Patent Description:
Conventionally, an apparatus which examines a semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus while a test signal is applied thereto has been used. For example, in Patent Literature <NUM> below, an apparatus including a galvanometer mirror, two optical fibers, and a multifiber turret which can be optically coupled to them is known, in which one optical fiber is optically coupled to a laser scanning module and the other optical fiber is optically coupled to a single photon detector. In such an apparatus, it is possible to switch between examination of a semiconductor apparatus by LSM and light emission measurement by the single photon detector.

<CIT> relates to a pattern inspection method in which an image of a first pattern formed on a sample and an image of a second pattern formed on the sample is detected. At least one of the first pattern image and the second pattern image is converted to a gray level so as to be substantially the same with each other by linear combination including a gain and offset. A defect of the sample is detected by using the first pattern image and the second pattern image at least one of which has been converted to the gray level and a result of the detection is outputted to an external storage or processor by a communication arrangement.

<CIT> relates to a method and that characterizes physical properties, such as thickness, uniformity, polarization, and/or sizes and locations of defect (e.g. defect density distribution) of crystalline structures grown on or thin films deposited on a substrate of a solid state light emitting device. The embodiments disclosed include exciting the light emitting device with an energy source and analyze optical energy emitted by the crystalline structures grown on or the thin films deposited on the substrate.

<CIT> relates to a slit antenna probe for increasing the mechanical strength of a slit antenna probe and performing defect inspection on a multi-junction semiconductor in real time in the process of manufacturing a multi-junction semiconductor using electromagnetic waves.

<CIT> relates to an apparatus for analyzing an integrated circuit including an objective lens that views reflections from the integrated circuit, a device that houses at least two optical fibers, a component that receives reflections from the objective lens and directs the received reflections to the device, and a photodiode that receives a reflection received by the device. The apparatus includes a beam splitter that directs reflections from the integrated circuit to a detector.

<CIT> relates to a TFT array inspection method and a TFT array inspection apparatus, and more particularly to signal processing for calculating a defect degree from the signal intensity of a detection signal and performing defect detection based on the defect degree.

Here, due to miniaturization of the semiconductor apparatus, interference (a mixture of light from a plurality of drive elements in the semiconductor apparatus) may occur in a detection signal. Positions of the drive elements cannot be properly identified from the detection signal in an interference state, and there is a possibility that examination such as a failure analysis of the semiconductor apparatus cannot be performed with high accuracy.

One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and relates to a semiconductor apparatus examination method and a semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus capable of improving the accuracy of semiconductor apparatus examination.

Further examples are provided in the description and drawings for facilitating the understanding of the invention as defined in the appended claims. A semiconductor apparatus examination method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a step of detecting light from a plurality of positions in a semiconductor apparatus and acquiring a waveform corresponding to each of the plurality of positions, a step of extracting a waveform corresponding to a specific timing from the waveform corresponding to each of the plurality of positions and generating an image corresponding to the specific timing based on the extracted waveform, and a step of extracting a feature point based on a brightness distribution correlation value in the image corresponding to the specific timing and identifying a position of a drive element in the semiconductor apparatus based on the feature point.

In the semiconductor apparatus examination method according to one aspect of the present invention, the waveform corresponding to each of the plurality of positions is acquired based on light from the plurality of positions of the semiconductor apparatus, and the image corresponding to the specific timing is generated from a waveform corresponding to the specific timing extracted from each waveform. For example, an image associated with the operation of the drive element is generated by setting the specific timing as a timing related to the operation of the drive element. Then, a position having a high degree of relevance to the specific timing, that is, a position having a high degree of relevance to the operation of the drive element, is extracted as a feature point by extracting the feature point in consideration of the brightness distribution correlation value in the image corresponding to the specific timing, and the position of the drive element can be identified with high accuracy based on the feature point. It is possible to perform examination such as a failure analysis in the semiconductor apparatus with high accuracy by identifying the position of the drive element with high accuracy.

In the step of generating the image, a waveform corresponding to a specific timing related to an operation of the drive element may be extracted. Thus, a position having a high degree of relevance to the operation of the drive element can be appropriately extracted as a feature point, and the position of the drive element can be identified with high accuracy.

In the step of generating the image, a waveform corresponding to a specific timing based on design information of the semiconductor apparatus may be extracted. The operation timing of the drive element is identified by the design information of the semiconductor apparatus. Therefore, the waveform corresponding to the operation timing of the drive element can be appropriately acquired by extracting the waveform corresponding to the specific timing based on the design information of the semiconductor apparatus.

In the step of generating the image, a waveform may be extracted based on a correlation with the specific timing. For example, a waveform close to the operation timing of the drive element can be appropriately extracted by considering the correlation with the specific timing.

In the step of identifying the position, a center of gravity of the brightness distribution correlation value may be detected, and the feature point may be extracted based on the center of gravity. The position of the drive element can be identified with high accuracy by extracting the feature point based on the center of gravity of the brightness distribution correlation value.

In the step of identifying the position, fitting may be performed on the brightness distribution correlation value, and the feature point may be extracted based on fitting results. For example, the above-described center of gravity can be detected with high accuracy and the position of the drive element can be identified with high accuracy by applying Gaussian fitting or the like to the brightness distribution correlation value.

The above-described semiconductor apparatus examination method may further include a step of generating a measurement image by integrating the waveforms corresponding to the plurality of positions. Due to the measurement image being generated, a user can confirm a rough range of the detected light, and can confirm whether or not it is necessary to perform position identification (separation) processing of the drive element.

The above-described semiconductor apparatus examination method may further include a step of superimposing and displaying a position of the drive element identified in the identifying step on a pattern image showing a pattern of the semiconductor apparatus. Thus, it is possible to identify which drive element on the pattern image (a layout) has an abnormality.

In the step of acquiring the waveform, light emitted from the drive element may be detected as light from the plurality of positions in the semiconductor apparatus. Thus, it is possible to appropriately examine the light emission of the drive element.

A semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a photodetector configured to detect light from a plurality of positions in a semiconductor apparatus and to output a detection signal, an optical scanning part configured to guide light from the plurality of positions to the photodetector, and an analysis part configured to perform acquiring a waveform corresponding to each of the plurality of positions based on the detection signal, extracting a waveform corresponding to a specific timing from the waveform corresponding to each of the plurality of positions and generating an image corresponding to the specific timing based on the extracted waveform, and extracting a feature point based on a brightness distribution correlation value in the image corresponding to the specific timing and identifying a position of a drive element in the semiconductor apparatus based on the feature point.

The analysis part may extract a waveform corresponding to a specific timing related to an operation of the drive element.

The analysis part may extract a waveform corresponding to a specific timing based on design information of the semiconductor apparatus.

The analysis part may extract a waveform based on a correlation with the specific timing.

The analysis part may detect a center of gravity of the brightness distribution correlation value and may extract the feature point based on the center of gravity.

The analysis part may perform fitting on the brightness distribution correlation value, and may extract the feature point based on fitting results.

The analysis part may be configured to further perform generating a measurement image by integrating the waveforms corresponding to the plurality of positions.

The above-described semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus may further include a display part configured to superimpose and display a position of the drive element identified by the analysis part on a pattern image showing a pattern of the semiconductor apparatus.

The photodetector may detect light emitted from the drive element as light from the plurality of positions in the semiconductor apparatus.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve accuracy of semiconductor apparatus examination.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a semiconductor examination apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, the semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus <NUM> is a semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus for examining a semiconductor apparatus D, such as identifying a fault location in the semiconductor apparatus D which is a device under test (DUT). Further, the semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus <NUM> may perform a process of marking the fault location around the fault location, and the like, in addition to a process of identifying the fault location. With the marking, the fault location identified by the semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus <NUM> can be easily found in a subsequent process of a failure analysis.

The semiconductor apparatus D includes, for example, an individual (discrete) semiconductor element, an optoelectronic element, a sensor/actuator, a logic large scale integration (LSI), a memory element, a linear integrated circuit (IC), or a mixed apparatus thereof, and the like. Individual semiconductor elements include a diode, a power transistor, and the like. The logic LSI is configured of a transistor having a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure, a transistor having a bipolar structure, or the like. Further, the semiconductor apparatus D may be a package including the semiconductor apparatus, a composite substrate, or the like. The semiconductor apparatus D is configured by forming a metal layer on a substrate. As the substrate of the semiconductor apparatus D, for example, a silicon substrate is used. The semiconductor apparatus D is placed on a sample stage <NUM>.

The semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus <NUM> includes a signal application part <NUM>, a control part <NUM> (an analysis part), a display part <NUM>, an input part <NUM>, and an optical apparatus 31A.

The signal application part <NUM> is electrically coupled to the semiconductor apparatus D via a cable, and applies a signal to the semiconductor apparatus D. The signal application part <NUM> is, for example, a tester unit which is operated by a power source (not shown) and repeatedly applies a signal such as a predetermined test pattern to the semiconductor apparatus D. The signal application part <NUM> is electrically coupled to the control part <NUM> via a cable, and applies a signal such as a test pattern designated by the control part <NUM> to the semiconductor apparatus D. The signal application part <NUM> does not necessarily have to be electrically coupled to the control part <NUM>. When the signal application part <NUM> is not electrically coupled to the control part <NUM>, the signal application part <NUM> determines a signal such as a test pattern by itself, and applies the signal such as the test pattern to the semiconductor apparatus D. The signal application part <NUM> may be a pulse generator which generates a predetermined signal and applies it to the semiconductor apparatus D.

The control part <NUM> is electrically coupled to an optical apparatus 31A via a cable. The control part <NUM> is a computer including, for example, a processor (a central processing unit (CPU)), and a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a hard disk drive (HDD) which are storage media. The control part <NUM> performs processing by the processor on data stored in the storage medium. Further, the control part <NUM> may be configured of a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a cloud server, or the like. The control part <NUM> creates a pattern image or an analysis image (for example, a light emission image) based on a detection signal input from the optical apparatus 31A. The details of the control part <NUM> will be described later.

Further, the control part <NUM> outputs a created analysis image to the display part <NUM>. The display part <NUM> is a display apparatus such as a display for showing the analysis image or the like to a user. The display part <NUM> displays the input analysis image. The display part <NUM> superimposes an analysis image (an image showing a light emission position of the drive element) on a pattern image showing an optical reflection pattern of the semiconductor apparatus D and displays it. The input part <NUM> is an input apparatus such as a keyboard or a mouse which receives an input from the user. The input part <NUM> is used to input an observation range and an observation mark for observing a portion which is a fault candidate in detail based on the pattern image and the analysis image. The control part <NUM>, the display part <NUM>, and the input part <NUM> may be smart apparatus terminals.

Next, a configuration of the optical apparatus 31A will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram showing a configuration of the optical apparatus 31A in a state in which it is switched to a first examination system and a first optical path, and <FIG> is a diagram showing a configuration of the optical apparatus 31A in a state in which it is switched to a second examination system and a second optical path.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the optical apparatus 31A includes a housing <NUM>, a light source (a first light source) <NUM>, a photodetector <NUM>, a photodetector <NUM>, an internal optical system <NUM> disposed inside the housing <NUM>, and an external optical system <NUM> disposed outside the housing <NUM>.

The light source <NUM> is operated by a power source (not shown) to generate light which illuminates the semiconductor apparatus D for generating a reflection image (a pattern image) of the semiconductor apparatus D. The light source <NUM> is an incoherent light source such as a light emission diode (LED) or super luminescent diode (SLD) light source. The light source <NUM> may be a coherent light source such as a laser light source. The light output from the light source <NUM> is radiated to the semiconductor apparatus D via the internal optical system <NUM> and the external optical system <NUM>.

The photodetector <NUM> detects the reflected light from the semiconductor apparatus D and outputs a detection signal of the reflected light of the semiconductor apparatus D to the control part <NUM>. For example, the photodetector <NUM> is a light receiving element such as a photomultiplier tube, a photodiode (PD), or an avalanche photodiode (APD). The reflected light from the semiconductor apparatus D is incident on the photodetector <NUM> via the external optical system <NUM> and the internal optical system <NUM>.

When a signal such as a test pattern is applied to the semiconductor apparatus D, the photodetector <NUM> detects light (light emitted in the drive element) from a plurality of positions in the semiconductor apparatus D, and outputs a light emission detection signal of the semiconductor apparatus D to the control part <NUM>. The photodetector <NUM> is, for example, a superconducting single photon detector (SSPD), a photomultiplier tube, an APD, a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), or the like. Light from the semiconductor apparatus D is incident on the photodetector <NUM> via the external optical system <NUM> and the internal optical system <NUM>.

The internal optical system <NUM> includes optical fibers 38a, 38b, and 38c, collimator lenses 39a, 39b, and 39c, a mirror 40a, a light guide element (a mirror) 40b, a polarization beam splitter (hereinafter referred to as "PBS") <NUM>, a <NUM>/<NUM> wave plate <NUM>, a variable pupil <NUM>, a pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b, and a pupil relay lens <NUM>.

One-side ends of the optical fibers 38a, 38b, and 38c are optically coupled to the light source <NUM>, the photodetector <NUM>, and the photodetector <NUM> outside the housing <NUM>, and the other-side ends of the optical fibers 38a, 38b, and 38c are optically coupled to the collimator lenses 39a, 39b, and 39c inside the housing <NUM>. The collimator lens 39a converts light emitted from the light source <NUM> into parallel light, and the collimator lenses 39b and 39c convert the light incident on the photodetector <NUM> and the photodetector <NUM> into parallel light. In this way, optimum adjustment can be made according to a wavelength or a focus of the light from the semiconductor apparatus D by receiving the light from an optical scanning part that will be described later with the collimator lens independently for each of the optical fibers.

The mirror 40a is disposed on the light output side of the collimator lens 39a inside the housing <NUM>, the PBS <NUM> is disposed on the light input side of the collimator lens 39b, and the mirror 40a, the PBS <NUM>, the <NUM>/<NUM> wave plate <NUM>, the variable pupil <NUM>, and the mirror 40b are arranged and disposed in a straight line in that order. The mirror 40a reflects the light output from the light source <NUM> toward the PBS <NUM>. The PBS <NUM> transmits linearly polarized light of the light output from the light source <NUM> toward the mirror 40b, and the <NUM>/<NUM> wave plate <NUM> converts the linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light and outputs the circularly polarized light toward the mirror 40b. Further, the <NUM>/<NUM> wave plate <NUM> converts the reflected light from the semiconductor apparatus D which is incident from the mirror 40b side into linearly polarized light in a direction orthogonal to the linearly polarized light of the light output from the light source <NUM>, and the PBS <NUM> reflects the linearly polarized light of the reflected light toward the photodetector <NUM>. The variable pupil <NUM> is provided to be able to move in and out of an optical path between the mirror 40a and the mirror 40b, and is for changing a size of the pupil.

As described above, the mirror 40b is optically coupled to the light source <NUM> and the photodetector <NUM>. Specifically, the mirror 40b reflects the light output from the light source <NUM> and guides the light toward the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b which are optical scanning parts. At the same time, the mirror 40b receives the reflected light from the semiconductor apparatus D via the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b, and causes the reflected light to be incident on the photodetector <NUM> via the variable pupil <NUM>, the <NUM>/<NUM> wave plate <NUM>, the PBS <NUM>, the collimator lens 39b, and the optical fiber 38b. Although the mirror is used as a light guide element in the present embodiment, an optical fiber or the like may be used as long as it is an optical element capable of guiding light between the light source <NUM> and/or the photodetector <NUM> and the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b.

The pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b are configured to be optically connectable to the light source <NUM> and the photodetector <NUM> via the mirror 40b, and are optically coupled to the external optical system <NUM> via the pupil relay lens <NUM>. That is, the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b are optical scanning parts which are disposed in a direction in which the mirror 40b reflects the light from the light source <NUM> and can reflect the light while scanning with it two-dimensionally, and have, for example, a configuration in which two galvanometer mirrors of which a swing angle can be changed about a predetermined axis are combined. The pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b can two-dimensionally scan the semiconductor apparatus with the light radiated to the semiconductor apparatus D. In addition, the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b can also guide the reflected light or light emitted at a predetermined point of the semiconductor apparatus D toward a predetermined position of the mirror 40b or the collimator lens 39c while selecting a position two-dimensionally. That is, the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b are optical scanning parts which guide light from a plurality of positions on the semiconductor apparatus D toward the photodetector <NUM> or toward the photodetector <NUM>. Here, the semiconductor apparatus D may be illuminated two-dimensionally by reflecting light from a separately prepared light source with one mirror in a state in which the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b are stopped. The swing angles of the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b may be configured to be controllable by the control part <NUM>.

The collimator lens 39c is held inside the housing <NUM> by a mounting part <NUM> provided at a position on the housing <NUM> which can be optically coupled to the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b. The mounting part <NUM> forms a tubular member and is a part for mounting an optical element such as a collimator lens inside the housing <NUM>. The other-side end of the optical fiber 38c is optically coupled to the collimator lens 39c inside the mounting part <NUM>.

The external optical system <NUM> includes mirrors 47a, 47b, and 47c, a pupil relay lens <NUM>, and an objective lens unit <NUM>. The external optical system <NUM> guides the light from the light source <NUM> and causes the light to be incident on the semiconductor apparatus D, and guides the reflected light and the light emitted in the semiconductor apparatus D and causes them to be incident on the internal optical system <NUM>. That is, the light from the light source <NUM> which is incident from the internal optical system <NUM> is reflected by the mirror 47a, then passes through the pupil relay lens <NUM>, is sequentially reflected by the mirrors 47b and 47c, and is then radiated to the semiconductor apparatus D through the objective lens unit <NUM>. On the other hand, the reflected light or light emitted in the semiconductor apparatus D passes through the objective lens unit <NUM>, is then sequentially reflected by the mirrors 47c and 47b, passes through the pupil relay lens <NUM>, is reflected by the mirror 47a, and is incident on the internal optical system <NUM>. Here, the objective lens unit <NUM> may be configured to have a plurality of objective lenses having different magnifications and to be switched by a turret.

The optical apparatus 31A having the above-described configuration can be controlled by the control part <NUM> to switch the optical path optically coupled to the semiconductor apparatus D. The control part <NUM> controls the swing angles of the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b so that the optical path optically coupled to the semiconductor apparatus D is switched between a first optical path L1 (<FIG>) including the external optical system <NUM>, the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b, and the internal optical system <NUM> via the mirror 40b and a second optical path L2 (<FIG>) including the external optical system <NUM>, the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b, and the internal optical system <NUM> via the collimator lens 39c in the mounting part <NUM> by controlling the swing angles of the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b. Specifically, the control part <NUM> switches the optical path to the first optical path L1 when the user instructs the performing of examination of the reflected light (acquisition of the pattern image) via the input part <NUM>, and switches the optical path to the second optical path L2 when the user instructs the performing of examination of the light emission (acquisition and analysis of the signal image) via the input part <NUM>. At the same time, the control part <NUM> controls the light radiated to the semiconductor apparatus D to two-dimensionally scan the semiconductor apparatus D by sequentially changing the swing angles of the pair of galvanometer mirrors 44a and 44b within a predetermined angle range, and controls the reflected light or light emitted at a predetermined point of the semiconductor apparatus D to select a position and to be guided to the selected position while scanning two-dimensionally. Hereinafter, the processing of the control part <NUM> related to the acquisition and analysis of the signal image will be described in detail.

The control part <NUM> is configured to perform acquiring a waveform corresponding to each of a plurality of positions in the semiconductor apparatus D based on the detection signal of the light emitted in the semiconductor apparatus D output by the photodetector <NUM> (a step of acquiring a waveform), extracting a waveform corresponding to a specific timing from the waveform corresponding to each of the plurality of positions and generating an image corresponding to the specific timing based on the extracted waveform (a step of generating an image), and extracting a feature point based on a brightness distribution correlation value in the image corresponding to the specific timing and identifying the position of the drive element in the semiconductor apparatus D based on the feature point (a step of identifying a position of a drive element). Hereinafter, the processing of the control part <NUM> in each of the steps will be described.

In the step of acquiring the waveform, the control part <NUM> designates a test pattern for the signal application part <NUM> in which the fault location performs an abnormal operation. The test pattern is a loop-shaped pattern (a test loop) in which the drive element repeats the same operation. In the step of acquiring the waveform, the test loop is looped a plurality of times for each predetermined point (<NUM> pixel) on the semiconductor apparatus D, the light emission signal (the detection signal) at each predetermined point is acquired while the control part <NUM> two-dimensionally scans the predetermined point in the semiconductor apparatus D, the waveform at each predetermined point is acquired, and a signal image which is the light emission image is acquired.

Here, as described above, in the step of acquiring the waveform, the test loop is looped a plurality of times for each predetermined point in the semiconductor apparatus D, and the light emission pattern in a time axis direction is acquired. <FIG> is a diagram showing three-dimensional signal data. <FIG> shows an XY plane which is a light emission surface of the semiconductor apparatus D, and a time axis. A plurality of predetermined points D1 from which the light emission signals (the detection signals) are acquired are shown on the XY plane. Then, as shown in <FIG>, the test loop is looped a plurality of times for each of the predetermined points D1 to acquire the light emission pattern in the time axis direction. The control part <NUM> generates a two-dimensional light emission integrated image A1 (a measurement image) shown in <FIG> by integrating the waveforms corresponding to each of a plurality of positions (each of the predetermined points D1) in the time axis direction. In the light emission integrated image AI, the total count of light emission for each of the predetermined points D1 is displayed as a brightness level. As shown in <FIG>, a light emission region EA is displayed separately in the light emission integrated image AI.

In the step of generating an image, the control part <NUM> extracts a waveform corresponding to a specific timing from the waveform corresponding to each of the predetermined points D1. When a chip of the drive element is smaller than optical resolution, interference of the light emission of a plurality of drive elements may occur in the detection signal. In this case, it is difficult to uniquely identify the drive element related to the detected light emission only from position information on the light emission surface (two-dimensional information on the XY plane shown in <FIG>). At this point, the control part <NUM> uniquely identifies the drive element as will be described later by processing the signal three-dimensionally in consideration of a time waveform at each of the predetermined points D1. Specifically, the control part <NUM> extracts a waveform corresponding to a specific timing related to an operation of the drive element. <FIG> shows an example of the signal time waveforms of the drive elements Tr1, Tr2, and Tr3 of the semiconductor apparatus D. As shown in <FIG>, switching timings (light emission timings) of the drive elements of the semiconductor apparatus D are different from each other. That is, in the example shown in <FIG>, the drive element Tr1, the drive element Tr2, and the drive element Tr3 are operated in that order. The light emission pattern of each of the drive elements can be found in advance based on design information of the semiconductor apparatus D, simulation, and the like. The control part <NUM> identifies, for example, a specific timing related to the operation of the drive element based on the design information of the semiconductor apparatus D, and extracts a waveform corresponding to the specific timing. The control part <NUM> extracts a waveform based on, for example, a correlation with the specific timing.

In the example shown in <FIG>, a waveform having a high correlation with a light emission timing tm1 of a first drive element, a waveform having a high correlation with a light emission timing tm2 of a second drive element and a waveform having a high correlation with a light emission timing tm3 of a third drive element are extracted from the waveforms corresponding to each of the predetermined points D1. Then, the control part <NUM> generates an image corresponding to a specific timing based on the extracted waveform. In the example shown in <FIG>, an image TI1 corresponding to the light emission timing tm1 based on the waveform having a high correlation with the light emission timing tm1 of the first drive element, an image TI2 corresponding to the light emission timing tm2 based on the waveform having a high correlation with the light emission timing tm2 of the second drive element, and an image TI3 corresponding to the light emission timing tm3 based on a waveform having a high correlation with the light emission timing tm3 of the third drive element are generated. The light emission point EP1 corresponding to the light emission timing tm1 of the first drive element is shown in the image TI1, the light emission point EP2 corresponding to the light emission timing tm2 of the second drive element is shown in the image TI2, and the light emission point EP3 corresponding to the light emission timing tm3 of the third drive element is shown in the image TI3. For convenience of explanation, the signal waveforms of the respective emission timings tm1 to tm3 are shown to overlap (be superimposed on) the images TI1 to TI3 shown in <FIG>, but such information is not actually displayed in the images TI1 to TI3.

In the step of identifying the position of the drive element, the control part <NUM> extracts feature points based on the brightness distribution correlation value in the image corresponding to a specific timing. That is, the control part <NUM> extracts feature points based on the brightness distribution correlation value for each of the light emission points EP1 of the image TI1 shown in <FIG>, for example. <FIG> shows a brightness distribution correlation value for a certain light emission point. In <FIG>, the XY plane shows the light emission surface. Further, a value (a count value) of a count axis orthogonal to the XY plane becomes higher as the light emission timing has a stronger correlation (a correlation of timing) with a specific timing. That is, a brightness value (a count value) in the brightness distribution correlation value shown in <FIG> is higher as the light emission timing is closer to the specific timing. The control part <NUM> detects, for example, the center of gravity of the brightness distribution correlation value and extracts the center of gravity as the feature point. The control part <NUM> performs fitting on the brightness distribution correlation value and extracts the feature point based on fitting results. As shown in <FIG>, for example, the control part <NUM> may extract the center of gravity of the brightness distribution correlation value by applying Gaussian fitting to the brightness distribution correlation value, and may use the center of gravity as the feature point. In the example shown in <FIG>, a feature point FP1 corresponding to each of the light emission points EP1 is extracted based on the brightness distribution correlation value at each of the light emission points EP1 of the image TI1, a feature point FP2 corresponding to each of the light emission points EP2 is extracted based on the brightness distribution correlation value at each of the light emission points EP2 of the image TI2, and a feature point FP3 corresponding to each of the light emission points EP3 is extracted based on the brightness distribution correlation value at each of the light emission points EP3 of the image TI3. The control part <NUM> identifies each of the extracted feature points as a position of one of the drive elements.

When the separation of each of the drive elements (the identification of positions) is completed, the control part <NUM> outputs an analysis image (an image shown in <FIG>) in which the position of each of the drive elements is identified to the display part <NUM>. As described above, the display part <NUM> superimposes and displays an analysis image showing the positions of the drive elements on the pattern image (the design layout) showing the pattern of the semiconductor apparatus D. It is possible to identify which drive element in the design layout is the drive element which does not emit light, the drive element which has a long light emission time, or the drive element which does not cause switching light emission by superimposing the analysis image on the pattern image, and thus a fault location can be identified. The display part <NUM> may superimpose the analysis image on the reflection image (the pattern image) acquired by scanning the semiconductor apparatus D with the light.

Next, processing related to a semiconductor apparatus examination method performed by the semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, first, a reflection image of a back surface of the semiconductor apparatus D is acquired (Step S1). When the user instructs to acquire the reflection image via the input part <NUM>, the control part <NUM> switches to the first optical path shown in <FIG> to acquire the reflection image. The control part <NUM> acquires information on a region suspected of having a fault from, for example, diagnostic software, and acquires a reflection image of the region. In this case, the reflection image is acquired by fine sampling so that a pixel resolution is higher than an optical resolution. It is possible to appropriately focus on a desired position at which a failure analysis will be performed by acquiring the reflection image.

Subsequently, a signal image is acquired (Step S2). The control part <NUM> designates, with respect to the signal application part <NUM>, that the fault location performs an abnormal operation. The control part <NUM> acquires a light emission signal (a detection signal) at each predetermined point while scanning the predetermined point (<NUM> pixel) in the semiconductor apparatus D two-dimensionally so that a test loop is looped a plurality of times for each predetermined point of the semiconductor apparatus D, and acquires a signal image which is a two-dimensional light emission image by acquiring a waveform at each predetermined point.

Subsequently, the signal analysis is performed, and the position of the drive element is identified (Step S3). The details of Step S3 will be described later. Then, the display part <NUM> superimposes and displays an analysis image showing the position of the drive element on the pattern image (the design layout) showing the pattern of the semiconductor apparatus D (Step S4), and extracts an abnormal light emission drive element (Step S5).

Step S3 (the analysis of a signal) will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, in signal analysis processing, first, a waveform corresponding to a specific timing is extracted (Step 5S11). The control part <NUM> identifies a specific timing related to the operation of the drive element based on design information of the semiconductor apparatus D, and extracts a waveform corresponding to the specific timing.

Subsequently, an image of a light emission point related to each timing is generated (Step S12). The control part <NUM> generates, for example, an image showing a light emission point having a high correlation with a light emission timing of each of the drive elements.

Subsequently, the feature point is extracted based on the brightness distribution correlation value of the light emission point (Step S13). The control part <NUM> extracts the feature point based on the brightness distribution correlation value in the image corresponding to a specific timing. The control part <NUM> performs fitting on the brightness distribution correlation value, and extracts the feature point based on the fitting result. As shown in <FIG>, for example, the control part <NUM> may extract the center of gravity of the brightness distribution correlation value by applying Gaussian fitting to the brightness distribution correlation value, and may use the center of gravity as the feature point.

Finally, the position of the drive element is identified based on the extracted feature point. For example, the control part <NUM> may use the center of gravity of the extracted brightness distribution correlation value as the feature point and may identify a position of the feature point as the position of the drive element.

Next, the effects of the semiconductor apparatus examination apparatus <NUM> and the semiconductor apparatus examination method according to the embodiment will be described.

The semiconductor apparatus examination method according to the present embodiment includes a step of detecting light from a plurality of positions in the semiconductor apparatus D and acquiring a waveform corresponding to each of the plurality of positions, a step of extracting a waveform corresponding to a specific timing from the waveform corresponding to each of the plurality of positions and generating an image corresponding to the specific timing based on the extracted waveform, and a step of extracting a feature point based on a brightness distribution correlation value in the image corresponding to the specific timing and identifying a position of a drive element in the semiconductor apparatus based on the feature point.

In the semiconductor apparatus examination method according to the present embodiment, the waveform corresponding to each of the plurality of positions is acquired based on light from the plurality of positions of the semiconductor apparatus D, and the image corresponding to the specific timing is generated from a waveform corresponding to the specific timing extracted from each waveform. For example, an image associated with the operation of the drive element is generated by setting the specific timing as a timing related to the operation of the drive element. Then, a position having a high degree of relevance to the specific timing, that is, a position having a high degree of relevance to the operation of the drive element is extracted as a feature point by extracting the feature point in consideration of the brightness distribution correlation value in the image corresponding to the specific timing, and the position of the drive element can be identified with high accuracy based on the feature point. It is possible to perform examination such as a failure analysis in the semiconductor apparatus D with high accuracy by identifying the position of the drive element with high accuracy.

In the step of generating the image, a waveform corresponding to a specific timing related to an operation of the drive element is extracted. Thus, a position having a high degree of relevance to the operation of the drive element can be appropriately extracted as a feature point, and the position of the drive element can be identified with high accuracy.

In the step of generating the image, the waveform corresponding to the specific timing based on the design information of the semiconductor apparatus D is extracted. The operation timing of the drive element is identified by the design information of the semiconductor apparatus D. Therefore, the waveform corresponding to the operation timing of the drive element can be appropriately acquired by extracting the waveform corresponding to the specific timing based on the design information of the semiconductor apparatus D.

In the step of generating the image, a waveform is extracted based on the correlation with the specific timing. For example, a waveform close to the operation timing of the drive element can be appropriately extracted by considering the correlation with the specific timing.

In the step of identifying the position, the center of gravity of the brightness distribution correlation value is detected, and the feature point is extracted based on the center of gravity. The position of the drive element can be identified with high accuracy by extracting the feature point based on the center of gravity of the brightness distribution correlation value.

In the step of identifying the position, fitting is performed on the brightness distribution correlation value, and the feature point is extracted based on the fitting results. For example, the above-described center of gravity can be detected with high accuracy and the position of the drive element can be identified with high accuracy by applying Gaussian fitting or the like to the brightness distribution correlation value.

The above-described semiconductor apparatus examination method further includes a step of generating a light emission integrated image A1 (refer to <FIG>) by integrating the waveforms corresponding to the plurality of positions. A range of the detected light can be confirmed by such a light emission integrated image A1 being generated.

The above-described semiconductor apparatus examination method further includes a step of superimposing and displaying the position of the drive element identified in the identifying step on a pattern image showing a pattern of the semiconductor apparatus D. Thus, it is possible to identify which drive element on the pattern image (the layout) has an abnormality.

Claim 1:
A method of examination of a semiconductor device (D) comprising a drive element (Tr1, Tr2, Tr3) configured to emit light, wherein the method is carried out by the apparatus of any one of claims <NUM> to <NUM> and comprises:
a step of detecting light from a plurality of positions in the semiconductor device (D) and acquiring a waveform corresponding to each of the plurality of positions;
a step of extracting a waveform corresponding to a specific timing from the waveforms corresponding to each of the plurality of positions and generating an image corresponding to the specific timing based on the extracted waveform; and
a step of extracting a feature point based on a correlation, in the image, of a brightness distribution with the specific timing, and identifying a position of the drive element (Tr1, Tr2, Tr3) in the semiconductor device (D) based on the feature point.