Optical inspection module and method for detecting particles and defects on substrates in integrated process tools
US5909276A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L22/12
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical inspection module detects defects on an active surface of a substrate in an integrated process tool system. The optical inspection module includes an enclosure, a substrate holder, a light source, a light beam path, a lens and a photodetector array. The light source has a light beam port. The light beam path extends from the light beam port to the substrate holder and has a grazing angle of incidence with respect to the active surface of the substrate. The light beam path illuminates substantially the entire active surface. The lens is oriented to collect non-secularly reflected light scattered from the light beam path by any defects on the active surface. The photodetector array has a plurality of pixels which are positioned within a focal plane of the lens. Each pixel corresponds to an area on the active surface, and the plurality of pixels together form a field of view that covers substantially the entire active surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.