Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring periodic structures using multi-angle X-ray reflectance scatterometry (XRS) are disclosed. For example, a method of measuring a sample by X-ray reflectance scatterometry involves impinging an incident X-ray beam on a sample having a periodic structure to generate a scattered X-ray beam, the incident X-ray beam simultaneously providing a plurality of incident angles and a plurality of azimuthal angles. The method also involves collecting at least a portion of the scattered X-ray beam.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating platelets of a monochromator for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are disclosed. For example, a method of fabricating a platelet of a monochromator for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy involves placing a crystal on a stage of an X-ray measuring apparatus, the crystal having a top surface. The method also involves measuring, by X-ray reflection, an orientation of a crystal plane of the crystal, the crystal plane beneath the top surface of the crystal and having a primary axis. The method also involves measuring a surface angle of the top surface of the crystal by measuring a light beam reflected from the top surface of the crystal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing films by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are disclosed. For example, a system for characterizing a film may include an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam having an energy below the k-edge of silicon. A sample holder may be included for positioning a sample in a pathway of the X-ray beam. A first detector may be included for collecting an XPS signal generated by bombarding the sample with the X-ray beam. A second detector may be included for collecting an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) signal generated by bombarding the sample with the X-ray beam. Monitoring/estimation of the primary X-ray flux at the analysis site may be provided by X-ray flux detectors near and at the analysis site. Both XRF and XPS signals may be normalized to the (estimated) primary X-ray flux to enable film thickness or dose measurement without the need to employ signal intensity ratios.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring periodic structures using multi-angle X-ray reflectance scatterometry (XRS) are disclosed. For example, a method of measuring a sample by X-ray reflectance scatterometry involves impinging an incident X-ray beam on a sample having a periodic structure to generate a scattered X-ray beam, the incident X-ray beam simultaneously providing a plurality of incident angles and a plurality of azimuthal angles. The method also involves collecting at least a portion of the scattered X-ray beam.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating platelets of a monochromator for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are disclosed. For example, a method of fabricating a platelet of a monochromator for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy involves placing a crystal on a stage of an X-ray measuring apparatus, the crystal having a top surface. The method also involves measuring, by X-ray reflection, an orientation of a crystal plane of the crystal, the crystal plane beneath the top surface of the crystal and having a primary axis. The method also involves measuring a surface angle of the top surface of the crystal by measuring a light beam reflected from the top surface of the crystal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing films by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are disclosed. For example, a system for characterizing a film may include an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam having an energy below the k-edge of silicon. A sample holder may be included for positioning a sample in a pathway of the X-ray beam. A first detector may be included for collecting an XPS signal generated by bombarding the sample with the X-ray beam. A second detector may be included for collecting an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) signal generated by bombarding the sample with the X-ray beam. Monitoring/estimation of the primary X-ray flux at the analysis site may be provided by X-ray flux detectors near and at the analysis site. Both XRF and XPS signals may be normalized to the (estimated) primary X-ray flux to enable film thickness or dose measurement without the need to employ signal intensity ratios.

Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement are described. The method includes using an X-ray beam to generate an XPS signal from a sample and normalizing the XPS signal with a measured or estimated flux of the X-ray beam. The system includes an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam and a sample holder for positioning a sample in a pathway of the X-ray beam. A detector is included for collecting an XPS signal generated by bombarding the sample with the X-ray beam. Also included are a flux detector for determining a measured or estimated flux of the X-ray beam and a computing system for normalizing the XPS signal with the measured or estimated flux of the X-ray beam.

Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement are described. The method includes using an X-ray beam to generate an XPS signal from a sample and normalizing the XPS signal with a measured or estimated flux of the X-ray beam. The system includes an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam and a sample holder for positioning a sample in a pathway of the X-ray beam. A detector is included for collecting an XPS signal generated by bombarding the sample with the X-ray beam. Also included are a flux detector for determining a measured or estimated flux of the X-ray beam and a computing system for normalizing the XPS signal with the measured or estimated flux of the X-ray beam.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a substrate processing system is provided. The system may include a chamber wall enclosing a chamber, a substrate support positioned within the chamber to support a substrate, an electromagnetic radiation source to emit electromagnetic radiation onto the substrate on the substrate support, the electromagnetic radiation causing photoelectrons to be emitted from a material on the substrate, an analyzer to capture the photoelectrons emitted from the substrate, and a magnetic field generator to generate a magnetic field within the chamber and guide the photoelectrons from the substrate to the analyzer.

Abstract: A focused ion beam column featuring a combination of blanker electrodes and a chicane system of electrodes which permit selection of a target spot size by selection of appropriate voltages applied to the chicane electrodes. The chicane potentials deflect the beam such as to select the closest distance between the center of the beam and the edge of a blocker plate thus reducing beam blurring when the beam is quickly turned off and on.

Abstract: A time-of-flight analyzer, such as a secondary ion surface analyzer, and method are disclosed wherein a beam of charged particles is created, magnified, directed along a path to a detector, detected and the time of flight measured. An emission lens is positioned on the path to produce the magnification and an additional lens can be provided along the path to produce variable magnification. A field aperture along the path limits the size of the image and a contrast diaphragm limits the lateral ion velocity. Two or more, preferably three, particle steering analyzers are sequentially positioned along the path from the emission lens to the detector with each of the three analyzers steering the particles through substantially 90 degrees.