Patent · US Active

Wafer inspection systems and methods for analyzing inspection data

US7417724B1 · kind B1 · utility

6Cited by
24References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 10, 2007
Grant dateAug 26, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 10, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N21/9503
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Wafer inspection systems and methods are provided. One inspection system includes a module measurement cell coupled to a host inspection system by a wafer handler. The module measurement cell is configured to inspect a wafer using one or more modes prior to inspection of the wafer by the host inspection system. The one or more modes include backside inspection, edge inspection, frontside macro defect inspection, or a combination thereof. Another inspection system includes two or more low resolution electronic sensors arranged at multiple viewing angles. The sensors are configured to detect light returned from a wafer substantially simultaneously. A method for analyzing inspection data includes selecting a template corresponding to a support device that contacts a backside of a wafer prior to inspection of the backside of the wafer. The method also includes subtracting data representing the template from inspection data generated by inspection of the backside of the wafer.

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