Patent Publication Number: US-10767977-B1

Title: Scattered radiation defect depth detection

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 120 from nonprovisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/289,632, entitled “PHASE RETARDANCE OPTICAL SCANNER”, filed on Feb. 28, 2019, the subject matter of which is incorporated by reference 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for detecting defects in thin transparent materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to detecting defects in thin transparent materials by way of measuring phase change in light reflected from the thin transparent material. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Many thin films are used in high technology products. For example, thin films on glass are used in many high technology products such as televisions, monitors, and mobile devices. Inspecting glass is challenging due to its low reflectivity and high transparency. Previous techniques perform glass inspection that requires the glass sample to be spun. Spinning a glass sample introduces problems for glass samples that are fragile, not symmetric, or large. Regardless of these problems, glass samples that are fragile, not symmetric, or large need to be tested for defects before used in costly manufacturing processes and integrated into expensive high technology products. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first novel aspect, an optical scanning system includes a radiating source capable of outputting a light beam, a first time varying beam reflector that is configured to reflect the light beam through a scan lens towards a transparent sample at an incident angle that is not more than one degree greater or less than Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample, and a second time varying beam reflector that is configured to reflect the light beam reflected from the transparent sample after passing through a de-scan lens onto a phase retardance detector. The output of the phase retardance detector is usable to determine if a defect is present on the transparent sample. The first time varying beam reflector causes a first phase retardance of the light beam and the second time varying beam reflector causes a second phase retardance of the reflected light beam in the opposite direction of the first phase retardance. 
     In one example, the optical scanning system further includes a memory circuit and a processor circuit adapted to read information received from the phase retardance detector, and determine if a defect is present on the transparent sample. 
     In a second novel aspect, an optical scanning system includes a radiating source capable of outputting a light beam, a time varying beam reflector that is configured to reflect the light beam through a scan lens towards a transparent sample at an incident angle that is not more than one degree greater or less than Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample, and a focusing lens configured to be irradiated by light scattered from the transparent sample at an angle that is normal to the plane of incidence of the moving irradiated spot on the transparent sample. A first portion of the light beam is scattered from a first surface of the transparent sample and a second portion of the light beam is scattered from a second surface of the transparent sample. A spatial filter is configured to block the second portion of the light beam scattered from the second surface of the transparent sample. 
     In one example, the optical scanning system further includes a memory circuit and a processor circuit adapted to read information received from the detector and determine if a defect is present on the first surface of the transparent sample. 
     Further details and embodiments and techniques are described in the detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components, illustrate embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional diagram of a thin film deposited on top of a glass sample. 
         FIG. 2  is a graph illustrating the relationship between phase retardance and the incident angle of irradiating light for a bare glass sample, a 10 Å thin film deposited on a glass sample, and a 100 Å thin film deposited on a glass sample. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of a phase retardance optical inspector. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of a bi-cell detector. 
         FIG. 5  is a graph illustrating phase retardance caused by both the input mirror and the output mirror when the mirrors are operating in an out-of-phase manner. More specifically, the graph illustrates the relationship between the phase of a beam reflecting off the input and output mirror versus the rotation angle of the input mirror. 
         FIG. 6  is a graph illustrating the combined phase retardance for both in-phase mirror operation and out-of-phase mirror operation. More specifically, the graph illustrates the relationship between the resulting phase of the beam after being reflected by both the input and output mirrors versus the rotation angle of the input mirror. 
         FIG. 7  is a graph illustrating the relationship between total phase retardance of the phase retardance optical inspector versus the field of view of the phase retardance optical inspector at the location of the phase retardance detector. 
         FIG. 8  is a table listing an example of the angles of rotation for both the input mirror and the output mirror when operated in an out-of-phase manner. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram of a beam retardance mapping illustrating the detection of defects by way of detecting changes in the beam retardance. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram of a scattered radiation optical inspector. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram of a scattered radiation mapping illustrating detection of defects by way of detecting changes in the intensity of scattered radiation. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating the steps to perform phase retardance defect detection. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating the steps to perform scattered radiation defect detection. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a novel region prober optical inspector. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an example location to be probed on a transparent sample. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates the area of reflected light blocked by blocker  119  from the perspective along the path of the reflected light. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an example of a desired region of the transparent sample that is to be probed. 
         FIG. 18  is a table illustrating how the presence of a defect in a probed region is detected using a threshold value. 
         FIG. 19  is a flowchart  300  illustrating the steps of region probing to detect defects within a desired region of a transparent sample. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates the two scattered radiation events caused by an inclusion. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates the two scattered radiation events caused by a top surface particle. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a scattered radiation event caused by a bottom surface particle. 
         FIG. 23  is an example of separation ranges between scattered radiation events for an exemplary transparent sample. 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart  400  illustrating the steps to perform scattered radiation defect depth detection. 
         FIG. 25  is a flowchart  500  illustrating the steps of defect detection utilizing multiple measure polarization values. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to background examples and some embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the description and claims below, relational terms such as “top”, “down”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “left” and “right” may be used to describe relative orientations between different parts of a structure being described, and it is to be understood that the overall structure being described can actually be oriented in any way in three-dimensional space. 
     Many high technology products involve depositing films on glass or other transparent substrates. An important process control metric is to measure the film thickness and film defects on the glass substrate. This has proven to be difficult due to the low reflectivity of glass and the difficulty of separating signals from the top surface of the glass substrate from signals from the bottom surface of the glass substrate. Another issue with measuring the film thickness and film defects on the glass substrate is that the current techniques do not allow for scanning of many different shapes and sizes of transparent samples. 
     A solution is needed that: (i) accurately separates signals from the top surface of the glass substrate from signals from the bottom surface of the glass substrate, (ii) detects the presence of defects in response to small changes in signals from the surface of the glass substrate, and (iii) allows for scanning of many different shapes and sizes of transparent samples. 
     The present invention provides a solution to this problem by providing a scanning method that irradiates the transparent sample at, or near, the Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample. This scanning method of irradiating the transparent sample at, or near, Brewster&#39;s angle also provides a scan in the x-y coordinate system, which makes the present invention capable of scanning any object shape or object size that is substantially flat. 
     Transparent sample surfaces, such as glass, frequently have thin films deposited upon their surfaces.  FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional diagram of a thin film deposited on top of a glass sample. It is desirable to be able to inspect the transparent sample surface both before deposition for surface cleanliness and after the deposition to check and for film defects. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary that the technique be very sensitive to films on the transparent sample surface. It is also necessary that that the technique be able to separate the received signal from the top surface of the transparent sample from the received signal from the bottom surface of the transparent sample. 
     The sensitivity to films on a transparent sample can be addressed by considering the information illustrated in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  is a graph illustrating the relationship between phase retardance and the incident angle of irradiating light for a bare glass sample, a 10 Å thin film deposited on a glass sample, and a 100 Å thin film deposited on a glass sample. More specifically,  FIG. 2  shows the retardance (Φ P −Φ S +π) versus the angle of incidence for a typical transparent sample, such as glass (BK7) with a MgF 2  film layer thickness as a parameter. On a glass substrate, the retardance reduces to just the phase of the P wave (Φ P ). One conclusion to draw from  FIG. 2  is that to detect films on transparent samples, such as glass, it is desirable to operate with a polarization that is near P polarization (polarization that is parallel to the plane of incidence). Another conclusion to draw from  FIG. 2  is that it is desirable to perform the scan by irradiating the transparent sample at an incident angle that is at, or near, the Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample. For example, ten times more (10×) sensitivity can be achieved by operating at 57 degrees instead of at 60 degrees. Sensitivity is defined as the difference between the 10 Angstrom film curve and the bare glass curve. There is, however, a tradeoff given that operation at exactly Brewster&#39;s angle in P polarization will result in no signal being reflected from the transparent solid. Therefore, it is desirable to perform the scan by irradiating the sample at an angle of incidence that is no more than one degree greater or less than Brewster&#39;s angle for the transparent sample. It is also desirable to perform the scan by irradiating the sample with a polarization that is no more than 20 degrees from P polarization. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of a phase retardance optical inspector. The phase retardance optical inspector includes a radiating source  10 , a half-wave plate  28 , a feed-in mirror  11 , an input mirror (input time varying beam reflector)  12 , a scan lens  13 , a de-scan lens  15 , an output mirror (output time varying beam reflector)  16 , a feed-out mirror  17 , a focusing lens  18 , a blocker  19  located at a focal plan  20  of the focusing lens  18 , a collimating lens  21 , a half-wave plate  22 , a phase retardance measuring unit  29 , a processor  26  (optional), and a memory  27  (optional). The phase retardance measuring unit includes a polarizing beam splitter  23 , a first detector  24  and a second detector  25 . 
     In one example, the input  12  and output  16  mirrors are linear time varying beam reflectors, which vary the angle of reflection linearly as they are rotated. Input  12  and output  16  mirrors may also be controlled by an electrical signal, such as a signal generator. Input  12  and output  16  mirrors may be referred to as galvanometer mirrors. 
     In one example, the first and/or second detectors are bi-cell detectors. An example of a bi-cell detector is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . A bi-cell detector has a center line  31  that separates a first photo sensor from a second photo sensor. The bi-cell detector can be configured so that it outputs a first signal that indicates the difference between the light intensity measured by one side of the detector and the light intensity measured by another side of the detector. The bi-cell detector also can be configured so that it outputs a second signal that indicates the summation of the light intensity measured by one side of the detector and the light intensity measured by another side of the detector. 
     In operation, the phase retardance optical inspector measures retardance by measuring the change in polarization of the signal from the transparent sample that results from irradiation of the transparent sample by a scanning beam as it travels across a transparent sample. In order to accurately measure the change in polarization due to the signals from the transparent solid, and not due to the phase retardance caused by the inspector itself, it is required that the optics that produce the moving beam and the optics that de-scan and guide the signals from the transparent solid produce minimal polarization change (retardance). 
     A major source of polarization change (retardance) caused by the phase retardance optical inspector is the input  12  and output  16  mirrors. The polarization change (retardance) caused by input mirror  12  and output mirror  16  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Input mirror  12  and output mirror  16  can be operated in any desired manner based on their electric control signals, however, the manner in which the input  12  and output  16  mirrors are operated has a large impact on the polarization change (retardance) introduced by the phase retardance optical inspector. The polarization change (retardance) produced by each mirror is a function of the angle of incidence of the light upon the mirror. The larger the angle of incidence, the larger the polarization change (retardance). 
     In one example, the input mirror  12  and the output mirror  16  could be operated such that the both mirrors operate in-phase, such that each mirror is rotated so that each mirror has the same angle with respect to the beam. This “In-Phase” operation of the input  12  and output  16  mirrors causes maximum polarization change (retardance) because as the input mirror  12  rotates to increase its angle with respect to the beam the amount of polarization change caused by the input mirror increases, and as the output mirror  16  rotates to increase its angle with respect to the beam the amount of polarization change caused by the output mirror increases. Therefore, the polarization change (retardance) caused by each mirror is always in the same direction and results in a maximum polarization change. This maximum variation of phase change (retardance) during “In-Phase” operation is illustrated in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  clearly shows that as the angle of mirror rotation increases, so does the polarization change (retardance). 
     In another example, the input mirror  12  and the output mirror  16  could be operated such that the mirrors operate out-of-phase, such that each mirror is rotated so that each mirror has the opposite angle with respect to the beam.  FIG. 8  is a table listing an example of the angles of rotation for both the input mirror and the output mirror when operated in an out-of-phase manner. This “Out-of-Phase” operation of the input  12  and output  16  mirrors causes minimum polarization change (retardance) because as the input mirror  12  rotates to increase its angle with respect to the beam the amount of polarization change caused by the input mirror increases, and as the output mirror  16  rotates to decrease its angle with respect to the beam the amount of polarization change caused by the output mirror decreases. Therefore, the polarization change (retardance) caused by each mirror is always in the opposite direction and resulting in a minimum. This minimum variation of phase change (retardance) during “Out-of-Phase” operation is also illustrated in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  clearly shows that as the angle of mirror rotation increases, polarization change (retardance) does not exceed two degrees. 
     With respect to the Out-of-Phase operation, it is also noted that not only is the polarization change (retardance) across the field of view reduced by this technique, but also the reflectivity variation caused by each mirror is reduced as well. This is because the reflectivity of the input mirror is decreasing as its angle of incidence increases and the output mirror reflectivity is increasing since its angle of incidence is decreasing. These two effects will nearly cancel one another resulting in a very minimal change in reflectivity versus angle of incidence. 
     Another major source of polarization change (retardance) caused by the phase retardance optical inspector is the feed-in angle of the scanning beam upon the input mirror  12 . As discussed above, the polarization change (retardance) is reduced as the angle of incidence approaches zero degrees. However, from a practical point of view, feed-in angles of approximately five degrees are possible. In the phase retardance optical inspector the feed-in angle is controlled by the configuration of the radiating source  10  and feed-in mirror  11 . In one example, the radiating source  10  and feed-in mirror  11  are configured so that the resulting feed-in angle to input mirror  12  is twelve degrees. A fixed feed-in angle of twelve degrees causes a minimal polarization change (retardance) by the input mirror  12 . 
     In one example, the light reflected by the feed-in mirror irradiates the input mirror  12  at an angle that is not greater than thirty degrees from the normal angle of the input mirror  12  (first time varying beam reflector) when the input mirror  12  is positioned at a mid-point of the input mirror  12  rotational range. 
     Similarly, yet another major source of polarization change (retardance) caused by the phase retardance optical inspector is the feed-out angle of the signal from the transparent sample upon the output mirror  16 . As discussed above, the polarization change (retardance) is reduced as the angle of incidence approaches zero degrees. However, from a practical point of view, feed-out angles of approximately five to fifteen degrees are possible. In the phase retardance optical inspector the feed-out angle is controlled by the configuration of the de-scanning lens  15 , output mirror  16 , and feed-out mirror  17 . In one example, the de-scanning lens  15 , output mirror  16 , and feed-out mirror  17  are configured so that the resulting feed-out angle to output mirror  17  is twelve degrees. A fixed feed-out angle of twelve degrees causes a minimal polarization change (retardance) by the feed-out mirror  17 . 
     The combination of the Out-of-Phase operation of the input  12  and output  16  mirrors with the minimal feed-in and feed-out angles result in an optical inspector that produces minimal polarization change (retardance). An example of the resulting polarization change (retardance) at the phase retardance measuring unit  29  versus field of view of the optical inspector is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . This clearly shows the advantage of out-of-phase mirroring versus in-phase mirroring. 
     The half-wave plate  28  can be used to adjust the polarization of the scanning beam output by the radiating source  10 . In one example, the half-wave plate  28  is used to adjust the polarization of the scanning beam to be as close as possible to P polarized. As discussed above, it is advantageous to scan a transparent sample with a near P polarized scan beam. 
     The scan lens  13  operates to focus the scanning beam onto the transparent sample. In one example, the scan lens  13  is a telecentric scan lens. Scan lens  13  is configurable such that the scanning beam output from the scan lens  13  irradiates the transparent sample at an angle that is not more than one degree from Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample. Another type of lens which may replace the scan lens is an achromat. 
     In one example, the transparent sample is glass. In another example, the transparent sample is a thin film deposited on a transparent material. Other examples of transparent samples include but are not limited to: sapphire, fused silica, quartz, silicon carbide, and polycarbonate. 
     De-scan lens  15  operates to focus the signal from the transparent sample onto output mirror  16 . In one example, the de-scan lens  15  is an achromat. An achromat can be used for de-scanning because critical focusing and telecentricity is not needed when receiving the signal from the transparent sample. This is an economical benefit because an achromat is much less expensive than a telecentric lens. Other examples of a de-scan lens include, but are not limited to: spherical singlet, spherical doublets, triplet, or aspheric lens. 
     Feed-out mirror  17  operates to reflect the signal from the output mirror  16  to focusing lens  18 . Focusing lens  18  has a focal plane  20 . At the focus of the focusing lens  18  there will be two spots (provided the sample is transparent) and these spots correspond to signal from the top and bottom surfaces of the sample. In one example, focusing lens  18  is an achromatic lens. Other examples of a focusing lens include but are not limited to: spherical singlet, spherical doublets, triplet, or aspheric lens. 
     In one example, the light reflected by output mirror  16  irradiates the feed-out mirror at an angle that is not greater than thirty degrees from the normal angle of output mirror  16  (the second time varying beam reflector) when output mirror  16  is positioned at a mid-point of output mirror  16  rotational range. 
     Blocker  19  is located near the focal plane  20  and operates to block a portion of the signal from the transparent sample that is from a specific surface of the transparent sample. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , blocker  19  may be configured so to block signal from the bottom surface of the transparent sample, while allowing the signal from the top surface of the transparent sample to pass. Although not illustrated, the blocker  19  can also be configured so to block signal from the top surface of the transparent sample, while allowing the signal from the bottom surface of the transparent sample to pass. In this fashion, the phase retardance optical inspector is able to differentiate signal from the top of the transparent sample from signal from the bottom of the transparent sample. In one example, the blocker  19  is a mirror. Other examples of a blocker include but are not limited to: an absorbing material, a blackened piece of aluminum, and a black painted piece of metal. 
     Collimating lens  21  operates to collimate the signal from the transparent sample that is not blocked by blocker  19 . In one example, the collimating lens  21  is an achromatic lens. Other examples of a collimating lens include but are not limited to: spherical singlet, spherical doublets, triplet, or aspheric lens. 
     Half-wave plate  22  operates to adjust the polarization of the signal from the transparent sample before irradiating polarizing beam splitter  23  of the phase retardance measuring unit  29 . In one example, the half-wave plate  22  adjusts the polarization of the signal from the transparent sample so that the signals incident upon detectors  24  and  25  are approximately equal. 
     Upon being irradiated, polarizing beam splitter  23  allows all light polarized in one direction to pass through to detector  25  and reflects all light polarized in the other direction to detector  24 . The plane of the polarizing beam splitter  23  is the same as the plane of the sample. Detector  24  outputs a signal indicating the intensity of the light that irradiated detector  24 . Detector  25  outputs a signal indicating the intensity of the light that irradiated detector  25 . The difference between the signals from the two detectors is proportional to the polarization change (retardance) of the scanning beam caused by defects of the transparent sample or films on the transparent sample. Any small change in the film thickness or properties can be detected by comparing the output signals of detectors  24 ,  25 . The sum of the signals from the two detectors is proportional to the reflectivity of the transparent sample or films on the transparent sample. 
     In the case where the detectors are bi-cell detectors, the phase retardance measuring unit can also determine a change in the surface slope of the transparent sample. 
     Processor  26  (optional) can be used to read the output signals from detectors  24  and  25 . Processor  26  can execute code that calculates the difference between the output signals and determine if a defect is present on the transparent sample as well as what type of defect the defect is. The processor  26  may also store the intensity values indicated by the output signals in a memory  27  (optional). The processor  26  may also read instructions from memory  27 . The processor  26  may also read one or more threshold values to aid in the determination if a defect is present and the type of defect when a defect is present. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram of a beam retardance mapping illustrating the detection of defects by way of detecting changes in the beam retardance. This mapping can be created manually based on monitoring the output of the phase retardance measuring unit  29 . Alternatively, this mapping can be created automatically by a processor that samples the output of the phase retardance measuring unit  29  and stores the resulting difference computations in memory  27 . The beam retardance mapping can then be used to determine if a defect is present on the transparent sample or the thin film deposited on the transparent sample. For example, a decrease in the beam retardance can indicate a change in film thickness, a film defect or a particle defect on the transparent sample. Alternatively, an increase in the beam retardance can indicate a change film thickness, a film defect, or a particle defect on the transparent sample. This beam retardance mapping can also be output as a digital file that is sharable with consumers of the transparent sample. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram of a scattered radiation optical inspector. The scattered radiation optical inspector includes a radiating source (not shown) that outputs a source beam  40 , a time varying beam reflector  41 , a telecentric scan lens  42 , a focusing lens  46 , a spatial filter  48 , a collimating lens  49  and a detector  50 . 
     In operation, the radiating source emits source beam  40  which irradiates time varying beam reflector  41 . The time varying beam reflector  41  reflects the source beam  40  to the telecentric scan lens  42 . The time variance of the time varying beam reflector  41  causes a moving spot (scanning beam  43 ) to irradiate transparent sample  44 . The time varying beam reflector  41  and the telecentric scan lens  42  are configured so to irradiate the transparent sample  44  with the scanning beam  43  at an angle of incidence that is not more than one degree from the Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample  44 . The focusing lens  46  is configured to be irradiated by scattered radiation from the transparent sample  44 . The scattered radiation is radiated from the top surface of the transparent sample  44 , as well as from the bottom surface of the transparent sample  44 . The focusing lens  46  can be referred to as a collector of light. In one example, the focusing lens  46  is configured to be oriented along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane incidence of scanning beam  43 . In one example, the focusing lens  46  is a low F-number camera lens. The focusing lens  46  focuses light to a focal plane  47 . The spatial filter  48  is located at focal plane  47  and operates to filter out the scattered radiation from the bottom surface of the transparent sample  44 , while allowing the scattered radiation from the top surface of the transparent sample  44  to pass through to collimating lens  49 . The collimating lens  49  is configured along an axis that is perpendicular to the scanning beam  43 . In one example, the spatial filter  48  is a slit shaped spatial filter to remove the scattered light from the bottom surface of the transparent sample  44 . In another example, the collimating lens  49  is a pair of achromatic lenses that shape the scattered radiation into a circular spot that irradiates detector  50 . In yet another example, detector  50  is a photomultiplier tube. 
     In another example, the scattered radiation optical inspector further includes a processor and a memory. The processor functions to read the output signals generated by the detector  50  and store the light intensity values indicated by the output signals in the memory. The processor may also function to determine the presence of defects and the type of defects. The processor may also function to generate a mapping of defects across the area of the transparent sample. The processor may also be configured to communicate the mapping of defects to another device or to a monitor. 
     The scattered radiation optical inspector described above gathers scattered radiation from the irradiated transparent sample  44  at an angle that is near perpendicular from the angle of incidence of the scanning beam  43 . Moreover, the scattered radiation optical inspector can separate scattered radiation from the top surface of the transparent sample from scattered radiation from the bottom surface of the transparent sample, which provides the valuable ability to detect defects on a single side of a transparent sample. 
     The scattered radiation optical inspector can be integrated with the phase retardance optical inspector of  FIG. 3  because both inspectors require that the transparent sample be irradiated at an angle of incidence that is not more than one degree from the Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample. 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram of a scattered radiation mapping illustrating detection of defects by way of detecting changes in the intensity of scattered radiation from one surface of the transparent sample. For example, the scattered radiation mapping may show a location where there is a decrease in measured intensity by detector  50 . This decrease in measured intensity can be an indicator of a change in film thickness, a film defect, or a particle defect. In another example, the scattered radiation mapping may show a location where there is an increase in measured intensity by detector  50 . This increase in measured intensity can be an indicator of a change in film thickness, a film defect, or a particle defect. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart  100  illustrating the steps to perform phase retardance defect detection. In step  101 , a transparent sample is irradiated at an angle of incidence that is not more than one degree greater or less than the Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample. In step  102 , an input mirror and an output mirror are rotated so that the input mirror is at a minimum angle of incidence when the output mirror is at a maximum angle of incidence. In step  103 , light reflected from the bottom surface of the sample is blocked. In step  104 , the retardance (polarization change) of the light reflected from the top surface is measured. In step  105 , it is determined if a defect is present at the scan location based on the measured retardance and one or more threshold values. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart  200  illustrating the steps to perform scattered radiation defect detection. In step  201 , a transparent sample is irradiated at an angle of incidence that is not more than one degree greater or less than the Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample. In step  202 , the scattered radiation from the transparent sample is focused using a lens orientated at a normal angle to the plane of incidence of the moving irradiated spot on the sample. In step  203 , the scattered radiation from the bottom surface of the transparent sample is blocked. In step  204 , the scattered radiation from the top surface of the transparent sample is collimated. In step  205 , the intensity of the scattered radiation from the top surface of the transparent sample is measured. In step  206 , a determination is made as to whether a defect is present at the scan location based on the measured intensity and one or more threshold values. 
     Region Prober Optical Inspector 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a novel region prober optical inspector. In one embodiment, a region prober optical inspector includes a radiating source  110 , a feed-in mirror  111 , a linear time varying beam reflector  112 , a scan lens  113 , a de-scan lens  115 , a linear time varying beam reflector  116 , a feed-out mirror  117 , a focusing lens  118 , a blocker  119  that is located at the focusing lens focal plane  120 , and a detector  121 . The region probing optical inspector may further include a processor  122  and memory  123  that are configured to process and store an intensity and/or phase output signal received from detector  121 . 
     In one example, the input mirror  112  and output mirror  116  are linear time varying beam reflectors, which vary the angle of reflection linearly as they are rotated. Input mirror  112  and output input mirror  116  may also be controlled by an electrical signal, such as a signal generator. Input mirror  112  and output input mirror  116  may be referred to as galvanometer mirrors. 
     In one example, the detector is a bi-cell detector. An example of a bi-cell detector is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . A bi-cell detector has a center line  31  that separates a first photo sensor from a second photo sensor. The bi-cell detector can be configured so that it outputs a first signal that indicates the difference between the light intensity measured by one side of the detector and the light intensity measured by another side of the detector. The bi-cell detector also can be configured so that it outputs a second signal that indicates the summation of the light intensity measured by one side of the detector and the light intensity measured by another side of the detector. 
     In operation, the radiating source  110  outputs a laser beam. In one optional embodiment, the phase of the output laser beam can be adjusted by a half wave plate that is located along the path of the output laser beam. The output laser beam irradiates feed-in mirror  111  and is reflected toward input mirror  112  and then reflected to scan lens  113 . Scan lens  113  operates to focus the scanning beam onto the transparent sample. In one example, the scan lens  113  is a telecentric scan lens. Scan lens  113  is configurable such that the scanning beam output from the scan lens  113  irradiates the transparent sample  114  at an angle that is not more than one degree from Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample  114 . Another type of lens which may replace the scan lens is an achromat. 
     In one example, the transparent sample is glass. In another example, the transparent sample is a thin film deposited on a transparent material. Other examples of transparent samples include but are not limited to: sapphire, fused silica, quartz, silicon carbide, and polycarbonate. 
     De-scan lens  115  operates to focus the signal from the transparent sample onto output mirror  116 . In one example, the de-scan lens  115  a telecentric scan lens that is substantially identical to scan lens  113 . De-scan lens  115  can be a telecentric lens or an achromat lens. Utilization of substantially identical lens for scan lens  113  and de-scan lens  115  allows the system to focus on light reflecting from a very thin cross section region of the transparent sample. Other examples of a de-scan lens include, but are not limited to: spherical singlet, spherical doublets, triplet, or aspheric lens. 
     Feed-out mirror  117  operates to reflect the signal from the output mirror  116  to focusing lens  118 . Focusing lens  118  has a focal plane  120 . At the focus of the focusing lens  118  there will be two spots (provided the sample is transparent and no defects are present) and these spots correspond to signals from the top and bottom surfaces of the sample. In one example, focusing lens  118  is an achromatic lens. Other examples of a focusing lens include but are not limited to: spherical singlet, spherical doublets, triplet, or aspheric lens. 
     In one example, the light reflected by output mirror  116  irradiates the feed-out mirror at an angle that is not greater than thirty degrees from the normal angle of output mirror  116  (the second time varying beam reflector) when output mirror  116  is positioned at a mid-point of output mirror  116  rotational range. 
     Blocker  119  is located near the focal plane  120  and operates to block all but a portion of the signal from the transparent sample that is within the desired region of the transparent sample. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , blocker  119  may be configured so as to block signal from the bottom surface of the transparent sample and the top surface of the transparent sample, while allowing the signal from a desired region of the transparent sample to pass. An expanded illustration of one embodiment of blocker  119  is shown in  FIG. 14 . The expanded illustration shows the blocker as a slit with a center opening that allows light to pass while blocking the remainder of blocked light. It is noted herein that other blocker configurations can be used to achieve the desired blocking.  FIG. 15  illustrates an example location to be probed on a transparent sample. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an example of a desired region of the transparent sample that is to be probed. Examination of  FIG. 17  shows that the desired region to be probed within the transparent sample does not include the top surface or the bottom surface of the transparent solid. Rather, the desired region to be probed only includes a narrow interior region of the transparent sample. It is noted that the desired probing region illustrated in  FIG. 17  is exemplary and in operation any region up to and including the top and bottom surfaces of the transparent sample may be part of the desired probing region. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the area of reflected light blocked by blocker  119  from the perspective along the path of the reflected light. The location of the light reflected from different regions of the transparent sample vary from the center point (top surface reflection) along a line that terminates at the location where bottom surface location is present. The selectable portion of reflected light illustrated in  FIG. 16  is controlled by blocker  119  as described above. Accordingly, adjusting the slit width of blocker  119  and the location of blocker  119  will adjust the height and location of the region of the transparent sample that will travel past blocker  119  and be subsequently probed for defect detection. 
     In this fashion, the region probing optical inspector is able to differentiate reflections originating from the desired region of the transparent sample from reflections originated from outside of the desired region of the transparent sample. In one example, the blocker  119  is a mirror. Other examples of blocker materials include but are not limited to: an absorbing material, a blackened piece of aluminum, and a black painted piece of metal. 
     An optional collimating lens (not shown) may be used to collimate the signal from the transparent sample that is not blocked by blocker  119 . In one example, the collimating lens is an achromatic lens. Other examples of a collimating lens include but are not limited to: spherical singlet, spherical doublets, triplet, or aspheric lens. 
     The unblocked light reflected from the desired region of the transparent sample then irradiates the detector  121 . In response to being irradiated, detector  121  outputs a signal that is proportional to the intensity of light that irradiates detector  121 . The output signal is then processed by processor  122  to determine if a defect is present in the desired region of the transparent sample  114 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates the use of threshold values to determine if a defect is present in the desired region of the transparent sample. The measured intensity of the reflected light from the desired region of the transparent sample that passes the blocker  119  is compared with a threshold value. In one example, when the measured intensity is greater than the threshold value, it is determined that a defect is present in the desired probing region. Alternatively, when the measured intensity is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that a defect is not present in the desired probing region. 
     It also noted herein, that the phase retardance optical inspector illustrated in  FIG. 3  may also be utilized to implement a region prober optical inspector. As described above regarding  FIG. 3 , the phase retardance optical inspector can be used to measure changes in phase of the measured reflected light from the transparent sample. Using the blocker  119  as described regarding  FIG. 14  and the phase retardance measuring unit of  FIG. 3  in combination allows for the detection of defects by analyzing changes in the phase of the reflected light instead of changes in the intensity of the reflected light. In this scenario, the polarization of the reflected light that passed blocker  119  can be compared to one or more threshold values to determine if a defect is present in the desired probing region. 
       FIG. 19  is a flowchart  300  illustrating the steps of region probing to detect defects within a desired region of a transparent sample. In step  301 , the transparent sample is irradiated at an angle of incidence that is between zero and ninety degrees of the surface of the transparent sample. In step  302 , reflected radiation from the transparent sample is focused at a focal plan using a scan lens and a de-scan lens. In step  303 , one or more portions of the reflected radiation are blocked at the focal plan using a blocker. In step  304 , the intensity of the reflected radiation that is not blocked by the blocker is measured. In step  305 , the presence of a defect in a region of the transparent sample where the unblocked portion of the reflected light was reflected from is determined based at least in part on the measured intensity and one or more threshold values. 
     Defect Detection Utilizing Multiple Measured Polarization Values 
     In addition to determining that a defect is present in desired probing region by comparing a single intensity or a single-phase measurement with a set threshold value, the presence of a defect can be determined by comparing a single measurement with a group of other measurement values taken from the same sample. The optical inspector of  FIG. 3  can be used as described above at multiple locations on the transparent sample. The group of measurements taken at the multiple locations can then be post processed to determine if a defect is present at each measured location on the transparent sample. 
     In one example, the presence of a defect at first location on the sample is determined by comparing the single measured polarization at the first location with an average of measured polarization values within a predefined distance from the first location on the sample. In this fashion, all the measured polarization values with the predefined distance from the first location and summed and divided by the count of qualifying measurements. The resulting average polarization value for the group is then compared to the single polarization measurement taken at the first location. 
     In a first embodiment, if the measured phase value is greater or less than the average polarization value of the group plus or minus some threshold, then it is determined that a defect is present at the first location. If the measured phase value is less than or equal to the average polarization value of the group plus or minus some threshold, then it is determined that a defect is not present at the first location. Depending upon the nature of the defect, a measured phase value which is greater or less than the average value plus or minus a threshold can be considered a defect. 
     In a second embodiment, if the measured phase value is greater than the average polarization value of the group by more than a threshold value, then it is determined that a defect is present at the first location. If the measured phase value is less than the average polarization value of the group by more than a threshold value, then it is determined that a defect is not present at the first location. 
     In another example, the presence of a defect at first location on the sample is determined by comparing the single measured polarization at the first location with a median of measured polarization values within a predefined distance from the first location on the sample. In this fashion, all the measured polarization values with the predefined distance from the first location are sorted and then counted. The value at the position of the total count divided by two is selected as the median value. The resulting median polarization value for the group is then compared to the single polarization measurement taken at the first location. 
     In a first embodiment, if the measured phase value is greater than the median polarization value of the group by more than a threshold value, then it is determined that a defect is present at the first location. If the measured phase value is less than or equal to the median polarization value of the group by more than a threshold value, then it is determined that a defect is not present at the first location. 
       FIG. 25  is a flowchart  500  illustrating the steps of defect detection utilizing multiple measured polarization values. In step  501 , the sample is scanned using the region probing optical inspector to measure polarization values across the sample. In step  502 , a processing filter is applied to the raw measured data. This step is optional. In step  503 , a group polarization value (average or median) of a group of polarization measurements is determined. In step  504 , the group polarization value is compared with a single measured polarization value. In step  505 , presence of a defect at the location where the single measured polarization was measured is determined based on the result of the comparison of the group polarization value and the single measured polarization value. 
     Scattered Radiation Defect Depth Detection 
     As described above, using the scattered radiation optical detector of  FIG. 10 , defects can be detected by analyzing a single scattered radiation measurement. However, the scattered radiation optical detector of  FIG. 10  can be used in a new and novel way to detect defects by analyzing the distance between multiple scattered radiation events. This new and novel use of the scattered radiation optical detector of  FIG. 10  also removes the requirement that the scanning beam be oriented at an incident angle that is not more than one degree greater or less than Brewster&#39;s angle of the transparent sample. Rather, the new and novel use of the scattered radiation optical detector of  FIG. 10  allows the scanning beam to be oriented at any incident angle. 
     This new and novel use of the scattered radiation optical detector of  FIG. 10  can determine the x, y and z location of a defect by analyzing the distance between multiple scattered radiation events. A scattered radiation event is when the intensity of the measured scattered radiation is greater than a threshold intensity value. 
     A first example of defect depth detection is illustrated in  FIG. 20 . An inclusion (defect)  251  is located at a depth d within the transparent sample  250 . At time t 1 , the incident beam radiates the transparent sample  250  at an incident angle of 0 degrees from normal. Due to the transparent sample&#39;s index of refraction n, the light is redirected to a different angle as it travels from the top surface of the transparent sample to the bottom surface of the transparent sample. When the light reaches the bottom surface of the transparent sample, light is reflected upwards at an equal but opposing angle. The light travels at this equal and opposing angle until the reflected light reaches the top surface of the transparent sample, where the reflected light is redirected to an angle equal and opposite to the incident angle. Given that the path the light travels through the transparent sample is known, then the presence and the depth of a defect can be detected by analyzing multiple scattered radiation events measured along a single axis. 
     The following equation is the relationship between the thickness of the transparent sample (t), separation between scattered radiation events (x), the index of refraction of the transparent sample (n), the angle of incidence of the scanning beam (ϕ), and the depth of the defect (d). 
     
       
         
           
             d 
             = 
             
               t 
               - 
               
                 
                   x 
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     
                       
                         n 
                         2 
                       
                       - 
                       
                         
                           sin 
                           2 
                         
                         ⁢ 
                         ∅ 
                       
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   2 
                   ⁢ 
                   
                       
                   
                   ⁢ 
                   sin 
                   ⁢ 
                   
                       
                   
                   ⁢ 
                   ∅ 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     This equation is correct as long as the separation between scattered radiation events is within a specific range. 
     When the separation between scattered radiation events is greater than a first threshold, it is determined that the defect or particle is located at the bottom surface of the transparent sample. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates the two scattered radiation events caused by a top surface particle. At time t 1 , the incident beam enters the transparent sample, reflects from the bottom surface of the transparent sample and irradiates the top surface particle as the beam exits the top surface of the transparent sample. This causes a first scattered radiation event at time t 1 . At time t 2 , the incident beam irradiates the top surface particle before the beam has a chance to enter the transparent sample. This causes a second scattered radiation event. These two scattered radiation events caused by a top surface particle will always be the same distance apart for a given transparent wafer with a constant thickness and index of refraction. Therefore, any separations between scattered radiation events that are greater than, or less than, this fixed distance are not top surface particles. The other criterion place upon the two scattering events is that they must be directly above one another, namely they must have the same x coordinate (within a specified tolerance). 
       FIG. 20  illustrates the two scattered radiation events caused by an inclusion (defect within the transparent sample). At time t 1 , the incident beam enters the transparent sample, reflects from the bottom surface of the transparent sample and irradiates the inclusion as the beam travels toward the top surface of the transparent sample. This causes a first scattered radiation event at time t 1 . At time t 2 , the incident beam enters the transparent sample and then irradiates the inclusion. This causes a second scattered radiation event. These two scattered radiation events caused by the inclusion will always be the closer together than the separation of the two scattered radiation events caused by a top surface particle. Therefore, any separations between scattered radiation events caused by a single inclusion (defects within the transparent sample) will never have a greater separation than scattered radiation events caused by a top surface particle. The other criterion place upon the two scattering events is that they must be directly above one another, namely they must have the same x coordinate (within a specified tolerance). 
     Accordingly, and two scattered radiation events that have a separation greater than the fixed separation (and have the same x coordinate) between scattered radiation events caused by a top surface particle are not caused by a top surface particle and are not caused by an inclusion particle. Thus, by process of elimination, the two scattered radiation events that have a separation greater than the fixed separation between scattered radiation events caused by a top surface particle must be the result of a bottom surface particle. 
     When the separation between scattered radiation events is less than the first threshold and greater than a second threshold, it is determined that the defect or particle is located at the top surface of the transparent sample. The reasoning of this second threshold is illustrated in  FIG. 21 . As discussed above, the two scattered radiation events caused by a top surface particle will always be the same distance apart for a given transparent wafer with a constant thickness and index of refraction. Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the separation range for top surface particles is relatively narrow because all top surface particles should cause two scattered radiation events at substantially similar distances. In practice, a narrow range is used to identify a top surface particle due to measurement precision and potential variations of particle size and shape. The other criterion place upon the two scattering events is that they must be directly above one another, namely they must have the same x coordinate (within a specified tolerance). 
     When the separation between scattered radiation events is less than the second threshold and greater than a third threshold, it is determined that the defect or particle is an inclusion defect located within the transparent sample (not a surface defect or particle) and the above equation is applicable to determine the depth of the defect in the transparent sample. As discussed above regarding  FIG. 20 , any separations between scattered radiation events caused by a single inclusion (defects within the transparent sample) will never have a greater separation than scattered radiation events caused by a top surface particle. Therefore, any substantial separation between scattered radiation events that is less than the fixed separation between scattered radiation events caused by top surface particles must be an inclusion. 
     When the separation between scattered radiation events is less than the third threshold, it is determined that the defect or particle is located at the bottom surface of the transparent sample. The reasoning for this first threshold is illustrated in  FIG. 22 .  FIG. 22  illustrates that a bottom surface particle is only irradiated by the incident beam at time t 1 . Therefore, theoretically there should only be a single scattered radiation event for bottom surface particles. However, due to measurement accuracy and variation of bottom surface particles size and shape, a practical range of very closely separate scattered radiation events are determined to be cause by a bottom surface particle. 
       FIG. 23  is an example of separation ranges between scattered radiation events for a five-hundred-micron thick transparent sample with a scan beam incident angle of 56.3° and an index of refraction of 1.5. When the separation between scattered radiation events is greater than a first threshold of six-hundred and eighty-six microns, it is determined that the defect or particle is located at the bottom surface of the transparent sample and the above equation is not applicable. When the separation between scattered radiation events is less than the first threshold of six-hundred and eighty-six microns and greater than a second threshold of six-hundred and forty-six microns, it is determined that the defect or particle is located at the top surface of the transparent sample. When the separation between scattered radiation events is less than the second threshold of six-hundred and forty-six microns and greater than a third threshold of twenty microns, it is determined that the defect or particle is an inclusion defect located within the transparent sample (not a surface defect or particle) and the above equation is applicable to determine the depth of the defect in the transparent sample. The other criterion place upon the two scattering events is that they must be directly above one another, namely they must have the same x coordinate (within a specified tolerance). When the separation between the scattered radiation events is less than the third threshold of twenty microns, it is determined that the defect or particle is located on the bottom surface of the transparent sample. 
       FIG. 24  is a flowchart  400  illustrating the steps to perform scattered radiation defect depth detection. In step  401 , the transparent sample is irradiated. In step  402 , scattered radiation from the transparent sample is focused using a lens. In step  403 , the intensity of the scattered radiation from the transparent sample is measured along a single axis. In step  404 , the locations of increase scattered radiation along the single axis are determined. In step  405 , the presence of a defect and the depth of the defect are determined using the distance between the locations of increased scattered radiation along the single axis. 
     Although certain specific embodiments are described above for instructional purposes, the teachings of this patent document have general applicability and are not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.