Patent · US Expired

Method for use of a critical dimensional test structure

US6449031B1 · kind B1 · utility

10Cited by
4References
13Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateJul 13, 2000
Grant dateSep 10, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 12, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03F7/70683
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for forming a critical dimension test mark, and the use of the mark to characterize and monitor imaging performance is provided. Methods in accordance with the present invention encompass an exposure of an essentially standard critical dimension bar at each of two overlapping orientations that are rotated about an axis with respect to each other. The overlapped portion forming a critical dimension test mark that is useful for enabling low cost, rapid determination of sub-micron critical dimensions for characterizing exposure tool imaging performance and in-process performance monitoring using optical measurement systems.

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