Patent · US Active

Multi-spot scanning system and method

US8194301B2 · kind B2 · utility

12Cited by
7References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 4, 2008
Grant dateJun 5, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 3, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S359/90
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A multi-spot scanning technique using a spot array having a predetermined gap between spots can advantageously provide scalability to a large number of spots as well as the elimination of cross-talk between channels. The multi-spot scanning technique can select a number of spots for the spot array (1D or 2D), determine a separation between the spots to minimize crosstalk, and perform a scan on a wafer using the spot array and a full field of view (FOV). Performing the scan includes performing a plurality of scan line cycles, wherein each scan line cycle can fill in gaps left by previous scan line cycles. This “delay and fill” scan allows large spacing between spots, thereby eliminating cross-talk at the detector plane. In one embodiment, the scan is begun and ended outside a desired scan area on the wafer to ensure full scan coverage.

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