two alternative techniques for measuring the periodic structure9in step310. In step320, multiple measurements are performed, each measurement at a single wavelength. Each single wavelength is created by a coherent light source1. Alternatively, in step325, a single measurement is performed using a single wavelength.

In step315, it is determined if a picosecond ultrasonic measurement is to be performed. If so (step315=YES), a picosecond ultrasonic measurement is performed in step330. If not (step315=NO) or after the picosecond ultrasonic measurement has been performed in step330, then it is determined whether another direction is to be used.

If so (step335=YES), the sample10is oriented to another specific direction. For instance, the sample10could be reoriented such that periodicity direction71(seeFIG. 1B) is placed 90 degrees from the original periodicity direction71when step305was first performed. In the example of step305given above, the periodicity direction71could be changed from parallel (the first time step305is performed) to the incidence plane60to perpendicular (the second time step305is performed) to the incident plane60. Periodicity directions71other than parallel and perpendicular to the incidence plane60may also be used. It should be noted that the periodicity directions71could be characterized by an angle, if desired. For instance, a periodicity direction71parallel to the incident plane60could be considered to be at zero degrees and a periodicity direction71perpendicular to the incident plane60could be considered to be at ninety degrees. Using this characterization, angles between zero and 90 degrees would typically be used for measurements.

If there is no other direction to be examined (step335=NO), in step340, the measurement data are combined from the steps320,325, and330that were performed in method300and from the periodicity direction(s)71that were used during the method300. Method300allows many different combinations of measured data to be analyzed in step330. For instance, single measurements using single wavelengths (step325) could be performed at each of two different periodicity directions71and the measurement data from these two measurements combined in step340. As another example, single measurements using single wavelengths (step325) could be performed at each of two different periodicity directions71and these two measurements could be combined with two measurements of the picosecond ultrasonic measurement (step330), each picosecond ultrasonic measurement performed for a periodicity direction71of the sample10.

As a further example, multiple measurements could be performed, each measurement performed at a single wavelength (step320), but these measurements would only be performed at a single periodicity direction71of the sample. These measurements would be combined in step340. As yet another example, the measurements of both step320and330would be combined in step340, but the measurements for steps320and330would only be performed at a single periodicity direction71of the sample. These examples are only some of the many variations possible in method300.

Turning toFIG. 4with appropriate reference to preceding figures,FIG. 4is a flowchart of an exemplary method400for performing multiple measurements including focused beam scatterometry for characterization of “flat” portions of a sample or “flat” samples. As described above, a “flat” portion of a sample is a flat area of a sample10that does not contain structures (e.g., does not contain a periodic structure9), and a “flat” sample10is a sample10that does not contain structures (e.g., does not contain a periodic structure9). Steps in method400are similar to method300, so these steps will not be explained in detail in reference toFIG. 4.

Method400begins in step405, when the flat portion of sample10or a flat sample10is measured. Steps410and420are two alternative techniques for measuring the periodic structure9in step405. In step410, multiple measurements are performed, each measurement at a single wavelength. Each single wavelength is created by a coherent light source1. Alternatively, in step420, a single measurement is performed using a single wavelength.

In step430, it is determined if a picosecond ultrasonic measurement is to be performed. If so (step430=YES), a picosecond ultrasonic measurement is performed in step435. If not (step430=NO) or after the picosecond ultrasonic measurement has been performed in step435, measurement data from any step410,420, and435performed during method400is combined and analyzed. Unlike method300, method400does not provide steps for measuring data at different orientations of periodic structures9, as no such periodic structures9are being measured in method400. However, as with method300, method400allows many different combinations of measured data to be combined and analyzed (see step445).

For instance, a single measurement using a single wavelength (step420) could be performed and combined (step445) with a measurement of the picosecond ultrasonic measurement (step435). As another example, step410could be performed without performing step435and the measurement data from step410combined in step445. As yet another example, the measurements of both step410and435would be combined in step440. These examples are only some of the many variations possible in method400.

In another embodiment, an ellipsometer takes measurements at multiple angles of incidence and at a few (e.g., 1-6) wavelengths successively to characterize periodic structures, with measurements at multiple angles of incidence ranging from approximately 40 to approximately 70 degrees, performed simultaneously by means of a focused incident beam, which is collected and projected on a detector array after scattering from the sample. Light sources may include coherent or incoherent sources and may be broadband or substantially monochromatic as suggested above.

In some embodiments, measurements may be performed at a few orientations of the periodicity direction71and the incidence plane60of the scatterometry system (e.g., ellipsometer). Typical measurements would be zero and 90 degrees for the periodicity direction71relative to incidence plane60. In some embodiments however, it is useful to take multiple measurements at orientations of the periodicity direction71that are not 0° or 90°. In one example, an “ideal” orientation of the periodicity direction71is calculated and multiple measurements at orientations of the periodicity direction71at or near the calculated ideal are obtained to verify that the calculated ideal is an optimal orientation. This verification process may take place for each measurement spot or site for each sample or may be part of a recipe set up process that occurs prior to processing a lot of samples10and may occur only a single time or only a few times during the recipe set up process.

Combining measurement data from different orientations (angle of incidence and azimuthal angles) and wavelengths and simultaneously comparing these values to a model in order to find the optimal model parameters has also been found to be useful. In one exemplary embodiment, combined measurements are be fitted to the model all together with proper weighting factors, the weighting factors being correlated to various aspects or characteristics of the sample. For example, in some embodiments, a parameter or characteristic may be more sensitive to an azimuthal angle. Accordingly, more weight may be given to differentiation of data based on azimuthal angle than to angle of incidence.

In another exemplary embodiment, a multiple-step solution may be performed, where different measurements or their combinations are used to determine one or more of the model parameters. In the following steps, these model parameters from the first step are then used as fixed at the resulting values from the first step. The following steps involve a different set of measured data derived from system100or system101. For instance, a model might be used to determine Parameters A, B, and C. A first step would fix Parameter A, while additional steps would use the fixed Parameter A when determining Parameters B and C. As an additional example, ultrasonic and ellipsometric measurements may be sensitive to different aspects of periodic and non-periodic structures, and also to different parameters. Thus, illustratively, ultrasonic measurements could be used to determine depth (e.g., thickness) of the structures, and then the fixed depth value would be used for processing ellipsometry data in order to extract thicknesses of the thin films deposited over the structures.

FIG. 1Dillustrates a system101that takes a measurement of a measurement spot or site that is also addressed by system100. In other embodiments, systems100and101may be arranged to measure spots that are spaced apart from one another though it is often the case, though not always, that both systems will measure the same measurement spots. Further, systems100and101may also be offset from one another azimuthally and in this configuration may be arranged to measure the same measurement spot simultaneously or may be laterally offset from one another. As will be appreciated, data derived from system100and101may be processed separately, but are often processed together to optimize the measurement process.

It is contemplated that measurement swill be taken by system100and/or system101at various wavelengths. This may occur simultaneously as in the case of a spectroscopic ellipsometer or sequentially as with an ellipsometer that uses multiple independent light sources having substantially a single wavelength.

In one embodiment, the detector array7may be one or more one dimensional detectors such as an optical multichannel analyzer (OMA). In this embodiment, the detector7would output a single intensity data value for each angle of incidence. In order to obtain data concerning multiple azimuthal angles, the sample10(or the system100) would have to be rotated with respect to one another. Further, where data at multiple wavelengths were desired, data at multiple wavelengths would be captured at each azimuthal angle.

In another embodiment, multiple OMAs may be aligned the one next to the other such that each OMA in an array of OMAs will output multiple intensity data values, specific angles of incidence, each OMA being associated with a single azimuthal angle. In effect, an array of OMAs will act in much the same way as a two dimensional CCD array.

As suggested in the preceding paragraph, a two dimensional CCD array may also be used. In such an array each dimension may be mapped to a different parameter such as angle of incidence, azimuthal angle or wavelength. In one embodiment the system100operates as an ellipsometer, horizontal rows of the CCD may be arranged to output data for a single angle of incidence, the multiple horizontal rows each being related to a separate angle of incidence. In this embodiment, the vertical rows of the CCD array may be mapped to either an azimuthal angle or, with the provision of a suitable prism, grating or other spectroscopic device between the analyzer6and the detector7, to a wavelength.

Receiving optic5collects reflected beam22, re-collimates it and directs the collimated light onto the detector7. As will be appreciated from the preceding paragraph, the collimated beam includes separate angle of incidence and azimuthal angle components that are mapped onto the detector array7. Stops, slits and/or apertures (not shown) may be included in system100to limit the extent of beam23that is incident upon the detector array7. The capture of the whole reflected beam22would thus provide information important to determine the Rp/Rs for different incidence angles and structure orientations. Such arrangement may be alternative to the described embodiment above that employs multiple ellipsometer systems focusing at the same spot.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the best techniques presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out embodiments of the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. All such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

Furthermore, some of the features of exemplary embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of embodiments of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof.