Apparatus and methods for collecting global data during a reticle inspection
First Claim
1. A method of inspecting a sample, the method comprising:
- providing a test image of the sample, the test image having a plurality of test features each having one or more measurable test characteristic values;
providing a baseline image containing an expected pattern of the test image, the baseline image having a plurality of baseline features each having one or more measurable baseline characteristic values, wherein each measurable baseline characteristic value is expected to match a corresponding one of the measurable test characteristic value;
comparing at least a first subset and a second subset of the test characteristic values to their corresponding measurable baseline characteristic values such that a plurality of difference values are calculated for each pair of measurable test and baseline characteristic values; and
during the comparison, collecting statistical information that is determined from at least a second subset of the measurable test characteristic values or the difference values resulting from the comparison, wherein the statistical information includes a median or average value of the second subset of the measurable test characteristic values.
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Abstract
Disclosed is a method of inspecting a reticle defining a circuit layer pattern that is used within a corresponding semiconductor process to generate corresponding patterns on a semiconductor wafer. A test image of the reticle is provided, and the test image has a plurality of test characteristic values. A baseline image containing an expected pattern of the test image is also provided. The baseline image has a plurality of baseline characteristic values that correspond to the test characteristic values. The test characteristic values are compared to the baseline characteristic values such that a plurality of difference values are calculated for each pair of test and baseline characteristic values. Statistical information is also collected.
42 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method of inspecting a sample, the method comprising:
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providing a test image of the sample, the test image having a plurality of test features each having one or more measurable test characteristic values;
providing a baseline image containing an expected pattern of the test image, the baseline image having a plurality of baseline features each having one or more measurable baseline characteristic values, wherein each measurable baseline characteristic value is expected to match a corresponding one of the measurable test characteristic value;
comparing at least a first subset and a second subset of the test characteristic values to their corresponding measurable baseline characteristic values such that a plurality of difference values are calculated for each pair of measurable test and baseline characteristic values; and
during the comparison, collecting statistical information that is determined from at least a second subset of the measurable test characteristic values or the difference values resulting from the comparison, wherein the statistical information includes a median or average value of the second subset of the measurable test characteristic values. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A computer readable medium containing program instructions for inspecting a sample, the computer readable medium comprising:
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computer readable code for providing a test image of the sample, the test image having a plurality of test features each having one or more measurable test characteristic values;
computer readable code for providing a baseline image containing an expected pattern of the test image, the baseline image having a plurality of baseline features each having one or more measurable baseline characteristic values, wherein each measurable baseline characteristic value is expected to match a corresponding one of the measurable test characteristic value;
computer readable code for comparing at least a first subset and a second subset of the test characteristic values to their corresponding measurable baseline characteristic values such that a plurality of difference values are calculated for each pair of measurable test and baseline characteristic values;
computer readable code for during the comparison, collecting statistical information that is determined from at least a second subset of the measurable test characteristic values or the difference values resulting from the comparison, wherein the statistical information includes a standard deviation value of the second subset of the measurable test characteristic values and a median or average value of the second subset of the measurable test characteristic values as a function of a predetermined parameter; and
a computer readable medium for storing the computer readable codes.
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Specification