METHOD FOR PRESERVING PROCESSING HISTORY ON A WAFER
First Claim
1. A method for capturing process history, comprising:
- performing at least a first process for forming features on a semiconducting substrate;
forming a first cap over a first region of the semiconducting substrate after performing the first process;
performing at least a second process for forming the features in a second region other than the first region while leaving the first cap in place to thereby prevent the features in the first region covered by the first cap from being exposed to the second process;
measuring a first characteristic of a first feature in the first region; and
measuring a second characteristic of a second feature in the second region.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for capturing process history includes performing at least a first process for forming features on a semiconducting substrate. A first cap is formed over a first region of the semiconducting substrate after performing the first process. At least a second process is performed for forming the features in a second region other than the first region while leaving the first cap in place to thereby prevent the features in the first region covered by the first cap from being exposed to the second process. A first characteristic of a first feature is measured in the first region, and a second characteristic of a second feature in the second region is measured. A wafer includes a first partially completed feature disposed in a first region. A first cap is formed above the first partially completed feature. A second partially completed feature is disposed in a second region of the wafer different than the first region. The second partially completed feature is at a later stage of completion than the first partially completed feature.
47 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for capturing process history, comprising:
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performing at least a first process for forming features on a semiconducting substrate; forming a first cap over a first region of the semiconducting substrate after performing the first process; performing at least a second process for forming the features in a second region other than the first region while leaving the first cap in place to thereby prevent the features in the first region covered by the first cap from being exposed to the second process; measuring a first characteristic of a first feature in the first region; and measuring a second characteristic of a second feature in the second region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method, comprising:
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processing a semiconducting substrate in a process flow; forming a first cap over a first region of the semiconducting substrate at a first point in the process flow; forming a second cap over a second region of the semiconducting substrate at a second point in the process flow; cross-sectioning the semiconducting substrate across at least the first region and the second region; measuring a first characteristic of the semiconducting substrate in the first region; and measuring a second characteristic of the semiconducting substrate in the second region. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A wafer, comprising:
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a first partially completed feature disposed in a first region of the wafer; a first cap formed above the first partially completed feature; and a second partially completed feature disposed in a second region of the wafer different than the first region, the second partially completed feature being at a later stage of completion than the first partially completed feature. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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Specification