Patent · US Expired

Single tool defect classification solution

US6952653B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
22References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 10, 2003
Grant dateOct 4, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 10, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L2924/014
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for efficiently analyzing defects in-line on a wafer by wafer basis are provided. In general terms, embodiments of the present invention provide a simple interface for setting up the entire inspection and defect analysis process in a single set up procedure. The apparatus includes an inspection station for inspecting a specimen for potential defects and a review station for analyzing a sample of the potential defects to determine a classification of such potential defects. The apparatus further includes a computer system having an application interface operable to allow a user to set up the inspection station and the review station during a same setup phase so as to allow the inspection station and the review station to then operate automatically to provide defect information for one or more specimens based on the user set up.

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