Optical metrology tool with modulated light source

Abstract

To provide a system for mitigating effects of coherence artifacts and excessive noise sources in an optical metrology setting.SOLUTION: The optical metrology tool includes a modulatable illumination source 102 configured to illuminate a surface of a sample disposed on a sample stage, a detector 110 configured to detect illumination emanating from the surface of the sample, illumination optics 104 configured to direct the illumination from the modulatable illumination source to the surface of the sample, collection optics 108 configured to direct the illumination from the surface of the sample to the detector, and a modulation control system 112 communicatively coupled to the modulatable illumination source, where the modulation control system 112 is configured to modulate a drive current of the modulatable illumination source at a selected modulation frequency suitable for generating illumination having a selected coherence feature length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to methods and systems relating to optical metrology, and more particularly to optical metrology methods and systems comprising modulated light sources. [Background technology]

[0002] As the demand for ever-smaller semiconductor device features continues to grow, the demand for improved optical metrology techniques will also continue to grow. Optical metrology techniques can include critical dimension (CD) metrology, thin film thickness and composition metrology, and overlay metrology. These optical metrology techniques can be performed using a variety of optical configurations, such as reflectometry optical systems, ellipsometry optical systems, and spectroscopy optical systems.

[0003] Optical metrology systems typically utilize light sources that operate in a constant current or constant light output mode to ensure the optical stability of the system and to maintain noise levels within acceptable limits.

[0004] In optical metrology configurations where a coherent light source is provided, the generation of coherent artifacts, such as interference fringes (e.g., "ghosts") and speckle resulting from overlapping images, is a significant concern in the operation of a given optical metrology tool. Due to the long coherence length of laser-based illumination, minimizing the effects of coherent artifacts can be challenging. The coherent artifacts that appear in optical metrology configurations with the illumination coherence length (often 100 meters or more) are larger than the distance between optically reflective surfaces of the metrology tool. Such reflective surfaces can include lenses, beam splitters, optical fibers, and so on. In this case, the primary beam constructively interferes with the illumination from the parasitic beams, generating interference fringes caused by ghosts. This interference can increase in intensity to an order of magnitude similar to the primary beam's magnitude, significantly impairing the usefulness of a given optical metrology tool.

[0005] Furthermore, some metrology applications require time-sequential intensity control of multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths of light. Prior art techniques have achieved time-sequential intensity control using a variety of opto-mechanical and electro-optical devices, such as shutters, acousto-optical devices, and Pockels cells. Prior art use of such devices to achieve time-sequential control of multiple light sources can result in poor stability and reproducibility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0271621 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0304033 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0309477 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0259098 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a system and method for overcoming the deficiencies of the prior art and mitigating the effects of coherent artifacts and excess noise sources in optical metrology configurations.Furthermore, it would be beneficial to present a system and method that provides an efficient means of time-series output of a multi-wavelength light source for multi-wavelength optical metrology applications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Disclosed is an optical metrology tool that, in one aspect, may include, but is not limited to, a modulatable light source configured to illuminate a sample surface disposed on a sample stage, an illumination optic set configured to direct illumination from the modulated light source toward the sample surface, a collection optic set, a detector configured to detect at least a portion of the illumination emanating from the sample surface, the collection optic set configured to direct illumination from the sample surface toward the detector, and a modulation control system communicatively connected to the modulatable light source, the modulation control system configured to modulate a drive current of the modulatable light source at a selected modulation frequency suitable for generating illumination having selected coherence characteristics.

[0009] In another aspect, an optical metrology tool includes a first light source configured to generate illumination at a first wavelength, at least one additional light source configured to generate illumination at an additional wavelength, the additional wavelength being different from the first wavelength, the first light source and the at least one additional light source configured to illuminate a sample surface disposed on a sample stage, a set of illumination optics configured to direct the illumination at the first wavelength and the illumination at the at least one additional wavelength from the first light source and the at least one additional light source onto the sample surface, a set of collection optics, and a detector to detect at least a portion of the illumination emanating from the sample surface, the set of collection optics configured to direct the illumination at the first wavelength and the illumination at the at least one additional wavelength from the first light source and the at least one additional light source onto the sample surface. The illumination system may include, but is not limited to, a detector configured to direct illumination emanating from the surface to the detector, and a modulation control system communicatively connected to the first light source and the at least one additional light source, the modulation control system configured to modulate a drive current of the first light source to generate a first illumination waveform at a first wavelength and modulate a drive current of the at least one additional light source to generate an additional illumination waveform at an additional wavelength, pulses of the first illumination waveform being interleaved with pulses of at least the additional illumination waveform, and the first illumination waveform and the additional illumination waveform having a selected waveform frequency.

[0010] In another aspect, an optical metrology tool includes a first light source configured to generate illumination at a first wavelength, at least one additional light source configured to generate illumination at an additional wavelength, the additional wavelength being different from the first wavelength, the first light source and the at least one additional light source configured to illuminate a sample surface disposed on a sample stage, a set of illumination optics configured to direct the illumination at the first wavelength and the illumination at the at least one additional wavelength from the first light source and the at least one additional light source to the sample surface, a set of collection optics, and a detector to detect at least a portion of the illumination emanating from the sample surface, the set of collection optics configured to detect at least a portion of the illumination emanating from the sample surface. The illumination may include, but is not limited to, a detector configured to direct illumination to the detector; a first lighting switching device communicatively coupled to the first light source and configured to control the illumination intensity of the transmitted first wavelength; at least one additional lighting switching device communicatively coupled to the at least one additional light source and configured to control the illumination intensity of the transmitted additional wavelength; and a lighting control system communicatively coupled to the first lighting switching device and the at least one additional switching device and configured to modulate the illumination intensity of the transmitted first wavelength and the illumination intensity of the transmitted additional wavelength by controlling one or more features of the lighting switching device.

[0011] In another aspect, the optical metrology tool can include, but is not limited to, a modulatable excitation source configured to generate an illumination beam; a plasma cell having a valve containing a volume of gas; a set of optical elements configured to focus the illumination beam from the modulatable excitation source within the volume of gas to shape the illumination beam and maintain a plasma within the volume of gas; a set of illumination optics to direct the illumination beam from the plasma cell toward a sample surface; a set of collection optics; a detector configured to detect at least a portion of the illumination emanating from the sample surface, the collection optics set configured to direct the illumination from the sample surface to the detector; and an excitation control system communicatively connected to the modulatable excitation source, the excitation control system configured to modulate a drive current of the modulatable excitation source at a selected modulation frequency to impart time-varying properties to the plasma contained within the plasma cell.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0013] The many advantages of the present disclosure may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram illustrating an optical metrology tool including one or more modulated light sources according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 is a high-level schematic diagram illustrating a reflectometry optical metrology tool including one or more modulated light sources according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] 1 is a high-level schematic diagram illustrating an ellipsometric optical metrology tool including one or more modulated light sources according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams illustrating intensity spectra with and without light source modulation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 is a high-level schematic diagram illustrating an optical metrology system with multiple light sources, each with a different wavelength, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating interleaved pulse trains from multiple light sources each having a different wavelength, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a high-level schematic diagram illustrating an optical metrology system having multiple light sources, each with a different wavelength, whose intensity is controlled via an intensity switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a high-level schematic diagram of an optical metrology tool including a spectrum monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7A]FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of a laser-produced-plasma optical metrology tool with a modulated excitation source according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a laser-produced-plasma optical metrology tool with a modulated excitation source according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to the present subject matter, the disclosure of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0016] 1-7B, an optical metrology tool incorporating the functionality of a temporally modulated light source in accordance with the present invention is described. The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for performing optical metrology that include one or more temporally modulated light sources. Temporal modulation of illumination from one or more light sources in the metrology system of the present invention provides improved precision, accuracy, and measurement throughput.

[0017] In some respects, illumination modulation implemented by the present invention assists in suppressing coherent artifacts, such as, but not limited to, interference fringes, coherent noise, and speckle, in measured optical signals (e.g., angle-resolved reflectance or ellipsometric parameters, polarization-resolved reflectance or ellipsometric parameters, wavelength-resolved reflectance or ellipsometric parameters, etc.). Additionally, the present invention relates to the temporal modulation of multiple light source outputs, thereby enabling time-sequential interleaving of the illumination outputs of multiple light sources (e.g., lasers and / or lamps). Interleaving the outputs of multiple light sources in the present invention provides improved wavelength stability, noise reduction, and intensity control in metrology applications requiring multiple wavelength illumination. Additionally, the present invention relates to the temporal modulation of the illumination output of one or more excitation sources of an optically sustained plasma source. Modulation of the excitation source illumination output provides a reduced noise level in the output illumination of the sustained plasma light source.

[0018] In general, the temporal modulation provided by various embodiments of the present invention provides many benefits, particularly coherence noise reduction in laser-based metrology applications, time-sequential interleaving of different types of light sources, and noise reduction in laser-produced plasma sources.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an optical metrology tool 100 with time-modulated illumination capabilities according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will recognize that coherent artifact control is a common challenge in the design of optical metrology tools. In configurations where a given optical metrology tool has one or more coherent light sources (e.g., lasers), the ability to control coherent effects associated with stray light and ghosting (e.g., speckle and interference fringes) becomes increasingly challenging. For example, a given optical metrology tool (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) has multiple optical surfaces. These optical surfaces can include, but are not limited to, beam splitters, lenses, optical fibers, objective lens surfaces, apodizers, and the like. Coherent illumination in optical metrology tools often causes detrimental speckle, fringes, and other coherent artifacts. These can contribute to measurement noise and instability, which adversely affect the precision and accuracy of measurements.

[0021] For example, in a given optical system, a beam propagating in a primary path may interfere with a parasitic beam reflected from an optical surface (e.g., a mirror, a beam splitter, etc.) in the optical system. To illustrate the detrimental effects of primary and parasitic beam interference, the primary and parasitic beams are characterized by intensities I1 and I2. The superposition of these two beams provides a combined beam output of:

number

[0022] In the above equation, θ denotes the relative phase between the primary beam and the parasitic beam from the reflecting surface of the optical metrology tool. For illustrative purposes, if I1 = 1 and I2 = 0.0025 (consistent with a parasitic beam reflecting from a surface with a reflectivity of 0.25%), the interference term in Equation 1 would have a magnitude of 10% of the primary beam when the primary and parasitic waves constructively interfere. This level of interference contribution is unacceptable for the majority of optical metrology tools.

[0023] In contrast, in a configuration where the primary and parasitic beams are not coherent with each other, the interference term in Equation 1 will be zero and the metrology tool ghost correction will have a magnitude of 0.25% of the primary beam, which is much more manageable than the case described above.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the typical spectrum of a laser (e.g., a laser based on semiconductor diode technology) contains a single narrow spectral line or multiple narrow spectral lines. Such laser sources commonly have long coherence lengths. Due to their wavelength stability and low noise, single-wavelength lasers are ubiquitously utilized throughout metrology applications. Due to the large coherence length of single-wavelength lasers, which is often greater than 100 m, coherent artifacts are suppressed during implementation in metrology configurations for reasons discussed earlier herein.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, a system 100 includes a modulated light source 102 configured to illuminate the surface of a sample 106 (e.g., a semiconductor wafer) disposed on a sample stage, a detector 110 configured to detect light reflected from the surface of the sample 106, and an optical system serving to optically connect the modulated light source 102 and the detector 110. The optical system may include a set of illumination optics 104 (e.g., lenses, mirrors, filters, etc.) suitable for directing and / or collecting light from the light source 102 toward the sample 106. The optical system may further include a set of collection optics 108 (e.g., lenses, mirrors, filters, etc.) suitable for directing light reflected or scattered from the surface of the wafer 106 toward the detector 110. In this manner, light may originate from the light source 102 and propagate along an illumination arm (via the illumination system 104) to the surface of the sample 106. Light reflected or scattered from the sample 106 may propagate along a collection arm of the system 100 (via the collection system 108) from the sample 106 to the detector 110. In another embodiment, the optical metrology system 100 includes a modulation control system 112 configured to modulate the drive current of the modulatable light source 102 (eg, a laser) at a selected modulation frequency.

[0026] It is noted herein that the optical metrology system 100 of the present invention may be configured to perform any type of optical metrology known in the art. For example, the optical metrology system 100 may be configured to perform at least one of the following metrology techniques: critical dimension (CD) metrology, thin film (TF) thickness and composition metrology, and overlay metrology.

[0027] It is further noted that the optical metrology system 100 of the present invention is not limited to any particular optical configuration or optical metrology function. In some embodiments, the optical metrology system 100 of the present invention can be configured as a reflectometry metrology system. For example, the optical metrology system 100 can comprise, but is not limited to, a beam profile reflectometer (e.g., a narrowband beam profile reflectometer) operating in an angle-resolved mode, a spectroscopic reflectometer, or the like. An overview of spectral and single-wavelength beam profile reflectometers is provided in U.S. Patent No. 6,429,943, filed March 27, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0028] In other embodiments, the optical metrology system 100 of the present invention can be configured as a scatterometry-based metrology system. For example, but not limited to, the optical metrology system 100 can comprise a broadband scatterometer (e.g., a broadband spectroscopic scatterometer) or a narrowband scatterometer.

[0029] In additional embodiments, the optical metrology of the present invention can be configured as an ellipsometry metrology system. For example, the optical metrology system 100 can comprise, but is not limited to, a beam profile ellipsometer or a spectroscopic ellipsometer. A general overview of ellipsometry principles can be found in Harland G. Tompkins and Eugene A. Irene's Handbook of Ellipsometry, 1st ed., William Andrew, Inc., 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Mueller matrix ellipsometry is further described in detail in PS Hauge, "Mueller Matrix Ellipsometry with Imperfect Compensators," J. of the Optical Soc. of AM. A68(11), 1519-1528, 1978; RMA Azzam, "A Simple Fourier Photopolarimeter with Rotating Polarizer and Analyzer for Measuring Jones and Mueller Matrices," Opt Comm 25(2), 137-140, 1978, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Furthermore, the concept of "complete" ellipsometry is described in ML Aleksandrov et al., "Methods and Apparatus for Complete Ellipsometry (review)," J. Appl. Spectroscopy 44(6), 559-578, 1986, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Spectroscopic ellipsometry is generally described in U.S. Patent No. 5,739,909, filed October 10, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Beam profile ellipsometry is generally described in U.S. Patent No. 6,429,943, filed March 27, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2A , the optical metrology system 100 of the present invention can be implemented as a reflectometry metrology tool, such as tool 200. FIG. 2A is a high-level schematic diagram illustrating a reflectometry metrology tool suitable for implementation in the present invention. The reflectometer 200 can include a light source 102, an optical system, and a detector 110. The optical system can include an illumination optics set 104, a beam splitter 204, and a collection optics set 108. In this regard, light can originate from the light source 102 and propagate through the illumination optics 104 and the beam splitter 204 to the surface of a sample 106 positioned on a sample stage 202. Applicant notes that the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2A is not limiting and is for illustrative purposes only. As previously mentioned, numerous reflectometer-style optical configurations are contemplated for use within the scope of the present invention.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2B, the optical metrology system 100 of the present invention can be implemented as a scatterometry / ellipsometry metrology tool, such as tool 250. FIG. 2B is a high-level schematic diagram illustrating an ellipsometry metrology tool suitable for implementation in the present invention. The scatterometer / ellipsometer 250 can include a light source 102, an optical system, and a detector 110. The optical system can include an illumination optics set 104, a polarizer 206, a collection optics set 108, and an analyzer 208. The illumination and collection optics can include mirrors, lenses, beam splitters, compensators, etc. In this regard, light can originate from the light source 102, pass through the polarizer 206 and illumination optics 104, and propagate to the surface of a sample 106 positioned on a sample stage 202. Light scattered from the sample 106 can then propagate through the collection optics 108, through the analyzer 208, and from the surface of the sample 106 to the detector 110. Applicant notes that the configuration shown in Figure 2B is not limiting and is for illustrative purposes only. As previously mentioned, numerous scatterometry and ellipsometry optical configurations are contemplated for use within the scope of the present invention.

[0032] In one aspect of the invention, the modulation control system 112 is configured to modulate the drive current of the modulatable light source 102 at a selected modulation frequency. In one aspect, the selected modulation frequency may be suitable for producing illumination having selected coherence characteristics.

[0033] In one embodiment, the selected coherence characteristics can have, but are not limited to, a selected fringe visibility curve. In this regard, the selected modulation frequency may be suitable for generating illumination having a fringe visibility curve. In a further embodiment, the selected modulation frequency may be suitable for generating illumination having a fringe visibility curve that achieves coherent artifacts below a selected tolerance level (e.g., where the coherent artifacts are small enough to allow operation of the metrology tool 100). In another embodiment, the modulation frequency is suitable for generating a fringe visibility curve configured to suppress the occurrence of interference fringes having intensities above a selected level (e.g., where the fringe intensity is small enough to allow operation of the metrology tool 100). In another embodiment, the modulation frequency is suitable for generating a fringe visibility curve having a set of intensity peaks located at different distances from a characteristic optical path length of the optical metrology tool 100. The characteristic optical path length of the optical metrology tool 100 can comprise the distance between a first reflective surface of the optical metrology tool and a second reflective surface of the optical metrology tool. In a further embodiment, the modulation frequency is adapted to produce illumination having a fringe visibility curve that is substantially different from the fringe visibility curve of the light source in its unmodulated state. As previously discussed, by sufficiently varying the fringe visibility curve of the illumination emitted by the light source 102, the effects of coherent artifacts (e.g., speckle and interference fringes) can be eliminated or at least mitigated.

[0034] In other embodiments, the selected modulation frequency may be suitable for generating illumination having a coherence length less than a selected length (i.e., a coherence length shorter than the distance between optical elements of system 100). For example, the selected modulation frequency may be suitable for generating illumination having a coherence length less than the coherence length of light source 102 in an unmodulated state (e.g., the coherence length of the light source before modulation). In other examples, the selected modulation frequency may be suitable for generating illumination having a coherence length less than a characteristic optical path length of optical metrology tool 100. For example, the selected modulation frequency may be suitable for generating illumination having a coherence length less than the distance between a first reflective surface of optical metrology tool 100 and a second reflective surface of optical metrology tool 100. As previously described herein, by reducing the coherence length of the illumination emitted by light source 102 to be less than the distance between reflective surfaces in metrology tool 100, the effects of coherent artifacts (e.g., speckle and interference fringes) may be eliminated or at least mitigated.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the modulation control system 112 can be responsible for driving the current of one or more laser light sources at a selected frequency. For example, the modulation control system 112 can be responsible for modulating the drive current of a laser light source (e.g., a multi-longitudinal mode laser light source) to achieve a modulated fringe visibility curve in the laser light output, such that the modulated fringe visibility curve of the laser light source is suitable for reducing coherent artifacts in the optical metrology tool 100 below a selected tolerance level. In another example, the modulation control system 112 can be responsible for modulating the drive current of a laser light source to generate illumination having a coherence length below a selected level.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the intensity spectrum from a laser source without drive current modulation 302 and with drive current modulation 304. As shown in FIG. 3, in the case of DC current drive, the spectrum 302 associated with the laser source includes multiple longitudinal modes of the laser cavity. The spectrum 304 shown in FIG. 3 exhibits a broad envelope for each spectral peak of curve 302. In this regard, rapid modulation of the laser source's drive current provides broadening and smoothing of the intensity spectrum 304. Changes in the fringe visibility curve can serve to suppress coherent artifacts (e.g., interference fringes) discussed earlier in this specification. It is further noted herein that the optical surfaces of a given optical metrology tool (e.g., 100) can be relatively easily configured to be separated by a sufficient distance to render the effects of parasitic interference insignificant when the light source 102 is in a modulated state, such as a state matching the intensity spectrum 304. Applicant notes that the above discussion of fringe visibility curves, coherence lengths, and distances between optical elements is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the modulation control system 112 can modulate the drive current of the modulatable light source 102 at a frequency in the radio frequency (RF) range. It is further noted herein that the particular frequency at which the control system 112 drives the modulatable light source 102 can be selected through trial and error. For example, the implemented modulation frequency can be one that serves to reduce the coherence length of the illumination from the modulatable light source 102 below a characteristic optical path length of the optical metrology system 100. For example, the characteristic optical path length of the optical metrology system 100 can comprise the distance between two or more reflective surfaces of the optical metrology tool 100. As another example, it is recognized that neither the coherence length nor the fringe visibility curve (as shown above) need be measured to modulate the light source 102. In this sense, the control system 112 can sweep its modulation frequency until a satisfactory detector 110 output is achieved.

[0038] In a further aspect of the present invention, a modulation control system 112 of the optical metrology tool 100 may include one or more processors (not shown) communicatively coupled to the modulatable light source 102 and configured to control the modulation of the light source 102. The modulation control system 112 is configured to execute a modulation control algorithm 118 stored as a set of program instructions 116 on a carrier medium 114 (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium). The program instructions 116 are configured to cause the one or more processors of the control system 112 to perform one or more of the various steps described in this disclosure.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the various control steps associated with modulation control described throughout this disclosure may be performed by a single computer system or, alternatively, by multiple computer systems. Additionally, different subsystems of system 100 may comprise computer systems suitable for performing at least some of the steps described above. Additionally, one or more computer systems may be configured to perform other steps of any of the method embodiments described herein.

[0040] The modulation control system 112 may comprise, but is not limited to, a personal computer system, a mainframe computer system, a workstation, an image computer, a parallel processor, or other devices known in the art. In general, the terms "computer system," "computing system," or "computer control system" may be broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processors, which executes instructions from a storage medium.

[0041] The program instructions 116 perform methods as described herein may be transmitted over or stored on the carrier medium 114. The carrier medium may be a transmission medium such as a wire, cable, or wireless transmission link. The carrier medium may include a non-transitory storage medium such as a read-only memory, a random-access memory, a magnetic or optical disk, or a magnetic tape.

[0042] In other embodiments, control system 112 may be communicatively coupled to light source 102 or any other subsystem of system 100 in any manner known in the art. For example, modulation control system 112 may be communicatively coupled to various subsystems of system 100 via wireline or wireless connections.

[0043] In other embodiments of the present invention, the modulatable light source 102 can include narrowband light sources known in the art. In one embodiment, the light source 102 can include, but is not limited to, one or more lasers. For example, the laser light source can include, but is not limited to, one or more semiconductor lasers. In another example, the laser source can include, but is not limited to, a diode-pumped solid-state laser. In another example, the laser source can include, but is not limited to, a supercontinuum laser. Furthermore, a first light source that emits illumination in a first spectral region can be combined with a second light source that emits illumination in a second spectral region.

[0044] In other embodiments, detector 110 can comprise any optical detection system known in the art suitable for implementation in a reflectometer, scatterometer, spectrometer, or ellipsometer configuration. For example, detector 110 can include, but is not limited to, at least one of a CCD array, a CMOS array, a one-dimensional photodiode array, a two-dimensional photodiode array, and the like.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a multi-source light source 102 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect, the multi-source light source 102 of the optical metrology tool 100 includes two or more single light sources, each with a different output wavelength. In one aspect, the present invention provides stable intensity balance and control of multiple light sources. Those skilled in the art will recognize that switching light sources, such as lasers and LEDs, on and off generally reduces stability and increases noise. Applicants have recognized that instability and noise generation are limited in configurations that implement periodic waveforms. In this manner, periodic waveform manipulation serves to maintain average and stable thermal, electrical, and optical properties of the light source, thereby improving wavelength stability and noise reduction.

[0046] In one aspect of the invention, the modulatable light source 102 of the system 100 includes a first light source 402a configured to generate illumination at a first wavelength (λ), a second light source 402b configured to generate illumination at a second wavelength (λ), ..., an Nth wavelength (λ N ) illumination.

[0047] In additional embodiments of the present invention, the modulation control system 112 is communicatively coupled to the first light source 402a, the second light source 402b, ..., the Nth light source 402c by means known in the art (e.g., wireline or wireless connection). In a further aspect, the modulation control system 112 is configured to execute a multi-source control algorithm 120 suitable for controlling the waveform of the illumination output of each of the light sources 402a-402c. The modulation control system 112 (via the control algorithm 120) is configured to modulate the drive current of the first light source 402a to generate a first illumination waveform (e.g., a stepped waveform at a selected frequency) at a first wavelength. Furthermore, the modulation control system 112 is configured to modulate the drive current of the second light source 402b to generate a second illumination waveform at a second wavelength. In this manner, pulses of the first illumination waveform are interleaved with pulses of the second illumination waveform, and the first illumination waveform and the second illumination waveform have a selected waveform frequency. It is further noted herein that the combined waveform can include any number of component waveforms. In this manner, pulses of a first illumination waveform are interleaved with pulses of a second illumination waveform, ..., Nth waveform. Interleaving the various waveforms from light sources 402a-402c enables time-series metrology measurements at multiple wavelengths. Furthermore, because modulation of illumination from light sources 402a-402c is achieved with drive current modulation, the present invention eliminates the need for various opto-mechanical components, such as optical shutters, chopper wheels, etc. As such, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A provides a simplified approach to multi-wavelength intensity control in optical metrology tool 100.

[0048] In another embodiment, the multi-source light source 102 includes multiple wavelength combiners 404a, 404b, and 404c configured to combine beams 403a, 403b, and 403c emanating from light sources 402a, 402b, and 402c, respectively. In this regard, the wavelength combiners 404a-404c serve to spatially combine the beams and enable temporal interleaving of the source waveforms implemented by algorithm 120 executed by modulation control system 112. Following temporal interleaving and spatial combining of the wavelengths into beams, the combined waveform output 408 can be directed to the illumination system 104 of the optical metrology tool 100. It is further noted that the light source 102 can include additional optical elements, such as a steering mirror 406. Applicant notes that the optical configurations shown in FIG. 4A and above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. It is recognized herein that multiple equivalent optical configurations may be implemented to spatially combine and temporally interleave the waveforms of light sources 402a, 402b, ..., 402c. Spatial combining of multiple laser beams into a single combined beam is generally described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 108,892 to Hill et al., filed May 16, 2011, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0049] In one embodiment, the modulation of the first, second, ..., Nth light sources performed by the modulation control system 112 includes switching the drive current of a laser or LED light source. Switching the light source drive current in this manner can produce a stepped (e.g., ON / OFF) or near-stepped waveform pattern in the lighting output of each of the light sources 402a-402c. In this regard, the multiple sources used and shown in FIG. 4A enable channel selection and relative intensity control in a "color" sequential manner. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "color" is used to describe the primary wavelength (e.g., peak wavelength) of each light source. Furthermore, the term "color" should not be interpreted to apply to a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is contemplated that the wavelengths of a given light source may exist outside the visible spectrum. For example, the spectral range of the output of the light sources 402a-402c can include the visible, UV, and IR spectral regions.

[0050] 4B is a conceptual diagram of a graph 450 of a set of interleaved waveforms from three light sources at different wavelengths λ1, λ2, and λ3. The pulse train 451 shown in FIG. 4B is a set of pulses corresponding to the input drive currents of the light sources or the respective wavelengths (e.g., λ1, λ2, λ3). N ), the output intensity of a light source. In this regard, pulse train 451 includes a set of pulses 452 of wavelength λ1, a set of pulses 454 of wavelength λ2, ..., a set of pulses 455 of wavelength λ N4B , consisting of a set of pulses. It is noted herein that the input drive current (not shown in FIG. 4B ), duty cycle (i.e., the width of each pulse for a given wavelength), and output power (i.e., the height of each pulse for a given wavelength in FIG. 4B ) will generally differ for each wavelength waveform and are selected based on the requirements of a given optical metrology system. It is further recognized herein that the drive current can be switched between zero and a nominal peak current, or alternatively, can follow a more complex periodic scheme (e.g., a lower limit can be chosen to a non-zero current). The waveform frequency, duty cycle, and peak current and power levels can be selected for optimal performance of the light source (e.g., laser) and other elements of metrology tool 100, such as the beam monitor, detector (e.g., one or more CCDs), and autofocus subsystem. It is further noted that varying the duty cycle and output power can also assist in achieving desired intensity levels and balance of the multiple light sources 402 a- 402 c. It is further recognized that the repetition rate of the waveforms of pulse train 451 may be approximately 100 Hz. As such, the repetition rate of the present multi-source is much slower than the modulation rate (e.g., RF frequency) of the single source of light source 102 described hereinabove. Thus, a control scheme for interleaved color sequential operation (e.g., 100 Hz frequency range) and a control scheme for noise / coherence effect reduction (e.g., RF frequency) can be implemented simultaneously. In this regard, control system 112 can drive a given light source (e.g., 402a-402c) with multiple periodic waveforms operating on significantly different time scales. For example, in addition to interleaving the waveforms of light sources 402a, 402b, and 402c, one or more of 402a, 402b, and 402c can undergo high-speed modulation operation (according to the RF frequency) to mitigate coherence artifacts for a given single source.

[0051] In another aspect of the invention, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise broadband light sources known in the art. In one embodiment, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise, but are not limited to, an HLS as described above. In another example, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise a xenon arc lamp. According to another example, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise, but are not limited to, a deuterium arc lamp. In another embodiment, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise, but are not limited to, any discharge plasma source known in the art. In another embodiment, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise, but are not limited to, a laser-driven plasma source. In a further embodiment, one or more spectral filters (not shown) can be disposed between the output of the one or more broadband filters and the wavelength combiners 404a-404c to spectrally filter the spectral output of the one or more broadband light sources.

[0052] In another aspect of the present invention, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise narrowband light sources known in the art. In one embodiment, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise one or more lasers, but is not limited to such. For example, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise one or more semiconductor lasers, but is not limited to such. In another example, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise a diode-pumped solid-state laser, but is not limited to such. In another example, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise a supercontinuum laser, but is not limited to such. In another embodiment, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can comprise one or more light-emitting diodes, but is not limited to such. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the above-mentioned light sources are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In a general sense, light sources capable of generating illumination in the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet spectral ranges are suitable for implementation in one or more of the light sources 402a-402c.

[0053] It is further recognized herein that the set of multiple light sources 402a-402c can include a combination of narrowband and broadband sources. For example, one or more of the light sources 402a-402c can include a laser source, while one or more of the remaining light sources consists of a broadband lamp (e.g., a laser-produced plasma source) with a fixed or wavelength-switchable spectral filter.

[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates a multi-source light source 102 with intensity switching capabilities according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect, the multi-source light source 102 of the optical metrology tool 100 can include two or more single light sources, each having a different output wavelength. In an additional aspect, the multi-source light source 102 of FIG. 5 includes a set of illumination switchers 502a, 502b, and 502c. In this regard, the intensity contribution of each light source 402a, 402b, and 402c to the combined output beam 408 can be controlled using the illumination switchers 502a, 502b, and 502c, respectively. Furthermore, the modulation control system 112 can be configured to control the illumination switchers 502a-502c via an illumination switching algorithm, thereby controlling the intensity of each wavelength component of the combined beam 408. In this manner, the modulation control system 112 controls the intensity of each wavelength λ, λ, ..., λ. N The waveform associated with the transmitted combined waveform of a selected frequency, duty cycle, and intensity of each wavelength component can be controlled.

[0055] In one embodiment, one or more of the lighting switching devices 502a, 502b, and 502c may include, but are not limited to, a Pockels cell disposed between a first polarizer and a second polarizer. In this regard, each of the wavelength channels λ1, λ2, and λ NThe associated Pockels cells can act as digital ON / OFF intensity switches responsive to signals transmitted from the modulated control signal. In further embodiments, the switching period of each Pockels cell can be much shorter than the integration time of the detector 110, eliminating the need for phase synchronization between the Pockels cells and a given light source 402a-402c and / or detector 110.

[0056] In other embodiments, one or more of the light switching devices 502a, 502b, 502c can comprise, but are not limited to, an acoustoelastic optical switching device, or in a general sense, any high-speed optical switching device known in the art.

[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates a spectral monitoring system 602 configured to monitor one or more spectral characteristics of a modulatable light source 102, according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is recognized herein that accurate knowledge of the spectral characteristics of the illumination is desirable in configurations in which noise and coherent artifacts are reduced (e.g., by reducing the coherence of the illumination). In one embodiment, the spectral monitoring system 602 can be utilized to monitor the peak or centroid wavelength of each light source. The spectral monitoring system 602 is particularly useful in drive-current-modulated diode laser-based light sources (discussed earlier in this specification), since accurate monitoring of the spectral output of the illumination beam can ensure that the coherence length of a given illumination beam is reduced to below an acceptable level. In this regard, one or more portions of the spectral monitoring system 602 can be positioned along the illumination path 604 of the optical metrology tool 100. In this regard, the spectral monitoring system 602 can measure one or more spectral characteristics of the illumination emanating from the modulatable light source 102. In one embodiment, the one or more spectral features can include, but are not limited to, an intensity spectrum over a selected wavelength range, a location of one or more spectral peaks of interest (e.g., a centroid wavelength location), a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of a spectral peak of interest, etc.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the spectrum monitoring system may be communicatively coupled to the modulation control system 112. In this regard, the results of the spectral measurements of the illumination in the illumination path 604 may be transmitted to the control system 112. In a further embodiment, the modulation control system 112 may store the results of the spectrum monitoring process in a storage medium for future use.

[0059] In one embodiment, the spectrum monitoring system 602 can monitor one or more spectral characteristics of the illumination from the light source 102 in real time or near real time. For example, the spectrum monitoring system 602 can include a spectrometer suitable for real-time measurement of one or more spectral characteristics of the illumination from the light source 102. For example, the spectrum monitoring system 602 can include, but is not limited to, a grating-based spectrometer. Applicants note that a grating-based spectrometer is particularly useful in measuring the spectral characteristics (e.g., centroid wavelength) of the light source used in the optical metrology tools of the present invention.

[0060] In other embodiments, the spectral monitoring system 602 can monitor one or more spectral characteristics of the illumination from the light source 102 for calibration purposes. For example, the spectral monitoring system 602 can monitor one or more spectral characteristics of the illumination from the light source 102 during a tool setup calibration process. For example, the spectral monitoring system 602 can measure one or more spectral characteristics of the illumination from the light source 102 during a tool setup calibration process so that optical metrology measurements are performed on a calibration object (i.e., an object with known parameters (e.g., known CD, known thin film thickness and / or composition, known overlay, etc.)). Utilizing the results of the metrology measurements (e.g., thickness measurements) and the results of the measured spectral characteristics of the illumination, the control system 112 can execute the spectral monitoring calibration algorithm 119 stored on the carrier medium 114. The modulation control system 112 can periodically calibrate or “recalculate” one or more spectral characteristics of the illumination from the light source 102 based on the measurements of the calibration sample and the measured spectral characteristics. Furthermore, the frequency of the spectral calibration can depend on the spectral stability of a given light source.

[0061] In one embodiment, the calibration sample may comprise a sample having a known film thickness. For example, the calibration sample may include, but is not limited to, a sample having a known oxide layer thickness (e.g., a silicon wafer chip having a known oxide thickness). In this regard, the thickness of the calibration sample may be calibrated during a calibration process performed by the control system 112. The spectral characteristics of the calibration sample may be periodically monitored using each data channel of the system 100 (e.g., all wavelengths of illumination, polarization states, etc.). Based on monitoring by the spectral monitoring system 602, the control system 112 may calculate the spectral characteristics of the light source 102 (e.g., each wavelength value in the spectrum).

[0062] In additional embodiments, the modulation control system 112 can input results from measuring one or more spectral features of a given sample into the sample modeling software of the control system 112. In this regard, the sample modeling software executed by the control system 112 serves to associate the data measured from the sample with a given optical model. The implemented optical model can utilize as input one or more spectral features of a given test sample acquired by the spectral monitoring system 602.

[0063] It is noted herein that the spectrum monitoring system 602 can include any spectrum monitoring / measurement device known in the art. For example, the spectrum monitoring device 602 can include, but is not limited to, any spectrometer known in the art (e.g., a grating spectrometer).

[0064] FIG. 7A is a block diagram illustrating an optically driven plasma illumination subsystem 700 with a modulated excitation source suitable for implementation in the optical metrology tool 100 of the present invention. It is noted herein that operation of a plasma source with an excitation source (e.g., an excitation laser) driven in a constant current mode results in a noise level greater than desirable for optical metrology applications. The present invention relates to modulating the drive current of the excitation laser of the plasma source to reduce the noise level in the output illumination of the plasma source. In particular, the excitation control system 701 of the optically driven (e.g., laser driven) illumination subsystem 700 can serve to reduce the noise level within a specific frequency bandwidth by modulating the excitation source 702 at a frequency greater than the bandwidth of the detector 110. In this regard, the modulation frequency is selected so that the laser modulation does not alias to the detected frequency range of interest.

[0065] In one embodiment, the plasma-based illumination subsystem 700 of the optical metrology tool 100 can include a modulatable excitation source 702 configured to generate illumination (e.g., generate illumination at a selected wavelength) and a plasma cell 706 suitable for containing a selected gas (e.g., argon, xenon, mercury, etc.). Additionally, the subsystem 700 can include a set of optics 704 (e.g., focusing optics, shaping optics, conditioning optics, etc.) configured to condition and shape the beam emanating from the excitation source 702 and further configured to focus the beam within a volume of gas contained within a bulb of the plasma cell 706. It is noted herein that the beam shaping and conditioning elements of the subsystem 700 can be utilized to optimize or at least improve the shaping of the beam emanating from the excitation source 702 to maximize the excitation effect in the plasma cell 706 (or at least achieve a selected level of excitation effect). Additionally, the beam shaping optics can be used to optimize the shaping of the plasma within the plasma cell 706. By focusing light from excitation source 702 into the volume of gas contained within plasma cell 706, energy is absorbed by the gas or plasma within the bulb of plasma cell 706, "exciting" the gas species to create or sustain the plasma.

[0066] In a further embodiment, broadband illumination emitted by plasma cell 706 is directed towards sample 106 via illumination optics 104 of optical metrology tool 100. Collection optics 108 of optical metrology tool 100 then directs illumination reflected or scattered from sample 106 towards detector 110.

[0067] The generation of plasma in inert gas species is generally described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 695,348, filed April 2, 2007; U.S. Patent No. 7,435,982, issued October 14, 2008, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In a general sense, subsystem 700 may extend to any plasma-based light source known in the art.

[0068] 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating a laser-driven illumination subsystem 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the optics 704 of the subsystem 700 can include, but is not limited to, beam conditioning / shaping optics 717 configured to condition / shape the beam from the modulated excitation source 702. Additionally, the optics 704 can include a set of focusing optics 716 suitable for focusing illumination from the excitation source 702 into the volume of gas 707 contained within the bulb of the plasma cell 706.

[0069] In additional embodiments, subsystem 700 can include various additional optical elements. For example, but not by way of limitation, subsystem 700 can include a steering mirror 718 suitable for directing illumination 721 from modulated excitation source 702 toward plasma cell 706. In a further example, subsystem 700 can include, but is not limited to, a splitter / dichroic mirror 722 suitable for transmitting illumination from excitation source 702 to plasma cell 706 and further suitable for reflecting broadband illumination emitted by plasma cell 706 (and directed by ellipse 720) along an output path 724 toward illumination optics set 104 of optical metrology tool 100 (described previously herein).

[0070] Applicant notes that the above description of laser-driven illumination subsystem 700 should be construed as exemplary only and in no way limiting. It is noted herein that laser-driven plasma illumination subsystems are suitable for implementation in the present invention.

[0071] For example, ellipse 720 may be configured to act as a focusing element for illumination emanating from excitation source 702, where ellipse 720 can serve to focus illumination 721 within the volume of gas 707 of plasma cell 706. In this regard, ellipse 720 can be configured to focus laser illumination from excitation source 702 into plasma cell 706 and direct broadband emissions from plasma cell 706 towards downstream illumination optics 104 of metrology tool 100. In this embodiment, subsystem 700 can include a collimator (not shown) configured to collimate illumination emanating from excitation source 702.

[0072] According to another example, system 700 is configured to separate illumination 721 emitted by excitation source 702 from broadband radiation 724 emitted by plasma cell 706 without the need for beam splitter 722. In this regard, illumination optics 104 of optical metrology tool 100 can be configured to receive broadband radiation 724 directly from plasma cell 706. For example, excitation source NA 721 can be separated from plasma illumination NA 724 such that excitation source NA 721 is oriented vertically while plasma radiation is collected along a horizontal path.

[0073] In an additional embodiment, the illumination subsystem 700 comprises an excitation control system 701 communicatively coupled to a modulatable excitation source 702, the modulation control system 701 configured to modulate a drive current from the modulatable excitation source 702 at a selected modulation frequency to impart a time variation within the plasma / gas contained within the plasma cell 706. For example, the time variation can include, but is not limited to, a time-varying heat distribution within the plasma / gas within the plasma cell 706. In a further embodiment, the excitation control system 701 can control the modulatable excitation source 702 via an excitation control algorithm 720 stored as a set of program instructions 116 within the carrier medium 114.

[0074] In one embodiment, the modulatable excitation source 702 of the illumination subsystem 700 can include, but is not limited to, one or more lasers. Applicant further notes that for clarity, various components of the optical metrology tool 100 that reside downstream from the illumination optics 104 are not shown in FIG. 7B . However, Applicant notes that the various components and subsystems of the optical metrology tool 100 previously described herein may be extended to the optically driven plasma source shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B . Furthermore, the optically sustained plasma source shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B can be implemented in a reflectometer, scatterometer, ellipsometer, or spectrometer configuration previously described herein.

[0075] It is noted herein that the frequency of modulation of the excitation source 702 should be well above the Nyquist frequency of the detection equipment of the optical metrology tool 100 to minimize aliasing in the detector 110 .

[0076] Furthermore, the modulation depth must be selected so that large feature variations are achieved within the plasma of the plasma cell 706 without reducing the power density within the plasma to a level where the plasma cannot be sustained. In a further embodiment, the excitation control system 701 can serve to modulate the drive current of the laser excitation source 702, thereby modulating the excitation laser intensity and wavelength. Modulation of the intensity and wavelength of the optical output of the excitation source 702 can serve to produce oscillatory features (e.g., temperature distribution) within the plasma of the plasma cell 706. Because the plasma emission from the plasma cell 706 typically passes through multiple optical components, including one or more apertures that limit the spatial extent of the plasma imaged via the optical system, modulation of the spatial distribution of the plasma source can contribute to the same order of magnitude as modulation of the spatially integrated power collected from the light source. Applicants have observed significant noise level reduction over a wide range of amplitude modulations, from approximately 20 kHz to 40 kHz modulation frequencies. Applicants have also shown that square-wave and sinusoidal modulation of the excitation source 702 is effective in reducing noise levels. Applicants note that the above frequency ranges and waveform types are in no way limiting and are presented for illustrative purposes only. A variety of modulation waveforms and frequency ranges are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

[0077] It is further noted herein that by controlling the plasma characteristics described above and integrating multiple modulation periods for each detector sample, the illumination subsystem 700 can serve to reduce random contributions to the overall noise level of the overall optical metrology tool 100.

[0078] It is further contemplated herein that each of the above-described method embodiments may include any other step(s) of any other method(s) described herein. Furthermore, each of the above-described methods may be performed by any of the systems described herein.

[0079] While particular embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based on the teachings herein, changes and modifications can be made without departing from the inventive subject matter described herein and its broader aspects, and therefore the appended claims shall encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the inventive subject matter described herein.

[0080] It is further understood that the present invention is defined by the appended claims. While specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown, it will be apparent that various modifications and embodiments of the present invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto. The present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes in form, construction, and arrangement of the elements can be made without departing from the subject matter of the disclosed invention or sacrificing all of the advantages of its elements. The forms described are exemplary only, and it is intended that the following claims encompass and include such modifications.

Claims

1. a modulatable excitation source configured to generate an illumination beam; a plasma cell having a valve containing a predetermined amount of gas; a set of optical elements configured to focus the illumination beam from the modulatable excitation source into the volume of gas to shape the illumination beam and sustain a plasma within the volume of gas; a set of illumination optics for directing broadband illumination from the plasma cell onto a surface of a sample; a set of focusing optics; a detector configured to detect at least a portion of illumination emanating from the surface of the sample, the collection optics set configured to direct illumination from the surface of the sample to the detector; an excitation control system communicatively connected to the modulatable excitation source, the excitation control system configured to modulate a drive current of the modulatable excitation source at a selected modulation frequency to impart time variation within the plasma contained within the plasma cell, the excitation control system modulating the intensity and wavelength of the illumination beam; Equipped with An optical metrology tool wherein the excitation control system reduces noise levels within specific frequency bands by modulating the excitation source at a frequency greater than the bandwidth of the detector.

2. a modulatable excitation source configured to generate an illumination beam; a plasma cell having a valve containing a predetermined amount of gas; a set of optical elements configured to focus the illumination beam from the modulatable excitation source into the volume of gas to shape the illumination beam and sustain a plasma within the volume of gas; a set of illumination optics for directing broadband illumination from the plasma cell onto a surface of a sample; a set of focusing optics; a detector configured to detect at least a portion of illumination emanating from the surface of the sample, the collection optics set configured to direct illumination from the surface of the sample to the detector; an excitation control system communicatively connected to the modulatable excitation source, the excitation control system configured to modulate a drive current of the modulatable excitation source at a selected modulation frequency to impart time variation within the plasma contained within the plasma cell, the excitation control system modulating the intensity and wavelength of the illumination beam; Equipped with The optical metrology tool, wherein the plasma cell is configured to contain at least one of argon, xenon, or mercury.

3. a modulatable excitation source configured to generate an illumination beam; a plasma cell having a valve containing a predetermined amount of gas; a set of optical elements configured to focus the illumination beam from the modulatable excitation source into the volume of gas to shape the illumination beam and sustain a plasma within the volume of gas; an illumination optics set that directs broadband illumination from the plasma cell onto a surface of a semiconductor wafer; a set of focusing optics; a detector configured to detect at least a portion of illumination emanating from the surface of the semiconductor wafer, the collection optics set configured to direct illumination from the surface of the semiconductor wafer to the detector; an excitation control system communicatively connected to the modulatable excitation source, the excitation control system configured to modulate a drive current of the modulatable excitation source at a selected modulation frequency to impart time variation within the plasma contained within the plasma cell, the excitation control system modulating the intensity and wavelength of the illumination beam; Equipped with Optical measurement tools.

4. a modulatable excitation source configured to generate an illumination beam; a plasma cell having a valve containing a predetermined amount of gas; a set of optical elements configured to focus the illumination beam from the modulatable excitation source into the volume of gas to shape the illumination beam and sustain a plasma within the volume of gas; a set of illumination optics for directing broadband illumination from the plasma cell onto a surface of a sample; a set of focusing optics; a detector configured to detect at least a portion of illumination emanating from the surface of the sample, the collection optics set configured to direct illumination from the surface of the sample to the detector; an excitation control system communicatively connected to the modulatable excitation source, the excitation control system configured to modulate a drive current of the modulatable excitation source at a selected modulation frequency to impart time variation within the plasma contained within the plasma cell, the excitation control system modulating the intensity and wavelength of the illumination beam; Equipped with The optical metrology tool further comprising a dichroic mirror configured to transmit illumination from the excitation source to the plasma cell and to reflect broadband illumination emitted by the plasma cell.

5. a modulatable excitation source configured to generate an illumination beam; a plasma cell having a valve containing a predetermined amount of gas; a set of optical elements configured to focus the illumination beam from the modulatable excitation source into the volume of gas to shape the illumination beam and sustain a plasma within the volume of gas; a set of illumination optics for directing broadband illumination from the plasma cell onto a surface of a sample; a set of focusing optics; a detector configured to detect at least a portion of illumination emanating from the surface of the sample, the collection optics set configured to direct illumination from the surface of the sample to the detector; an excitation control system communicatively connected to the modulatable excitation source, the excitation control system configured to modulate a drive current of the modulatable excitation source at a selected modulation frequency to impart time variation within the plasma contained within the plasma cell, the excitation control system modulating the intensity and wavelength of the illumination beam; Equipped with The optical metrology tool is configured as a reflectometer, a scatterometer, an ellipsometer, or a spectrometer.

6. a modulatable excitation source configured to generate an illumination beam; a plasma cell having a valve containing a predetermined amount of gas; a set of optical elements configured to focus the illumination beam from the modulatable excitation source into the volume of gas to shape the illumination beam and sustain a plasma within the volume of gas; a set of illumination optics for directing broadband illumination from the plasma cell onto a surface of a sample; a set of focusing optics; a detector configured to detect at least a portion of illumination emanating from the surface of the sample, the collection optics set configured to direct illumination from the surface of the sample to the detector; an excitation control system communicatively connected to the modulatable excitation source, the excitation control system configured to modulate a drive current of the modulatable excitation source at a selected modulation frequency to impart time variation within the plasma contained within the plasma cell, the excitation control system modulating the intensity and wavelength of the illumination beam; Equipped with The optical metrology tool, wherein the modulatable excitation source is modulated at a frequency between 20 kHz and 40 kHz.

7. a modulatable excitation source configured to generate an illumination beam; a plasma cell having a valve containing a predetermined amount of gas; a set of optical elements configured to focus the illumination beam from the modulatable excitation source into the volume of gas to shape the illumination beam and sustain a plasma within the volume of gas; a set of illumination optics for directing broadband illumination from the plasma cell onto a surface of a sample; a set of focusing optics; a detector configured to detect at least a portion of illumination emanating from the surface of the sample, the collection optics set configured to direct illumination from the surface of the sample to the detector; an excitation control system communicatively connected to the modulatable excitation source, the excitation control system configured to modulate a drive current of the modulatable excitation source at a selected modulation frequency to impart time variation to the plasma contained within the plasma cell; Equipped with The optical metrology tool, wherein the modulatable excitation source is configured to modulate the intensity and wavelength of an illumination beam.

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