Contamination monitoring and control techniques for use with...

Details Contamination monitoring and control techniques for use with... Contamination monitoring and control techniques for use with...

2006-11-16

2008-03-11

Nguyen, Kimberly D (Department: 4176)

Radiant energy

Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling

Ultraviolet light responsive means

C356S369000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07342235

ABSTRACT:
A technique is provided monitoring and removing contaminants from the surface of a sample that is being measured with an optical metrology tool. The monitoring and removing contaminants from the surface of a sample may occur prior to recording an optical response from said sample in order to ensure that accurate results are obtained. Contaminant layers may be quantified so that other measurements may be accurately obtained without requiring the removal of the contaminant layer. The contaminant layers may be removed through the exposure to optical radiation. Alternatively, properties of non-contaminant layers may be characterized by analyzing changes that occur in such layers by exposure to optical radiation. The optical metrology instrument may be an instrument which operates at wavelengths that include vacuum ultra-violet (VUV) wavelengths.

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Copending Application, “Contamination Monitoring And Control Techniques For Use With An Optical Metrology Instrument”, U.S. Appl. No. 11/600,414, filed Nov. 16, 2006, 58 pgs.
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