Laser Data Classification for Semiconductor Exposure Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

In semiconductor manufacturing, existing systems face challenges in distinguishing between exposure and non-exposure periods for laser oscillation, making it difficult to accurately analyze laser performance and correlate it with wafer quality, and they fail to effectively utilize and organize data collected during non-exposure periods for performance evaluation and monitoring.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device and method that acquire and classify data from a light source device and exposure apparatus, associating attribute information with each record to differentiate between exposure and non-exposure data, allowing for the generation of charts that clearly distinguish between these periods and enable detailed analysis of laser performance during both exposure and non-exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If data from light source device and exposure apparatus are collected without classification, then data quantity increases for comprehensive analysis, but ability to distinguish exposure from non-exposure periods is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata quantityVSAvoidexposure period identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the collected data into distinct categories by adding classification information that identifies whether each data record corresponds to exposure period or non-exposure period. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive data quantity while preserving the ability to distinguish between different operational states through structured data organization with explicit period identification markers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If all operational data is stored together without attributes, then storage simplicity is maintained, but performance analysis during specific periods becomes inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage structureVSAvoidlaser performance analysis accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding specific attribute information to data records based on their operational context. Each data record is enhanced with classification attributes that indicate whether it belongs to exposure or non-exposure period, allowing the storage structure to remain relatively simple while enabling precise performance analysis when needed by querying only the relevant period-specific data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If classification information is added to each data record, then exposure/non-exposure distinction is achieved, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperiod distinction capabilityVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the classification determination logic as a separate function that operates independently from the main data collection and storage processes. By taking out the classification information addition as a distinct processing step, the system achieves period distinction capability while managing complexity through modular data processing architecture where classification is handled separately from other data operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If data is classified and stored with attributes, then targeted analysis of exposure periods is enabled, but data storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance evaluation accuracyVSAvoiddata storage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary classification of data during the data collection phase itself, adding period identification attributes before the data is stored. This preliminary action ensures that when data is stored, it is already organized with the necessary classification information, enabling targeted analysis of exposure periods without requiring additional storage overhead for separate classification structures or post-processing organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20220342311A1Information processing device, information processing method, and semiconductor manufacturing system
Publication Date: 2022.10.27 GIGAPHOTON INC
  • US20220342311A1 patent drawing
  • US20220342311A1 patent drawing
  • US20220342311A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing device includes a processor and a storage device. The processor is configured to acquire data for each parameter provided from each of a light source device which generates pulse light and an exposure apparatus which performs exposure on a wafer with the pulse light output from the light source device, and time data associated with the data; to perform classification, based on the acquired data and time data, for each record of the data associated with same time data for distinguishing whether being data during exposure in which the wafer is irradiated with the pulse light or being data during non-exposure; to associate attribute information indicating an attribute according to the classification with each of the records; to cause the storage device to store the data and the time data associated with the attribute information; and to generate a chart using data read from the storage device.