Abstract: Disclosed are improvements in ellipsometer and the like systems capable of operating in the Vacuum-Ultra-Violet (VUV) to Near Infrared (NIR) wavelength range, and methodology of use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and enhancing electromagnetic radiation beam radial energy homogeneity and intensity vs. wavelength content, for reliably directing electromagnetic radiation emitted by a source thereof in a common direction, for achromatically reducing spot size on a sample (eg. liquid cavity containing lenses and low aberration 1:1 imaging systems modified to perform as spatial filters), and for directing different wavelengths into different detectors, in ellipsometer, polarizer or the like systems.

Abstract: A method of reducing the effect of systematic and/or random noise during determination of dependent variable values, (eg. pseudo “n” and “k” and/or ellipsometric PSI and DELTA or mathematical equivalent vs. wavelength or angle of incidence), involving selecting a mathematical function and an independent variable subset range combination so that a square error best fit with total summed square error over the independent variable subset range being minimized, zero or within an acceptable range near zero, are achieved.

Abstract: Spectroscopic ellipsometer systems which include polarizer and analyzer elements which remain fixed in position during data acquisition while at least one continuously rotating or step-wise rotatable compensator imposes a continuously variable or plurality of sequentially discrete polarization states on a beam of electromagnetic radiation, including a system of mirrors and refractive elements for correcting aberation while directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation to a spot on a sample at a multiple different angles-of-incidence.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing the angle of incidence a beam of electromagnetic radiation from a vertically oriented Arc lamp onto a horizontally oriented sample surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is application of oblique angle of incidence, reflection and/or transmission mode spectroscopic ellipsometry PSI and/or DELTA, (including combinations thereof and/or mathematical equivalents), vs. wavelength data over an intermediate wavelength band range around a pass or reject band, to monitor and/or control fabrication of multiple layer high/low refractive index band-pass, band-reject and varied attenuation vs. wavelength thin film interference filters, either alone or in combination with transmissive non-ellipsometric electromagnetic beam turning point vs. layer data obtained at an essentially normal angle of incidence.

Abstract: Improved methodology for monitoring deposition or removal of material to or from a process and/or wittness substrate which demonstrates a negative e1 at some wavelength. The method involves detection of changes in P-polarized electromagnetism ellipsometric DELTA at SPR Resonance Angle-of-Incidence (AOI) to monitor deposition of and/or removal of minute amounts of materials onto, or from, said process and/or witness substrate. The methodology can optionally monitor ellipsometric PSI, and involves simultaneously or sequentially applying non-P-polarized electromagnetism at the same angle of incidence, or electromagnetic radiation of any polarization at a different angle-of-incidence and wavelength to the process or wittness substrate and application of conventional ellipsometric analysis.

Abstract: A substantially self-contained “on-board” material system investigation system functionally mounted on a three dimensional locational system to enable positioning at desired locations on, and distances from, the surface of a large sample, including the capability to easily and conveniently change the angle-of-incidence of a beam of electromagnetic radiation onto a sample surface.

Abstract: A sample sequestering system which allows access to a subspace in a chamber encompassed generally enclosed space, for use in entering and removing a sample when the subspace is opened to atmosphere. Sufficient purge gas is flowed from within the generally enclosed space into the subspace discourage atmospheric contaminates from entering into the subspace. Contained within the generally enclosed space is a spectrophotometer, ellipsometer or polarimeter or the like system which operates at wavelengths, (eg. UV), which are adversely affected, (eg. absorbed), by typical atmospheric contents.

Abstract: A method of characterizing the outermost material on an article manufactured by deposition or removal of material from its surface, which requires no prior knowledge of the composition of the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for enabling easy sequential setting of different Angles-of-Incidence of a beam of electromagnetic radiation to a surface of a sample system involving regression based methodology for evaluating and compensating the effects of the presence electromagnetic beam intercepting angle-of-incidence changing systems, including where desired, parameterization of calibration parameters.

Abstract: Low aberration relay systems modified to perform as spatial filters in rotating compensator ellipsometer, polarimeter and the like systems.

Abstract: System and methodology for controlling a beam spot size where it impinges onto a sample, and/or discriminant selection and analysis of data from detector elements in a two dimensional detector array which correspond to identified regions on a sample.

Abstract: Quasi-achromatic multi-element lens(es) which are precisely mounted with respect to one another in a tubular mounting fixture, and the application thereof in focusing, (and optionally re-colliminating), a spectroscopic electromagnetic beam into a very small, chromatically relatively undispersed, area spot on a material system.

Abstract: Disclosed are spectroscopic ellipsometer systems which include polarizer and analyzer elements which remain fixed in position during data acquisition, and at least one continuously rotating or step-wise rotatable compensator which transmits an electromagnetic beam therethrough and imposes a continuously variable or plurality of sequentially discrete polarization states on a beam of electromagnetic radiation; and at least one multiple element lens which also transmits the electromagnetic beam therethrough.

Abstract: Use of differences in spectroscopic spectra resulting from multiple sample investigation, or sequential investigation of the same sample in evaluation of sample characterizing parameters such as ultra-thin film thickness.

Abstract: Determination of thin metal film dielectric function and layer thicknesses using simultaneous transmission spectroscopic ellipsometric (SE) and transmission intensity (T) measurements obtained in-situ to break correlation between thickness and optical constants of very thin absorbing films, preferably using only A.C. Components of ellipsometric and intensity characterizing electromagnetic radiation which transmits through said substrate and enters a detector.

Abstract: A spectroscopic ellipsometer or polarimeter system having a source of a polychromatic beam of electromagnetic radiation, a polarizer, a stage for supporting a material system, an analyzer, a dispersive optics and a detector system which comprises a multiplicity of detector elements, there being apertures before the stage for supporting a material system, and thereafter, the system being present in an environmental control chamber.

Abstract: System and methodology for setting, and compensating detected errors between intended and realized Angle-of-Incidence (AOI) and Plane-Of-Incidence (POI) settings in ellipsometer and the like systems during analysis of sample characterizing data.

Abstract: An electromagnetic beam chromatic shifting and directing means for use in reflectively directing a spectroscopic beam of electromagnetic radiation while de-emphasizing visual wavelength intensity and simultaneously emphasizing both IR and UV wavelength intensities, applied in ellipsometer or polarimeter and the like systems.