Patent · US Active

Overlay metrology using X-rays

US7481579B2 · kind B2 · utility

19Cited by
35References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 27, 2006
Grant dateJan 27, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 2, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03F7/70633
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for inspection includes directing a beam of X-rays to impinge upon an area of a sample containing first and second features formed respectively in first and second thin film layers, which are overlaid on a surface of the sample. A pattern of the X-rays diffracted from the first and second features is detected and analyzed in order to assess an alignment of the first and second features.

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