Abstract: A semiconductor process and apparatus to provide a way to reduce plasma-induced damage by applying a patterned layer of photoresist which includes resist openings formed over the active circuit areas as well as additional resist openings formed over inactive areas in order to maintain the threshold coverage level to control the amount of resist coverage over a semiconductor structure so that the total amount of resist coverage is at or below a threshold coverage level. Where additional resist openings are required in order to maintain the threshold coverage level, these openings may be used to create additional charge dissipation structures for use in manufacturing the final structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor process and apparatus to provide a way to reduce plasma-induced damage by applying a patterned layer of photoresist (114) which includes resist openings formed (117) over the active circuit areas (13, 14) as well as additional resist openings (119) formed over inactive areas (15) in order to maintain the threshold coverage level to control the amount of resist coverage over a semiconductor structure so that the total amount of resist coverage is at or below a threshold coverage level. Where additional resist openings (119) are required in order to maintain the threshold coverage level, these openings may be used to create additional charge dissipation structures (e.g., 152) for use in manufacturing the final structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor process and apparatus to provide a way to reduce plasma-induced damage by applying a patterned layer of photoresist (114) which includes resist openings formed (117) over the active circuit areas (13, 14) as well as additional resist openings (119) formed over inactive areas (15) in order to maintain the threshold coverage level to control the amount of resist coverage over a semiconductor structure so that the total amount of resist coverage is at or below a threshold coverage level. Where additional resist openings (119) are required in order to maintain the threshold coverage level, these openings may be used to create additional charge dissipation structures (e.g., 152) for use in manufacturing the final structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor process and apparatus to provide a way to reduce plasma-induced damage by applying a patterned layer of photoresist (114) which includes resist openings formed (117) over the active circuit areas (13, 14) as well as additional resist openings (119) formed over inactive areas (15) in order to maintain the threshold coverage level to control the amount of resist coverage over a semiconductor structure so that the total amount of resist coverage is at or below a threshold coverage level. Where additional resist openings (119) are required in order to maintain the threshold coverage level, these openings may be used to create additional charge dissipation structures (e.g., 152) for use in manufacturing the final structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for translating detected wafer defect coordinates to reticle coordinates using CAD data. A wafer inspection image is provided and coordinates of potential defects in the wafer are determined. Then the wafer inspection image is converted into a predetermined image format. CAD data for the device under test is then used to produce a second image, also in the predetermined image format. The CAD-derived image and the wafer-derived image are then aligned, and the coordinates of potential defects in the wafer are converted into CAD coordinates. The CAD coordinates are then used to navigate through the reticle for the wafer in order to locate reticle defects corresponding to the detected wafer defects.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for translating detected wafer defect coordinates to reticle coordinates using CAD data. A wafer inspection image is provided and coordinates of potential defects in the wafer are determined. Then the wafer inspection image is converted into a predetermined image format. CAD data for the device under test is then used to produce a second image, also in the predetermined image format. The CAD-derived image and the wafer-derived image are then aligned, and the coordinates of potential defects in the wafer are converted into CAD coordinates. The CAD coordinates are then used to navigate through the reticle for the wafer in order to locate reticle defects corresponding to the detected wafer defects.