Optics: measuring and testing – By dispersed light spectroscopy – Utilizing a spectrometer
Patent
1996-06-05
1999-03-09
Kim, Robert
Optics: measuring and testing
By dispersed light spectroscopy
Utilizing a spectrometer
356354, 356359, 250237G, G01B 902
Patent
active
058808388
ABSTRACT:
A system and method for measuring the dimensions of a small (e.g., microelectronic) structure. The present invention is an optical system and method that uses a polarized light beam, reflected off or transmitted through, a structure, to measure the structural parameters, such as the lateral dimensions, vertical dimensions, height, or the type of structural material. The system employs a light source to generate a light beam that is polarized and focused onto the structure to be measured. The structure is illuminated with TE and TM polarized light. The structure is dimensioned such that the TM and TE fields are affected differently by the diffraction off the structure. As a result, either the TE or TM field can be used as a reference to analyze the phase and amplitude changes in the other field. Differences between the diffracted TE and TM far fields allow a comparison of the relationship between the amplitude and phase of those fields to determine the structural parameters of a structure.
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Marx David
Psaltis Demetri
California Institute of California
Kim Robert
LandOfFree
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