Patent · US Active

Systems and methods for inspecting a specimen with light at varying power levels

US7787114B2 · kind B2 · utility

16Cited by
10References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 6, 2007
Grant dateAug 31, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 23, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N2201/0683
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Systems and methods for inspecting a specimen with light at varying power levels are provided. One system configured to inspect a specimen includes a light source configured to generate light. The system also includes a power attenuator subsystem configured to alter a power level of the light directed to the specimen during inspection between at least two power levels including a full power level and a minimum power level equal to or greater than about 10% of the full power level. In addition, the system includes a detection subsystem configured to generate output responsive to the light scattered from the specimen. The output can be used to detect defects on the specimen.

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