Patent · US Active

Test structure for determining overlay accuracy in semiconductor devices using resistance measurement

US9564382B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
46References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 8, 2016
Grant dateFeb 7, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 8, 2036

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH10D1/474
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Provided is a test pattern structure for determining overlay accuracy in a semiconductor device. The test pattern structure includes one or more resistor structures formed by patterning a lower silicon layer. Each includes a zigzag portion with leads at different spatial locations. An upper pattern is formed and includes at least one pattern feature formed over the resistor or resistors. The portions of the resistor or resistors not covered by the upper pattern feature will become silicided during a subsequent silicidation process. Resistance is measured to determine overlay accuracy as the resistor structures are configured such that the resistance of the resistor structure is determined by the degree of silicidation of the resistor structure which is determined by the overlay accuracy between the upper and lower patterns.

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