Design-based method for grouping systematic defects in lithography pattern writing system
First Claim
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1. A method for identifying defects in fabrication of a semiconductor wafer, comprising:
- determining locations of some defects on the semiconductor wafer;
determining if a set of defect areas, each surrounding a different one of the defects, contains one or more common circuit structural elements;
if one or more common circuit structural elements are identified, categorizing the defects surrounded by the set of defect areas as corresponding to the common circuit structural elements;
selecting a subset of defects categorized as corresponding to the matched common circuit structural elements for sampling; and
matching the common circuit structural element in similar defected neighborhoods in different locations across the wafer to identify defects associated with the common circuit structural element.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for categorizing defects on workpieces, such as semiconductor wafers and masks used in lithographically writing patterns into such wafers are provided. For some embodiments, by analyzing the layout in the neighborhood of the defect, and matching it to similar defected neighborhoods in different locations across the die, defects may be categorized by common structures in which they occur.
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7 Claims
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1. A method for identifying defects in fabrication of a semiconductor wafer, comprising:
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determining locations of some defects on the semiconductor wafer; determining if a set of defect areas, each surrounding a different one of the defects, contains one or more common circuit structural elements; if one or more common circuit structural elements are identified, categorizing the defects surrounded by the set of defect areas as corresponding to the common circuit structural elements; selecting a subset of defects categorized as corresponding to the matched common circuit structural elements for sampling; and matching the common circuit structural element in similar defected neighborhoods in different locations across the wafer to identify defects associated with the common circuit structural element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification