Aligning semiconductor metrology tools without dedicated quality control wafers

Abstract

Presented herein are methods and systems for calibrating metrology tool offset values ​​to align measurement results across a fleet of metrology tools. The offset value calibration is based on measurements of in-line production wafers, eliminating the need for specially fabricated and characterized quality control (QC) wafers. In this manner, the entire process flow for calibrating metrology tool offset values ​​is automated and fully integrated with the high-volume semiconductor manufacturing process flow. In another aspect, the implementation of the new offset values ​​is regulated by one or more predetermined control limits. In yet another aspect, the measurement values ​​of the parameter of interest are adjusted to compensate for the effect of measurement time on the wafer being measured.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The described embodiments relate to metrology systems and methods, and more particularly to methods and systems for improving measurement accuracy. [Background technology]

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 030,935, entitled "A Tool-To-Tool Matching Algorithm by using non-Dedicated Quality Control Wafers in a Fleet of Metrology Tools," filed May 28, 2020, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Semiconductor devices, such as logic and memory devices, are typically fabricated by a series of processing steps applied to a specimen. The various features and multiple structural levels of a semiconductor device are formed by these processing steps. For example, lithography is one semiconductor manufacturing process that involves, among other things, creating patterns on a semiconductor wafer. Further examples of semiconductor manufacturing processes include, but are not limited to, chemical-mechanical polishing, etching, deposition, diffusion, metallization, and ion implantation. Multiple semiconductor devices can be fabricated on a single semiconductor wafer and then separated into individual semiconductor devices.

[0004] The accumulation of defects in one or more process steps can lead to reduced device yield in a semiconductor manufacturing process flow. Metrology processes are used at various steps throughout the semiconductor manufacturing process to detect defects on wafers and promote high yield. For example, metrology tools measure pattern dimensions, film thickness, layer-to-layer alignment, pattern placement, surface topography, electro-optical properties, etc. Metrology techniques offer the potential for high throughput without the risk of sample destruction. Several optical and x-ray metrology-based techniques, including scatterometry and reflectometry implementations and associated analysis algorithms, are commonly used to characterize the critical dimensions, film thickness, composition, and other parameters of nanoscale structures.

[0005] The performance, integration, and reliability of semiconductor devices have continuously improved over time due to improved process resolution and more complex device structures. Improved process resolution allows for a reduction in the minimum critical size of the structures to be fabricated. Process resolution is primarily determined by the wavelength of the light source used in the fabrication process. The latest extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) light sources produce wavelengths of 13.5 nanometers, which enables the fabrication of structural features smaller than 32 nanometers. In addition, more complex device structures, such as FinFET structures and vertical NAND structures, are being developed to improve performance, energy costs, integration, and reliability.

[0006] As devices (e.g., logic and memory devices) move toward smaller nanometer-scale dimensions, characterization becomes more challenging. Devices incorporating complex three-dimensional geometries and materials with diverse physical properties contribute to the difficulty of characterization. Metrology systems are generally required to measure devices at more process steps with greater precision.

[0007] In addition to accurate device characterization, measurement consistency across different measurement applications and across measurement systems tasked with the same measurement objectives is also important. Inconsistency in measurements in a manufacturing environment can lead to a lack of consistency between processed semiconductor wafers, reducing yield to unacceptable levels. Matching measurement results across applications and across multiple systems (i.e., tool-to-tool matching) ensures that measurements on the same wafer in the same application will produce the same results.

[0008] Each metrology tool in a fleet of metrology tools has systematic errors, even if the hardware configuration of each metrology tool in the fleet is properly calibrated. These systematic errors cause offsets in the measurement results between different tools in the fleet. To correct these systematic errors, an offset value assigned to each metrology tool is added to the measurement results associated with each tool. After this adjustment, the measurement results monitored in a statistical process control (SPC) system are consistent across the fleet of metrology tools. In this way, deviations in the manufacturing process, if any, are detected based on the SPC charts.

[0009] Statistical process control monitors of expected device yield are needed across a group of metrology tools measuring wafers at the same process step. An offset associated with each metrology tool is introduced to compensate for systematic differences between the metrology tools. Without offset compensation, measurements of a quality control (QC) wafer from one metrology tool, although identical, will be offset or shifted from measurements of the same QC wafer from another metrology tool.

[0010] Conventionally, the offset associated with each metrology tool is compensated for by adding an offset calibration value to the reported measurements for each metrology tool. Conventionally, the offset calibration value associated with each tool is determined from QC measurements of a set of dedicated QC wafers measured by each of the metrology tools in the family. The offset calibration value for each tool is estimated based on the raw measurement data. By minimizing the effect of tool mismatch, the process variation captured in measurements performed by the family of metrology tools is effectively magnified.

[0011] In some examples, a calibration procedure for a particular process step and a group of metrology tools having nominally identical hardware and software configurations is used to calculate offset calibration values for each tool.

[0012] In this example, the QC wafer is fabricated under process of record (POR) conditions for a particular process step. In this case, the QC wafer is measured by all metrology tools in a collection of metrology tools. For example, if the measurements are critical dimension (CD) measurements, a CD measurement is obtained from each tool in a set of n tools in the collection of metrology tools (CD1, CD2, CD3, . . . , CDn). A mean value m of the measured CD values is determined, where m is the mean or median of the measured CD values. An offset associated with each tool is determined as the difference between the measured CD value associated with each tool and the mean value. For example, for the ith tool, the offset Δi=m-CD i Finally, the offset value associated with each tool is used to adjust the reported CD measurement from the corresponding tool. For example, Δi is the CD measurement reported by the i-th tool, i * is used to adjust the CD i * =CD i +Δi×R, where R is a scaling value, the value of which is selected by the user between zero and one.

[0013] The above-described calibration procedure for determining the offset calibration values is repeated as operating conditions change (eg, process changes, preventative maintenance of metrology tools, tool repairs, planned updates to tool offsets, etc.).

[0014] Unfortunately, traditional approaches to calibrating metrology tool offset values to align measurement results across a fleet of metrology tools are time-consuming and expensive. For example, manufacturing, characterizing, and maintaining QC wafers is prohibitively expensive in a high-volume manufacturing environment. QC wafers must be securely transported to each tool and manually loaded and unloaded from each tool. The cost and risk of damage are multiplied when the fleet includes tools in separate, remote facilities. These time and cost constraints limit the achievement of tool-to-tool alignment across a fab, especially where the additional time and risk associated with transporting QC wafers is paramount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0117411 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] As metrology systems have evolved to measure devices at more process steps with greater accuracy, the tool offset calibration process has also become more complex. Improved methods and tools are needed to reduce the time and expense associated with calibrating metrology tool offset values to match measurement results across a fleet of metrology tools. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] Presented herein are methods and systems for calibrating metrology tool offset values to align measurement results between metrology tools. Specifically, the offset calibration described herein is based on measurements of in-line production wafers and does not require the use of specially fabricated and characterized quality control (QC) wafers. By eliminating the use of dedicated QC wafers, the operational constraints and costs of maintaining tool-to-tool alignment in a semiconductor manufacturing environment are dramatically reduced, especially when tool-to-tool alignment is required between separate foundries.

[0018] Furthermore, the entire process flow for calibrating metrology tool offset values is automated and fully integrated with the high-volume semiconductor manufacturing process flow. This allows for seamless updates of metrology tool offset values without manual intervention and interruption of the process flow. As a result, tool-to-tool alignment of metrology tools is maintained automatically with low operational costs by eliminating the requirement for dedicated quality control wafers and by reducing the utilization of human operators.

[0019] In another aspect, the implementation of the new offset value is regulated by one or more predetermined control limits, hi some embodiments, the one or more predetermined control limits are determined by a user.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the measurement of the parameter of interest is adjusted to compensate for the effect of measurement time on the wafer being measured.

[0021] The foregoing is a summary and, as such, necessarily contains simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail; therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is in no way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and / or processes described herein will become apparent in the non-limiting Detailed Description set forth herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for measuring properties of a semiconductor wafer according to methods described herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a group of measurement tools 151 to 154 whose offset values have been calibrated by the method described in this specification. [Figure 3A] 1 is a graph 180 showing parameter values measured by four different tools over a 30 day period before any offset corrections are applied. [Figure 3B] 1 is a graph 181 showing offset parameter values performed daily for each of four different tools over a 30 day period. [Figure 3C] 1 is a graph 182 showing parameter values measured by four different tools over a 30 day period after offset value correction has been applied. [Figure 3D] 18 is a graph 183 showing the standard deviation of uncorrected and corrected measured parameter values among four different tools over a 30 day period. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for calibrating offset values for group matching in at least one novel aspect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary background and several embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] In a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment, measurements of structure and material properties (e.g., material composition, dimensional properties of structures and films, etc.) are performed at a particular step in the semiconductor manufacturing process flow using a group of nominally identical metrology tools. Calibrating the offset values associated with each metrology tool ensures that the measurement results from each metrology tool are comparable across the group. In other words, if a particular production wafer were measured by two different metrology tools in the group, the measurement results would be very close to the same value, with no systematic errors associated with any particular tool.

[0025] Presented herein are methods and systems for calibrating metrology tool offset values to align measurement results between metrology tools. In particular, the methods and systems described herein for calibrating metrology tool offset values use in-line production wafers and do not require the use of specially fabricated and characterized quality control (QC) wafers. By eliminating the use of dedicated QC wafers, the operational constraints and costs of maintaining tool-to-tool alignment in a semiconductor manufacturing environment are dramatically reduced, especially when tool-to-tool alignment is required between separate foundries.

[0026] The use of in-line production wafers to calibrate metrology tool offset values allows for greater flexibility in wafer selection and measurement sequence because the calibration data is obtained from measurements of in-line production wafers rather than from inserting dedicated QC wafers into the production flow. For example, if the calibration is based on measurements of in-line production wafers, the calibration of metrology tool offset values can be based on a much larger set of wafers.

[0027] Furthermore, the entire process flow for calibrating metrology tool offset values is automated and fully integrated with the high-volume semiconductor manufacturing process flow, allowing for seamless updates of metrology tool offset values without manual intervention and without interrupting the high-volume semiconductor manufacturing process flow.

[0028] In this way, tool-to-tool alignment of metrology tools is automatically maintained at low operational costs by eliminating the requirement for dedicated quality control wafers and by reducing the utilization of human operators.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for measuring semiconductor wafer characteristics, such as critical dimension (CD), thin film thickness, optical properties and material composition, overlay, and lithography focus / dose. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 can be used to perform spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements of one or more features 114 on a semiconductor wafer 112 disposed on a wafer positioning system 110. In this embodiment, the system 100 can include a spectroscopic ellipsometer 101 equipped with an illuminator 102 and a spectrometer 104. The illuminator 102 of the system 100 is configured to generate and direct illumination of a selected wavelength range to the features 114 disposed on the surface of the semiconductor wafer 112. The spectrometer 104 is configured to receive light from the surface of the semiconductor wafer 112. It is further noted that the light emerging from the illuminator 102 is polarized using a polarization state generator 107 to generate a polarized illumination beam 106. Radiation reflected by structures 114 disposed on wafer 112 passes through polarization state analyzer 109 to spectrometer 104. Radiation received as collected beam 108 at spectrometer 104 is analyzed for polarization state to allow spectral analysis of the radiation passing through the analyzer. These spectra 111 are passed to computer system 130 for analysis of structures 114.

[0030] In another embodiment, the measurement system 100 includes one or more computer systems 130 configured to execute an automated metrology tool to estimate values 115 of parameters of interest associated with one or more structures 114 being measured. In a preferred embodiment, the measurement tool is a set of program instructions 134 stored in memory (e.g., memory 132 or an external memory). The program instructions 134 are read and executed by one or more processors 131 of the computer system 130 to estimate values of the parameters of interest. The computer system 130 can be communicatively coupled to the spectrometer 104. In one aspect, the computer system 130 is configured to receive measurement data 111 related to measurements (e.g., critical dimensions, film thickness, composition, process, etc.) of the structures 114 of the sample 112. In one example, the measurement data 111 includes an indication from the spectrometer 104 of a measured spectral response of the sample by the measurement system 100 based on one or more sampling procedures. In some embodiments, the computer system 130 is further configured to determine sample parameter values 115 of the structures 114 from the measurement data 111. In one example, the computer system 130 is configured to access one or more measurement libraries of pre-calculated models to determine at least one sample parameter value associated with the target structure 114. In some examples, the measurement libraries are stored in the memory 132.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a diagram of a group of metrology tools 151-154 that have had their offsets calibrated according to the methods described herein. As shown in Figure 2, metrology tools 151-154 are a group of metrology tools tasked with measuring identical structures fabricated on separate wafers using the same sequence of process steps in a production environment. Wafers 141-143 are wafers that have undergone the same sequence of processing steps and are delivered to metrology tools 151-154 at the same processing steps.

[0032] 2, wafers 141-143 are measured by multiple metrology tools in a set of metrology tools 151-154. Estimates 161-164 of parameters of interest are generated by metrology tools 151-154, respectively. The measurements 161-164 are communicated to offset calibration server 170.

[0033] Offset calibration server 170 includes one or more computer systems configured to execute an offset calibration tool to estimate offset values 118 that are communicated to each of metrology tools 151-154. In a preferred embodiment, offset calibration tool is a set of program instructions 174 stored in memory (e.g., memory 172 or an external memory). Program instructions 174 are read and executed by one or more processors 171 of computer system 130 to estimate offset values. Offset calibration server 170 can be communicatively coupled to metrology tools 151-154. In one aspect, offset calibration server 170 is configured to receive metrology data 161-164 associated with measuring parameters of interest (e.g., critical dimension, film thickness, composition, process, etc.) of one or more structures disposed on wafers 141-143, respectively. In one example, metrology data 161-164 includes an indication of a measured critical dimension of a structure disposed on wafer 141-143, respectively.

[0034] 2, a record of measurements made by each of the metrology tools in the group is stored in a data host, for example, in memory 175, which is accessible to offset calibration server 170. The measurement record includes measurement recipe information, metrology tool information, wafer lot information, wafer information, measurement time, measurement parameter values with the current offset applied, and the current offset value for each tool. Equation (1) shows a set of current offset values, each corresponding to a different metrology tool in the group of M metrology tools. {Δ1,Δ2,Δ3,...Δ m} (1)

[0035] 2 , offset calibration task configuration information 117 is received from user input source 116 into offset calibration server 170. In one example, user input source 116 is a user interacting with a peripheral device, such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch screen, to input offset calibration task configuration information via a graphical user interface (GUI). Offset calibration task configuration information 117 defines offset calibration task parameters required to perform calibration of offset values. By way of non-limiting example, offset calibration task configuration information 117 may include measurement recipe information, measurement parameters to be matched, control limits for the measurement parameters, a measurement time frame, etc. In one example, the measurement time frame is defined by a measurement start time and a measurement end time, typically with a resolution of at least one second.

[0036] Measurement records that meet the task requirements defined by the offset calibration task configuration information 117 are loaded from the metrology tool or memory 175, respectively. In some examples, the measurement records are reviewed against a set of predetermined required criteria to verify their validity. In some examples, the criteria are defined in the offset calibration task configuration information 117. As non-limiting examples, validity criteria include measurement goodness, measurement status (e.g., normal measurement versus abnormal measurement), and measurement time window data.

[0037] After the appropriate measurement data is loaded into the offset calibration server 170, the measurement record is organized into two parts: 1) the measurement values of the parameters of interest, and 2) the current offset value associated with each parameter. The measurements are grouped by wafer. Each wafer includes the measurement time and measurements from one or more instruments.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2 , the offset calibration server 170 determines the bias value for each metrology tool relative to the average value of all metrology tools. It is not necessary to pass each wafer through every metrology tool in the group to be matched. Generally, each wafer in the set of wafers used to generate the measurement data for the group matching presented herein is measured by two or more different metrology tools in the group to be matched. Furthermore, each metrology tool in the group to be matched must measure at least one wafer in the set of wafers used to generate the measurement data for the group matching presented herein.

[0039] In one example, a group of five metrology tools is to be matched. A first wafer is measured by metrology tools #1, #2, and #4 of the group of five metrology tools. The biases associated with each of these tools are determined by offset calibration server 170 according to equation (2).

number

number

[0040] Additionally, offset calibration server 170 determines the average bias of each metrology tool in the group to be matched across all wafers measured by each of the metrology tools. The average bias is determined by offset calibration server 170 according to equation (3).

number

number

[0041] For m tools, the average bias associated with each metrology tool in the set of metrology tools to be matched is given by equation (4).

number

[0042] The offset calibration server 170 determines a new offset value based on the average bias associated with each metrology tool according to equation (5).

number

[0043] Here, △ m where m′ is the new offset value associated with the parameter of interest measured by the mth tool, and r is a scaling factor having a positive value less than or equal to 1. The scaling factor value r is selected by the user as part of the configuration information 117 to mitigate changes made to the offset values due to the offset calibration process. For m tools, the new offset value associated with each metrology tool in the group of metrology tools to be matched is given by equation (6). {Δ1',Δ2',Δ3',...Δ m '} (6)

[0044] 2, updated offset values 118 for all tools are communicated from offset calibration server 170 to measurement tools 151-154. As shown, new offset value 118A (△1') is communicated to measurement tool 151, new offset value 118B (△2') is communicated to measurement tool 152, new offset value 118C (△3') is communicated to measurement tool 153, and new offset value 118D (△ m') is communicated to the metrology tool 154. In some other embodiments, the new offset value is stored in a memory (e.g., memory 175).

[0045] In another aspect, the implementation of the new offset value is regulated by one or more predetermined control limits, which in some embodiments are determined by a user as part of the offset calibration task configuration information 117.

[0046] In some embodiments, the average bias associated with each metrology tool is compared to one or more predetermined thresholds to determine whether the average bias is within a range of values. If the average bias value exceeds an upper predetermined threshold, the average bias is limited to an upper predetermined value or set to zero. Additionally, if the average bias value is less than a lower predetermined threshold, the average bias is limited to a lower predetermined value or set to zero.

[0047] In some embodiments, the new offset value is compared to one or more predetermined thresholds to determine whether the new offset value is within a range of values. If the new offset value exceeds a predetermined upper threshold, the new offset is limited to a predetermined upper value or set to zero. Additionally, if the new offset value is less than a predetermined lower threshold, the new offset is limited to a lower predetermined value or set to zero.

[0048] In another further aspect, the measurement of the target parameter is adjusted to compensate for the measurement time.

[0049] In some instances, measurements characterizing structures fabricated on a wafer drift as a function of time, as a function of measurement time, or both. For example, airborne molecular contamination (AMC) is a time-dependent buildup of contaminants that shifts measurements. In another instance, the power and duration of incident radiation used to make measurements induces material changes on the wafer that shift measurements as a function of measurement time. As a result, the value of a parameter of interest determined from measurements of a particular structure tends to rise or fall as a function of time or measurement time.

[0050] The magnitude of measurement errors induced by time-dependent or measurement-time-dependent phenomena is exacerbated by the use of dedicated QC wafers because QC wafers are in use for a relatively long period of time and are measured significantly more often than the in-line production wafers described herein. Thus, there is a risk that QC wafers may not be representative of current production wafers after a significant amount of time has passed.

[0051] Although the risk of time-dependent or measurement time-dependent measurement drift is significantly reduced by using in-line production wafers, an additional step is described in which the measurement of the parameter of interest is adjusted to compensate for the measurement time.

[0052] In one example, at least one wafer is measured by the same metrology tool at two different times. For each measurement, the time at which the measurement was performed is stored in memory (e.g., memory 175). By measuring the wafer additionally by the same tool at different times, it is possible to calculate the trend of the values of the measured parameters as a function of the time elapsed between measurements. In this way, trend effects due to, for example, airborne molecular contamination can be compensated for. In some embodiments, the trend behavior is assumed to be a linear function of time. In these embodiments, the difference in the values of the measured parameters divided by the difference in time between measurements quantifies the trend, as shown in equation (7).

number

[0053] In one example, the untrended value of the parameter measured by any other metrology tool in the group of metrology tools is determined according to equation (8). p x '=p x -k(T x -T1) (8) Here p x is the value of the measurement parameter measured by the xth measurement tool, and T x is the time of measurement by the xth measurement tool, and p x ' is the value of the untrended parameter value associated with the measurement of the parameter by the xth tool.

[0054] In general, the measurement parameter values associated with all measurements on this wafer can be detrended as described herein. For example, the set of detrended measurements on a particular wafer from m metrology tools in a fleet of metrology tools can be expressed as: {p1',p2',p3',...p m '} (9)

[0055] By de-trending the measurement data in the manner described herein, the effect of wafer trend on measurement mismatch is significantly reduced. In some examples, the offset calibration server 170 uses the de-trended measurement data determined according to equation (8) to determine a bias value for each metrology tool relative to the average value for all metrology tools, as described with reference to equation (2).

[0056] In some embodiments, the time described with reference to equations (7) and (8) is replaced by the number of measurements in a series of measurements made on the wafer, thus compensating for trend effects due to, for example, the amount of radiation that scales as a function of the number of times the wafer is measured.

[0057] An exemplary calibration of offset parameter values between a group of metrology tools is described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D . A group of four optical critical dimension (OCD) metrology tools is implemented in a production environment. The metrology tools measure wafers at the same manufacturing step in a manufacturing process flow. More specifically, each in-line production wafer is measured by one of the four metrology tools in the group. Each day, an in-line production wafer is selected for tool matching as described herein and measured by two or more metrology tools in the group. In this manner, the offset parameter values associated with each of the tools used to measure the selected wafer on a given day are updated that day, and the tools not used to measure the selected wafer on that day are not updated that day. To ensure that each tool in the group is updated regularly, the two or more tools selected to measure the selected wafer on a given day are rotated within the group.

[0058] 3A is a graph 180 showing parameter values measured by four different tools over a 30-day period before any offset corrections were applied. Graph line 180A shows the measurement results for tool #1, graph line 180B shows the measurement results for tool #2, graph line 180C shows the measurement results for tool #3, and graph line 180D shows the measurement results for tool #4. As shown in FIG. 3A, each tool measures different wafers, and each tool measures different wafers each day. Thus, each uncorrected measurement exhibits tool-to-tool variations and variations over time (e.g., day-to-day) due to both systematic tool variations and actual dimensional variations in the measured wafers.

[0059] FIG. 3B is a graph 181 showing the offset parameter values implemented daily for each of tools #1-4 over a 30-day period. Graph line 181A shows the offset parameter values implemented for tool #1, graph line 181B shows the offset parameter values implemented for tool #2, graph line 181C shows the offset parameter values implemented for tool #3, and graph line 181D shows the offset parameter values implemented for tool #4. As shown in FIG. 3B, sometimes there are large shifts in the offset parameter values implemented for a particular tool. These shifts occur when large changes are made to a tool, such as preventive maintenance events. As shown in FIG. 3B, the offset parameter values determined by the methods described herein can compensate for tool changes and maintain tool-to-tool alignment.

[0060] 3C is a graph 182 showing parameter values measured by four different tools over a 30-day period after offset value correction has been applied. Graph line 182A shows the measurement results for tool #1, graph line 182B shows the measurement results for tool #2, graph line 182C shows the measurement results for tool #3, and graph line 182D shows the measurement results for tool #4. As shown in FIG. 3C, each tool measures different wafers, and each tool measures different wafers each day. Thus, the corrected measurements exhibit tool-to-tool variations and variations over time (e.g., day-to-day) due to actual dimensional variations for the measured wafers, but the effects of systematic tool variations are significantly reduced.

[0061] FIG. 3D is a graph 183 illustrating the standard deviation of uncorrected and corrected measurement parameter values across four different tools over a 30-day period. Graph line 183A illustrates the standard deviation of uncorrected measurement parameter values across the four tools over a 30-day period. Graph line 183B illustrates the standard deviation of corrected measurement parameter values across the four tools over a 30-day period. As shown in FIG. 3D, by implementing offset parameter values determined according to the methods described herein, the standard deviation across all tools for the measurement parameter of interest is reduced by a factor of approximately 3.5. Thus, the ability to reduce the impact of systematic differences between metrology tools on measurement accuracy is clearly demonstrated.

[0062] It should be understood that the various processes described throughout this disclosure can be performed by a single computer system 170, or alternatively, by multiple computer systems 170. Furthermore, various subsystems of system 100, such as spectroscopic ellipsometer 101, can include computer systems suitable for performing at least a portion of the processes described herein. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed as limiting the present invention, but is merely exemplary. Furthermore, computer system 170 can be configured to perform any other process of any of the method embodiments described herein.

[0063] Computer system 170 may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer system, a mainframe computer system, a workstation, an image computer, a parallel processor, or any other device known in the art. In general, the term "computer system" may be broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processors that executes instructions from a memory medium. In general, computer system 170 may be integrated with a measurement system, such as measurement system 100, or alternatively, may be separate from any measurement system. In this sense, computer system 170 may be remotely located and may receive measurement data and user input 117 from any measurement source and user input source, respectively.

[0064] Program instructions 174 implementing methods such as those described herein may be transmitted over a transmission medium such as a wire, cable, or wireless transmission link. The memory 172 storing the program instructions 174 may include a computer-readable medium such as a read-only memory, a random-access memory, a magnetic or optical disk, or a magnetic tape.

[0065] Additionally, the computer system 170 may be communicatively coupled to metrology tools or user input sources 116 in any manner known in the art.

[0066] Computer system 170 can be configured to receive and / or acquire data or information from user input source 116 and measurement system subsystems (e.g., spectrometer 104, illuminator 102, etc.) via a transmission medium, which can include wired and / or wireless portions. In this manner, the transmission medium can serve as a data link between computer system 170, user input source 116, and a measurement system, such as measurement system 100. Additionally, computer system 170 can be configured to receive measurement data via a storage medium (i.e., memory). For example, spectroscopic results obtained using the spectrometer of ellipsometer 101 can be stored in a permanent or semi-permanent storage device (not shown). In this regard, spectroscopic results can be retrieved from an external system. Additionally, computer system 170 can also transmit data to an external system via the transmission medium.

[0067] 2 may be further configured as described herein. In addition, server 170 may be configured to perform any other block of any of the method embodiments described herein.

[0068] In general, any number of parameters of interest can be selected to serve as the basis for offset value calibration. Exemplary parameters of interest include geometric parameters such as critical dimension (CD), sidewall angle (SWA), shape parameters such as height (H), composition, film thickness, bandgap, electrical properties, lithography focus, lithography dose, overlay, and other process parameters (e.g., resist condition, partial pressure, temperature, focus model).

[0069] 4 illustrates a method 200 for calibrating offset values for group alignment in at least one novel embodiment. Method 200 is suitable for implementation by an offset calibration server, such as offset calibration server 170 shown in FIG. 2 of the present invention. It should be understood that, in one embodiment, the data processing blocks of method 200 may be implemented by pre-programmed algorithms executed by one or more processors of computer system 170 or any other general-purpose computer system. It should be understood that the specific structural aspects of system 170 are not intended to be limiting, but rather should be construed as merely exemplary.

[0070] At block 201, a plurality of measurements of a parameter of interest characterizing one or more structures disposed on a plurality of in-line production wafers are received, each of the plurality of in-line production wafers being measured at the same process step in a semiconductor manufacturing process flow, and the plurality of measurements of the parameter of interest are associated with the respective measurements of the plurality of wafers by two or more metrology systems in a group of metrology systems.

[0071] In block 202, a first measurement bias associated with one of the metrology systems is determined based on average measurement values of each of the one or more metrology systems used to measure a first in-line production wafer of the plurality of in-line production wafers.

[0072] In block 203, an updated offset value for one of the measurement systems is determined based at least in part on the first measurement bias.

[0073] At block 204, a correction to the measurement of the parameter of interest by the metrology system is estimated based on the updated offset value.

[0074] In an optional block (not shown), the updated offset values are stored in a memory of the computer system (eg, memory 172 of computer system 170, or an external memory).

[0075] Although the methods discussed herein are described with reference to a metrology system such as metrology system 100, any metrology system configured to irradiate a sample and detect radiation reflected, transmitted, or diffracted from the sample can be used to practice the exemplary methods described herein, including optical and X-ray-based metrology systems. Exemplary systems include angle-resolved reflectometers, scatterometers, reflectometers, ellipsometers, spectroreflectometers or ellipsometers, beam profile reflectometers, multi-wavelength two-dimensional beam profile reflectometers, multi-wavelength two-dimensional beam profile ellipsometers, rotating compensator spectroscopic ellipsometers, and the like. By way of non-limiting example, an ellipsometer may include a single rotating compensator, multiple rotating compensators, a rotating polarizer, a rotating analyzer, a modulating element, multiple modulating elements, or no modulating elements.

[0076] It should be noted that the output from a metrology system can be configured such that the metrology system uses multiple technologies. In fact, an application can be configured to use any combination of available metrology subsystems within a single tool or across several different tools.

[0077] Systems for implementing the methods described herein can also be configured in several different ways. For example, a wide range of wavelengths (including visible, ultraviolet, infrared, and X-ray), angles of incidence, polarization states, and coherence states can be contemplated. In another example, the system can include any of several different light sources (e.g., direct-coupled light sources, laser-sustained plasma light sources, etc.). In another example, the system can include elements (e.g., apodizers, filters, etc.) that condition the light directed at or collected from the sample.

[0078] In the field of semiconductor metrology, a metrology system may include an illumination system that illuminates an object, a collection system that captures relevant information obtained by the illumination system interacting (or not interacting) with the target, device, or feature, and a processing system that analyzes the collected information using one or more algorithms. Metrology tools can be used to measure structural and material properties related to various semiconductor manufacturing processes (e.g., material composition, dimensional properties of structures and films such as film thickness and / or structural critical dimensions, overlay, etc.). These measurements are used to facilitate process control and / or yield efficiency in the manufacturing of semiconductor dies.

[0079] A metrology system may include one or more hardware configurations that can be used in combination with some embodiments of the present invention to measure, for example, various of the above-described semiconductor structure and material properties, including, but not limited to, spectroscopic ellipsometers (SEs), SEs with multiple illumination angles, SEs that measure Mueller matrix elements (e.g., using a rotational compensator), single-wavelength ellipsometers, beam profile ellipsometers (angle-resolved ellipsometers), beam profile reflectometers (angle-resolved reflectometers), broadband reflectance spectrometers (spectroscopic reflectometers), single-wavelength reflectometers, angle-resolved reflectometers, imaging systems, and scatterometers (e.g., speckle analyzers).

[0080] Hardware configurations can be separated into separate operational systems. Alternatively, one or more hardware configurations can be combined into a single tool. One example of such a combination of multiple hardware configurations into a single tool is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,933,026, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Often, multiple metrology tools are used to measure a single or multiple metrology targets. This is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,478,013 to Zangooie et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0081] As used herein, the term "critical dimension" includes any critical dimension of a structure (e.g., bottom critical dimension, middle critical dimension, top critical dimension, sidewall angle, grating height, etc.), the critical dimension between any two or more structures (e.g., the distance between two structures), the displacement between two or more structures (e.g., the overlay displacement between overlay grating structures, etc.), and the dispersion properties of materials used in a structure or part of a structure. Structures can include three-dimensional structures, patterned structures, overlay structures, etc.

[0082] As used herein, the term "critical dimension application" or "critical dimension measurement application" includes any critical dimension measurement.

[0083] As used herein, the term "metrology system" includes any measurement system used at least in part to characterize a specimen in any manner, including systems that may be referred to as "inspection" systems. Such terminology does not limit the scope of the term "metrology system" as used herein. Additionally, the metrology system 100 may be configured for measurements of patterned and / or unpatterned wafers. The metrology system may be configured as an LED inspection tool, an edge inspection tool, a backside inspection tool, a macro inspection tool, or a multi-mode inspection tool (including data from one or more platforms simultaneously), as well as any other metrology or inspection tool that benefits from calibrating system parameters based on critical dimension data.

[0084] Various embodiments are described herein with respect to semiconductor processing systems (e.g., metrology systems or lithography systems) that can be used to process a specimen. The term "specimen" is used herein to refer to a site on a wafer, a reticle, or any other specimen that can be processed (e.g., printed or inspected for defects) by means known in the art. In some examples, the specimen includes a single site with one or more measurement targets whose simultaneous multiple measurements are treated as a single specimen measurement or reference measurement. In some other examples, the specimen is a collection of sites where measurement data associated with the aggregate measurement site is a statistical aggregation of data associated with each of the multiple sites. Furthermore, each of these multiple sites can include one or more measurement targets associated with one specimen or reference measurement.

[0085] As used herein, the term "wafer" generally refers to a substrate formed of a semiconductor or non-semiconductor material. Examples include, but are not limited to, monocrystalline silicon, gallium arsenide, and indium phosphide. Such substrates may be commonly found and / or processed in semiconductor manufacturing facilities. In some cases, a wafer may include only a substrate (i.e., a bare wafer). Alternatively, a wafer may include one or more layers of various materials formed on a substrate. The one or more layers formed on a wafer may be "patterned" or "unpatterned." For example, a wafer may include multiple dies having repeatable pattern features.

[0086] A "reticle" can be a reticle at any stage in the reticle manufacturing process or a finished reticle that may or may not be released for use in a semiconductor manufacturing facility. A reticle, or "mask," is generally defined as a substantially transparent substrate having substantially opaque regions formed thereon, configured as a pattern. The substrate may comprise, for example, a glass material such as amorphous SiO2. The reticle can be placed over a resist-coated wafer during the exposure step of a lithography process so that the pattern on the reticle can be transferred to the resist.

[0087] One or more layers formed on a wafer can be patterned or unpatterned. For example, a wafer can include multiple dies, each with repeatable pattern features. Forming and processing these layers of material can ultimately result in a completed device. Many different types of devices can be formed on a wafer, and the term wafer as used herein is intended to encompass wafers on which any type of device known in the art may be fabricated.

[0088] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection may properly be termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used herein, disk and disc include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with a laser. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0089] Although several specific embodiments are described above for purposes of illustration, the teachings of this patent document have general applicability and are not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. receiving a plurality of measurements of a parameter of interest characterizing one or more structures disposed on a plurality of in-line production wafers, each of the plurality of in-line production wafers being measured at a same process step in a semiconductor manufacturing process flow, and correlating the plurality of measurements of the parameter of interest to the respective measurements of the plurality of in-line production wafers by two or more metrology systems in a group of metrology systems; determining a first measurement bias associated with one of the metrology systems based on an average measurement value of each of the one or more metrology systems used to measure a first in-line production wafer of the plurality of in-line production wafers; determining an updated offset value for the measurement system of the group of measurement systems based at least in part on the first measurement bias; estimating a correction value for the measurement value of the target parameter by the measurement system based on the updated offset value; determining a second measurement bias associated with the metrology system of the group of metrology systems based on an average measurement value of each of the two or more metrology systems used to measure a second in-line production wafer of the plurality of in-line production wafers; determining an average value of the measurement biases associated with the metrology system based at least in part on the first measurement bias and the second measurement bias, wherein the updated offset value is based on the average value of the measurement biases; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the average value of the measurement bias is determined as a mean or a median.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of estimating the correction value of the measurement of the target parameter by the measurement system is determined by adding a correction term to the measurement of the target parameter by the measurement system, the correction term being a product of the updated offset value and a scaling factor.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the scaling factor is a positive value less than or equal to 1.

5. 10. The method of claim 1, adjusting the measurement value of the target parameter associated with a measurement value of one of the plurality of in-line production wafers by a first metrology system in the group of metrology systems based on a time elapsed between measurements of the in-line production wafer by the first metrology system and a second metrology system in the group of metrology systems.

6. 10. The method of claim 1, adjusting the measurement value of the target parameter associated with a measurement value of one of the plurality of in-line production wafers by a first metrology system of the group of metrology systems based on a duration for which measurements of the in-line production wafer are performed by the first metrology system and a second metrology system of the group of metrology systems.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, comparing the updated offset values of the measurement systems in the group of measurement systems with a predetermined upper threshold and a predetermined lower threshold; if the updated offset value exceeds the predetermined upper threshold, replacing the predetermined upper threshold with the updated offset value; if the updated offset value is less than the predetermined lower threshold, replacing the predetermined lower threshold with the updated offset value; The method further comprising:

8. 10. The method of claim 1, determining a difference between the updated offset value and a current offset value of a measurement system of the group of measurement systems; if the difference exceeds a predetermined upper threshold, replacing the predetermined upper threshold with the updated offset value; if the difference is less than a predetermined lower threshold, replacing the predetermined lower threshold with the updated offset value; The method further comprising:

9. 1. A system comprising: A plurality of measurement systems, an illumination source configured to provide an amount of illumination radiation to one or more structures disposed on an in-line production wafer; a detector configured to receive an amount of collected radiation from the one or more structures in response to the amount of illumination radiation and to generate a measurement signal indicative of the collected radiation; one or more computer systems, receiving a plurality of measurements from the plurality of measurement systems, each of the plurality of measurements being a value of a parameter of interest characterizing the one or more structures disposed on each of a plurality of in-line production wafers, each of the plurality of in-line production wafers being measured at a same process step in a semiconductor manufacturing process flow, and the plurality of measurements of the parameter of interest being associated with measurements of each of the plurality of in-line production wafers by two or more measurement systems of the plurality of measurement systems; determining a first measurement bias associated with one of the plurality of measurement systems relative to an average measurement value of each of the one or more measurement systems used to measure a first in-line production wafer of the plurality of in-line production wafers; determining an updated offset value for the measurement system of the plurality of measurement systems based at least in part on the first measurement bias; and estimating a correction value for the measurement of the target parameter by the measurement system based on the updated offset value; determining a second measurement bias associated with the measurement system of the plurality of measurement systems relative to an average measurement value of each of the two or more measurement systems used to measure a second in-line production wafer of the plurality of in-line production wafers; and one or more computer systems configured to determine an average value of the measurement biases associated with the measurement system based at least in part on the first measurement bias and the second measurement bias, wherein the updated offset value is based on the average value of the measurement biases; Multiple measurement systems, each containing A system comprising:

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the average value of the measurement bias is determined as a mean or a median.

11. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein estimating the correction value of the measurement of the target parameter by the measurement system is determined by adding a correction term to the measurement of the target parameter by the measurement system, the correction term being a product of the updated offset value and a scaling factor.

12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the scaling factor is a positive value less than or equal to 1.

13. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more computer systems:

11. The system, further configured to: adjust the measurement value of the target parameter associated with a measurement value of one of the plurality of in-line production wafers by a first measurement system of the plurality of measurement systems based on a time elapsed between measurements of the in-line production wafer by the first measurement system and a second measurement system of the plurality of measurement systems.

14. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more computer systems: and adjusting the measurement value of the target parameter associated with a measurement value of one of the plurality of in-line production wafers by a first measurement system of the plurality of measurement systems based on a duration for which measurements of the in-line production wafer are performed by the first measurement system and a second measurement system of the plurality of measurement systems.

15. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the computer system comprises: comparing the updated offset value of a measurement system of the plurality of measurement systems to a predetermined upper threshold and a predetermined lower threshold; if the updated offset value exceeds the predetermined upper threshold, replacing the predetermined upper threshold with the updated offset value; and The system is further configured to replace the predetermined lower threshold with the updated offset value if the updated offset value is less than the predetermined lower threshold.

16. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the computer system comprises: determining a difference between the updated offset value of a measurement system of the plurality of measurement systems and a current offset value of the measurement system; if the difference exceeds a predetermined upper threshold, replacing the predetermined upper threshold with the updated offset value; and If the difference is less than a predetermined lower threshold, the system is further configured to replace the predetermined lower threshold with the updated offset value.

17. 1. An offset calibration tool, comprising: one or more processors of a computer system; A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer system to: receiving a plurality of measurements of a parameter of interest characterizing one or more structures disposed on a plurality of in-line production wafers, each of the plurality of in-line production wafers being measured at a same process step in a semiconductor manufacturing process flow, and wherein the plurality of measurements of the parameter of interest are associated with measurements of each of the plurality of in-line production wafers by two or more metrology systems in a group of metrology systems; determining a first measurement bias associated with one of the metrology systems based on an average measurement value of each of the one or more metrology systems used to measure a first in-line production wafer of the plurality of in-line production wafers; determining an updated offset value for the measurement system of the plurality of measurement systems based at least in part on the first measurement bias; estimating a correction value for the measurement of the target parameter by the measurement system based on the updated offset value; determining a second measurement bias associated with the metrology system of the group of metrology systems based on an average measurement value of each of the two or more metrology systems used to measure a second in-line production wafer of the plurality of in-line production wafers; and determining an average value of the measurement biases associated with the metrology system based at least in part on the first measurement bias and the second measurement bias, wherein the updated offset value is based on the average value of the measurement biases.

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