Patent · US Active

Mask inspection with fourier filtering and image compare

US9041903B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
14References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 18, 2010
Grant dateMay 26, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 23, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03F1/84
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A mask inspection system with Fourier filtering and image compare can include a first detector, a dynamic Fourier filter, a controller, and a second detector. The first detector can be located at a Fourier plane of the inspection system and can detect a first portion of patterned light produced by an area of a mask. The dynamic Fourier filter can be controlled by the controller based on the detected first portion of the patterned light. The second detector can detect a second portion of the patterned light produced by the section of the mask and transmitted through the dynamic Fourier filter. Further, the mask inspection system can include a data analysis device to compare the second portion of patterned light with another patterned light. Consequently, the mask inspection system is able to detect any possible defects on the area of the mask more accurately and with higher resolution.

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