The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) provides a set of Metrology specifications as targets for each technology node. In the current edition (2007) of the ITRS the conventional precision (reproducibility) is replaced with a new metric - measurement uncertainty for dimensional metrology. This measurement uncertainty contains single tool precision, tool-to-tool matching, sampling uncertainty, and inaccuracy (sample-to-sample bias variation and other effects). Clearly, sampling uncertainty is a major component of measurement uncertainty. This paper elaborates on sampling uncertainty and provides statistical estimates for sampling uncertainty. The authors in this paper address the importance and the methods of proper sampling. The correct sampling captures and allows for the expression of the information needed for adequate patterning process control. Along with typical manufacturing process control cases (excursion control, advanced and statistical process control), several other applications are explored such as optical and electron beam line width measurement calibration, measurement tool evaluations, lithographic scanner assessment and optical proximity correction implementation. The authors show how appropriate choices among measurement techniques, sampling methods, and interpretation of measurement results give meaningful information for process control and demonstrate how an incorrect choice can lead to wrong conclusions.

Date Published: 16 April 2008
PDF: 22 pages
Proc. SPIE 6922, Metrology, Inspection, and Process Control for Microlithography XXII, 69220X (16 April 2008); doi: 10.1117/12.772993

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6922:
Metrology, Inspection, and Process Control for Microlithography XXII
John A. Allgair; Christopher J. Raymond, Editor(s)