Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080266561 | OPTICAL GAIN APPROACH FOR ENHANCEMENT OF OVERLAY AND ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE - A resultant image of a grating target may be obtained by dividing an image of the target into first and second portions and optically modifying the first and/or second portion such that a final image formed from their combination is characterized by a Moiré pattern. The resultant image may be analyzed to determine a shift in the grating target from a shift in the Moiré pattern. Optical alignment apparatus may include a first beam splitter, an image transformation element optically coupled to the first beam splitter, and a second beam splitter. The first beam splitter divides an image of a grating target into first and second portions. The second beam splitter combines the first portion and the second portion. The image transformation element optically modifies the first and/or second portion such that a final image formed from their combination is characterized by a Moiré pattern. | 10-30-2008 |
20100017005 | METROLOGY THROUGH USE OF FEED FORWARD FEED SIDEWAYS AND MEASUREMENT CELL RE-USE - Metrology may be implemented during semiconductor device fabrication by a) modeling a first measurement on a first test cell formed in a layer of a partially fabricated device; b) performing a second measurement on a second test cell in the layer; c) feeding information from the second measurement into the modeling of the first measurement; and after a lithography pattern has been formed on the layer including the first and second test cells, d) modeling a third and a fourth measurement on the first and second test cells respectively using information from a) and b) respectively. | 01-21-2010 |
20100175033 | SCATTEROMETRY METROLOGY TARGET DESIGN OPTIMIZATION - A metrology target design may be optimized using inputs including metrology target design information, substrate information, process information, and metrology system information. Acquisition of a metrology signal with a metrology system may be modeled using the inputs to generate one or more optical characteristics of the metrology target. A metrology algorithm may be applied to the characteristics to determine a predicted accuracy and precision of measurements of the metrology target made by the metrology system. Part of the information relating to the metrology target design may be modified and the signal modeling and metrology algorithm may be repeated to optimize the accuracy and precision of the one or more measurements. The metrology target design may be displayed or stored after the accuracy and precision are optimized. | 07-08-2010 |
20150112624 | METROLOGY THROUGH USE OF FEED FORWARD FEED SIDEWAYS AND MEASUREMENT CELL RE-USE - Metrology may be implemented during semiconductor device fabrication by a) modeling a first measurement on a first test cell formed in a layer of a partially fabricated device; b) performing a second measurement on a second test cell in the layer; c) feeding information from the second measurement into the modeling of the first measurement; and after a lithography pattern has been formed on the layer including the first and second test cells, d) modeling a third and a fourth measurement on the first and second test cells respectively using information from a) and b) respectively. | 04-23-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090291513 | OVERLAY MARKS, METHODS OF OVERLAY MARK DESIGN AND METHODS OF OVERLAY MEASUREMENTS - An overlay mark for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate and methods for using such overlay mark are disclosed. In one embodiment, the overlay mark includes at least one test pattern for determining the relative shift between a first and a second layer of the substrate in a first direction. The test pattern includes a first set of working zones and a second set of working zones. The first set of working zones are disposed on a first layer of the substrate and have at least two working zones diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to one another. The second set of working zones are disposed on a second layer of the substrate and have at least two working zones diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to one another. The first set of working zones are generally angled relative to the second set of working zones thus forming an “X” shaped test pattern. | 11-26-2009 |
20100091284 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING OVERLAY ERRORS USING SCATTEROMETRY - Disclosed are techniques, apparatus, and targets for determining overlay error between two layers of a sample. A plurality of targets is provided. Each target includes a portion of the first and second structures and each is designed to have an offset between its first and second structure portions. The targets are illuminated with electromagnetic radiation to thereby obtain spectra from each target at a −1 | 04-15-2010 |
20110174294 | Method And System For Allocating Solar Radiation Between Multiple Applications - The system facilitates dynamically allocating a variable amount of solar radiation to or between multiple solar applications based on optimizing a time-dependent cost function using multiple parameters as inputs to the cost function. Also described is an optical architecture that enables dynamically channeling incident solar radiation to or between multiple solar applications based on the optimization of a cost function. A solar allocation and distribution system includes an allocation sub-system; a distribution sub-system; and a controller configured for controlling the allocation sub-system and the distribution sub-system based on optimizing a cost function, wherein the cost function is time-dependent and based on energy utilization of a facility. | 07-21-2011 |
20110265785 | SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTING SYSTEM - It is provided a solar energy module for converting solar radiation to thermal energy. The module includes a thermally insulating element transmissive to solar radiation and having low transmissivity to thermal infra-red radiation, an absorbing element, a sealed enclosure, and a variable portion in the envelope of the sealed enclosure. This portion is adapted for varying the volume available to gas enclosed in the enclosure in accordance with changing temperature of the enclosed gas. Also, it is provided a solar energy module which includes a thermally insulating element, an absorbing surface and liquid pipes for absorbing the solar radiation, and an air duct thermally coupled thereof. The heated liquid and the heated air are usable for a variety of thermal applications. A heat storage may be thermally coupled to the absorbing surface and to the liquid pipes. The air duct has several air valves, and is associated with a controller for regulating air flow through the air duct. The controller may regulate heat flow in accordance with an optimization program, receiving inputs from several sources, like a sensor monitoring a building, a sensor monitoring the solar energy module, and an environment sensor. | 11-03-2011 |
20120291770 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TEMPERATURE LIMITING IN A SEALED SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR - Insulated solar panels provide that provide a solar thermal collector with means for limiting stagnation temperatures and preventing damage include: temperature limiting is provided by the insulated solar panel, isolating internal components from the environment, using passive closed systems within the sealed solar thermal collector, while also allowing alternative implementations as active systems and/or portions of the temperature limiting system outside the sealed solar thermal collector. A heat pipe can be used as a passive thermal switch, where the temperature induced action at a predetermined temperature causes an abrupt transition from a state of thermal isolation to a state of strong thermal coupling. Additionally, a set of siphon circulation pipes provides a passive closed system for temperature limiting. | 11-22-2012 |
20140166044 | Method of removal of snow or ice coverage from solar collectors - A system and method for prevention and removal of snowpack from solar panels increases the collection efficiency of solar panels by using one or more techniques, alone or in combination including: vibrating a vibrationally isolated surface of the solar panel; flexing a flexible sheet attached to the solar panel; inducing vibrations via extenial circulation piping for detaching the snowpack from at least one solar thermal collector of a solar array; activating a heat-pipe to transfer heat from an absorber plate to the surface of the collection panel; and using a PZT to generate vibrations for detaching the snowpack from the solar panel. | 06-19-2014 |
20150075517 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TEMPERATURE LIMITING IN A SEALED SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR - Insulated solar panels that provide a solar thermal collector with means for limiting stagnation temperatures and preventing damage include: temperature limiting is provided by the insulated solar panel, isolating internal components from the environment, using passive closed systems within the sealed solar thermal collector, while also allowing alternative implementations as active systems and/or portions of the temperature limiting system outside the sealed solar thermal collector. A heat pipe can be used as a passive thermal switch, where the temperature induced action at a predetermined temperature causes an abrupt transition from a state of thermal isolation to a state of strong thermal coupling. Additionally, a set of siphon circulation pipes provides a passive closed system for temperature limiting. | 03-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090284744 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING OVERLAY ERRORS USING SCATTEROMETRY - Disclosed are apparatus and methods for determining overlay between a plurality of first structures in a first layer of a sample and a plurality of second structures in a second layer of the sample. Targets A, B, C and D that each include a portion of the first and second structures are provided. The target A is designed to have an offset Xa between its first and second structures portions; the target B is designed to have an offset Xb between its first and second structures portions; the target C is designed to have an offset Xc between its first and second structures portions; and the target D is designed to have an offset Xd between its first and second structures portions. Each of the offsets Xa, Xb, Xc and Xd is different from zero, and Xa is an opposite sign and differ from Xb. Offset Xc is an opposite sign and differs from Xd. The offsets Xa, Xb, Xc and Xd are selected so that an overlay error, including the respective offset, is within a linear region of overlay values. The targets A, B, C and D are illuminated with electromagnetic radiation to obtain spectra S | 11-19-2009 |
20090303482 | Enhanced Ovl dummy field enabling "on-the-fly" ovl measurement methods - A semiconductor wafer may include a dummy field configured to enable overlay measurements. The enhanced dummy field may include a plurality of encoding blocs that enable OVL measurements to be made throughout the enhanced dummy field. | 12-10-2009 |
20100005442 | Apparatus and Methods for Determining Overlay and Uses of Same - Disclosed are techniques and apparatus are provided for determining overlay error or pattern placement error (PPE) across the field of a scanner which is used to pattern a sample, such as a semiconductor wafer or device. This determination is performed in-line on the product wafer or device. That is, the targets on which overlay or PPE measurements are performed are provided on the product wafer or device itself. The targets are either distributed across the field by placing the targets within the active area or by distributing the targets along the streets (the strips or scribe areas) which are between the dies of a field. The resulting overlay or PPE that is obtained from targets distributed across the field may then be used in a number of ways to improve the fabrication process for producing the sample. For instance, the resulting overlay or PPE may be used to more accurately predict device performance and yield, more accurately correct a deviating photolithography scanning tool, or determine wafer lot disposition. | 01-07-2010 |
20110051116 | Substrate Matrix To Decouple Tool And Process Effects - A method of characterizing a process by selecting the process to characterize, selecting a parameter of the process to characterize, determining values of the parameter to use in a test matrix, specifying an eccentricity for the test matrix, selecting test structures to be created in cells on a substrate, processing the substrate through the process using in each cell the value of the parameter as determined by the eccentric test matrix, measuring a property of the test structures in the cells, and developing a correlation between the parameter and the property. | 03-03-2011 |
20140316730 | ON-DEVICE METROLOGY - Methods and systems for performing semiconductor metrology directly on device structures are presented. A measurement model is created based on measured training data collected from at least one device structure. The trained measurement model is used to calculate process parameter values, structure parameter values, or both, directly from measurement data collected from device structures of other wafers. In some examples, measurement data from multiple targets is collected for model building, training, and measurement. In some examples, the use of measurement data associated with multiple targets eliminates, or significantly reduces, the effect of under layers in the measurement result, and enables more accurate measurements. Measurement data collected for model building, training, and measurement may be derived from measurements performed by a combination of multiple, different measurement techniques. | 10-23-2014 |
20150301514 | ON-PRODUCT DERIVATION AND ADJUSTMENT OF EXPOSURE PARAMETERS IN A DIRECTED SELF-ASSEMBLY PROCESS - Methods and metrology tool modules embodying the methods are provided. Methods comprise measuring characteristics of intermediate features such as guiding lines in a directed self-assembly (DSA) process, deriving exposure parameters from the measured characteristics; and adjusting production parameters for producing consecutive target features according to the derived exposure parameters. The methods and modules enhance the accuracy of the DSA-produced structures and related measurements. | 10-22-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080286885 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATING OR PERFORMING A DYNAMIC SAMPLING SCHEME FOR A PROCESS DURING WHICH MEASUREMENTS ARE PERFORMED ON WAFERS - Various methods and systems for creating or performing a dynamic sampling scheme for a process during which measurements are performed on wafers are provided. One method for creating a dynamic sampling scheme for a process during which measurements are performed on wafers includes performing the measurements on all of the wafers in at least one lot at all measurement spots on the wafers. The method also includes determining an optimal sampling scheme, an enhanced sampling scheme, a reduced sampling scheme, and thresholds for the dynamic sampling scheme for the process based on results of the measurements. The thresholds correspond to values of the measurements at which the optimal sampling scheme, the enhanced sampling scheme, and the reduced sampling scheme are to be used for the process. | 11-20-2008 |
20090231584 | PERIODIC PATTERNS AND TECHNIQUE TO CONTROL MISALIGMENT BETWEEN TWO LAYERS - A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal. | 09-17-2009 |
20100073688 | PERIODIC PATTERNS AND TECHNIQUE TO CONTROL MISALIGNMENT BETWEEN TWO LAYERS - A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal. | 03-25-2010 |
20120208301 | Methods and Systems for Creating or Performing a Dynamic Sampling Scheme for a Process During Which Measurements Are Performed on Wafers - Various methods and systems for creating or performing a dynamic sampling scheme for a process during which measurements are performed on wafers are provided. One method for creating a dynamic sampling scheme for a process during which measurements are performed on wafers includes performing the measurements on all of the wafers in at least one tot at all measurement spots on the wafers. The method also includes determining an optimal sampling scheme, an enhanced sampling scheme, a reduced sampling scheme, and thresholds for the dynamic sampling scheme for the process based on results of the measurements. The thresholds correspond to values of the measurements at which the optimal sampling scheme, the enhanced sampling scheme, and the reduced sampling scheme are to be used for the process. | 08-16-2012 |
20140022563 | Periodic Patterns and Technique to Control Misalignment Between Two Layers - A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal. | 01-23-2014 |
20150300815 | Periodic Patterns and Techniques to Control Misalignment Between Two Layers - A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal. | 10-22-2015 |