Abstract: Various systems and methods for creating persistent data for a wafer and using persistent data for inspection-related functions are provided. One system includes a set of processor nodes coupled to a detector of an inspection system. Each of the processor nodes is configured to receive a portion of image data generated by the detector during scanning of a wafer. The system also includes an array of storage media separately coupled to each of the processor nodes. The processor nodes are configured to send all of the image data or a selected portion of the image data received by the processor nodes to the arrays of storage media such that all of the image data or the selected portion of the image data generated by the detector during the scanning of the wafer is stored in the arrays of the storage media.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, computer-readable media, and systems for selecting one or more parameters for inspection of a wafer are provided.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for utilizing design data in combination with inspection data are provided. One computer-implemented method for binning defects detected on a wafer includes comparing portions of design data proximate positions of the defects in design data space. The method also includes determining if the design data in the portions is at least similar based on results of the comparing step. In addition, the method includes binning the defects in groups such that the portions of the design data proximate the positions of the defects in each of the groups are at least to similar. The method further includes storing results of the binning step in a storage medium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting defects on a reticle are provided. One method includes printing a single die reticle in first areas of a wafer using different values of a parameter of a lithography process and at least one second area using a nominal value of the parameter. The method also includes acquiring first images of the first areas and second image(s) of the at least one second area. In addition, the method includes separately comparing the first images acquired for different first areas to at least one of the second image(s). The method further includes detecting defects on the reticle based on first portions of the first images in which variations in the first images compared to the at least one second image are greater than second portions of the first images and the first portions that are common to two or more of the first images.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for determining a position of inspection data in design data space are provided. One computer-implemented method includes determining a centroid of an alignment target formed on a wafer using an image of the alignment target acquired by imaging the wafer. The method also includes aligning the centroid to a centroid of a geometrical shape describing the alignment target. In addition, the method includes assigning a design data space position of the centroid of the alignment target as a position of the centroid of the geometrical shape in the design data space. The method further includes determining a position of inspection data acquired for the wafer in the design data space based on the design data space position of the centroid of the alignment target.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring time-varying classification performance are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating inspection recipes are provided. One computer-implemented method for creating an inspection recipe includes acquiring a first design and one or more characteristics of output of an inspection system for a wafer on which the first design is printed using a manufacturing process. The method also includes creating an inspection recipe for a second design using the first design and the one or more characteristics of the output acquired for the wafer on which the first design is printed. The first and second designs are different. The inspection recipe will be used for inspecting wafers after the second design is printed on the wafers using the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting defects on a reticle are provided. One method includes printing a single die reticle in first areas of a wafer using different values of a parameter of a lithography process and at least one second area using a nominal value of the parameter. The method also includes acquiring first images of the first areas and second image(s) of the at least one second area. In addition, the method includes separately comparing the first images acquired for different first areas to at least one of the second image(s). The method further includes detecting defects on the reticle based on first portions of the first images in which variations in the first images compared to the at least one second image are greater than second portions of the first images and the first portions that are common to two or more of the first images.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for utilizing design data in combination with inspection data are provided. One computer-implemented method for binning defects detected on a wafer includes comparing portions of design data proximate positions of the defects in design data space. The method also includes determining if the design data in the portions is at least similar based on results of the comparing step. In addition, the method includes binning the defects in groups such that the portions of the design data proximate the positions of the defects in each of the groups are at least similar. The method further includes storing results of the binning step in a storage medium.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for utilizing design data in combination with inspection data are provided. One computer-implemented method for determining a position of inspection data in design data space includes aligning data acquired by an inspection system for alignment sites on a wafer with data for predetermined alignment sites. The method also includes determining positions of the alignment sites on the wafer in design data space based on positions of the predetermined alignment sites in the design data space. In addition, the method includes determining a position of inspection data acquired for the wafer by the inspection system in the design data space based on the positions of the alignment sites on the wafer in the design data space. In one embodiment, the position of the inspection data is determined with sub-pixel accuracy.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for creating persistent data for a wafer and using persistent data for inspection-related functions are provided. One system includes a set of processor nodes coupled to a detector of an inspection system. Each of the processor nodes is configured to receive a portion of image data generated by the detector during scanning of a wafer. The system also includes an array of storage media separately coupled to each of the processor nodes. The processor nodes are configured to send all of the image data or a selected portion of the image data received by the processor nodes to the arrays of storage media such that all of the image data or the selected portion of the image data generated by the detector during the scanning of the wafer is stored in the arrays of the storage media.

Abstract: Various methods, carrier media, and systems for monitoring a characteristic of a specimen are provided. One computer-implemented method for monitoring a characteristic of a specimen includes determining a property of individual pixels on the specimen using output generated by inspecting the specimen with an inspection system. The method also includes determining a characteristic of individual regions on the specimen using the properties of the individual pixels in the individual regions. The method further includes monitoring the characteristic of the specimen based on the characteristics of the individual regions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating inspection recipes are provided. One computer-implemented method for creating an inspection recipe includes acquiring a first design and one or more characteristics of output of an inspection system for a wafer on which the first design is printed using a manufacturing process. The method also includes creating an inspection recipe for a second design using the first design and the one or more characteristics of the output acquired for the wafer on which the first design is printed. The first and second designs are different. The inspection recipe will be used for inspecting wafers after the second design is printed on the wafers using the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for using electrical information for a device being fabricated on a wafer to perform one or more defect-related functions are provided. One computer-implemented method includes using electrical information for a device being fabricated on a wafer to perform one or more defect-related functions. The one or more defect-related functions include one or more post-mask, defect-related functions.

Abstract: An impeller exhaust ridge vent is provided for covering a ridge slot formed along the ridge of a roof. The ridge vent has an elongated laterally flexible center panel with edge portions along which vents are formed. Standoffs can depend from the bottom of the center panel for supporting the center panel a predetermined distance above the roof deck so that attic air can vent through the ridge slot, beneath the center panel, and exit through the vents. A base panel can be provided to cover the roof deck and form a smooth substantially sealed air duct for passage of the air. Upstanding wind baffles are disposed outboard of and spaced from the vents. One or more tangential impellers is rotatably mounted in the pace between the vents and wind baffles and can be free spinning or driven by an electric motor. Rotation of the tangential impellers creates a cross-flow fan effect that draws air forcibly from beneath the center panel and exhausts it to ambience. The attic space is thereby actively ventilated.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for determining a position of inspection data in design data space are provided. One computer-implemented method includes determining a centroid of an alignment target formed on a wafer using an image of the alignment target acquired by imaging the wafer. The method also includes aligning the centroid to a centroid of a geometrical shape describing the alignment target. In addition, the method includes assigning a design data space position of the centroid of the alignment target as a position of the centroid of the geometrical shape in the design data space. The method further includes determining a position of inspection data acquired for the wafer in the design data space based on the design data space position of the centroid of the alignment target.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for utilizing design data in combination with inspection data are provided. One computer-implemented method for determining a position of inspection data in design data space includes aligning data acquired by an inspection system for alignment sites on a wafer with data for predetermined alignment sites. The method also includes determining positions of the alignment sites on the wafer in design data space based on positions of the predetermined alignment sites in the design data space. In addition, the method includes determining a position of inspection data acquired for the wafer by the inspection system in the design data space based on the positions of the alignment sites on the wafer in the design data space. In one embodiment, the position of the inspection data is determined with sub-pixel accuracy.

Abstract: A fungus strip that release ions when precipitation flows down on the strip that are deleterious to fungus and algae. The strip is positioned on a building material. The strip has a length, width and thickness. The ions are preferably of zinc or tin. The building material can be asphaltic roofing shingles, non-asphaltic roofing, or siding.

Abstract: A fiber mat of improved tensile strength and a process of making same is disclosed. The fiber mat comprises: fibers; a resinous fiber binder; and a urethane binder modifier.