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Methods and systems for detecting pinholes in a film formed on a wafer or for monitoring a thermal process tool
   
Document Number
US Patent 7528944
Issued Date
May 5, 2009
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Abstract
Methods and systems for detecting pinholes in a film formed on a wafer or for monitoring a thermal process tool are provided. One method for detecting pinholes in a film formed on a wafer includes generating output responsive to light from the wafer using an inspection system. The output includes first output corresponding to defects on the wafer and second output that does not correspond to the defects. This method also includes detecting the pinholes in the film formed on the wafer using the second output. One method for monitoring a thermal process tool includes generating output responsive to light from a wafer using an inspection system. The output includes the first and second output described above. The wafer was processed by the thermal process tool prior to generating the output. The method also includes monitoring the thermal process tool using the second output.
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Number of Claims:
16
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Published
May 5, 2009
Application Number
11/751,970
Filed
May 22, 2007
US Classification
356/237.6   356/237.1 356/237.2
Int'l Classification
G01N   21/00   (20060101)  
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Parent Case
PRIORITY CLAIM This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/747,854 entitled "Methods and Systems for Detecting Pinholes in a Film Formed on a Wafer or for Monitoring and/or Controlling a Thermal Process Tool," filed May 22, 2006, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
USPTO Field of Search
356/237.1   356/2   356/3   356/4   356/5   356/6   356/7   356/8   356/9   356/10   356/11   356/12   356/13   356/14   356/15   356/16   356/17   356/18   356/19   356/20   356/21.6  
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