Patent · US Expired

Precision automatic mask-wafer alignment system

US4728193A · kind A · utility

40Cited by
3References
33Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 11, 1986
Grant dateMar 1, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 11, 2006

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03F9/7049
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An interferometric alignment and position detector system for determining relative location of an object is provided. A composite diffraction grating is provided with the object. A laser can provide a collimated coherent light beam directed so as to impinge on the composite diffraction grating. A beam splitter can collect at least two pairs of diffracted light beams from the composite diffraction grating and can combine the pairs of diffracted light beams to provide interference fringe patterns. Apparatus is provided for detecting the interference fringe patterns to provide a measurement of the intensity distribution from which the relative location can be established.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.