Abstract: Metrology targets and target design methods are provided, in which target elements are defined by replacing elements from a periodic pattern having a pitch p, by assist elements having at least one geometric difference from the replaced elements, to form a composite periodic structure that maintains the pitch p as a single pitch. Constructing targets within the bounds of compatibility with advanced multiple patterning techniques improves the fidelity of the targets and fill factor modulation enables adjustment of the targets to produce sufficient metrology sensitivity for extracting the overlay while achieving process compatibility of the targets.

Abstract: Imaging metrology targets and methods are provided, which combine one-dimensional (1D) elements designed to provide 1D imaging metrology signals along at least two measurement directions and two-dimensional (2D) elements designed to provide at least one 2D imaging metrology overlay signal. The target area of the 1D elements may enclose the 2D elements or the target areas of the 1D and 2D elements may be partially or fully congruent. The compound targets are small, possibly multilayered, and may be designed to be process compatible (e.g., by segmentation of the elements, interspaces between elements and element backgrounds) and possibly be produced in die. Two dimensional elements may be designed to be periodic to provide additional one dimensional metrology signals.

Abstract: Target designs methods and targets are provided, in which at least some of the differentiation between target elements and their background is carried out by segmenting either of them. Directed self-assembly (DSA) processes are used to generate fine segmentation, and various characteristics of the polymer lines and their guiding lines are used to differentiate target elements from their background. Target designs and design principles are disclosed in relation to the DSA process, as well as optimization of the DSA process to yield high metrology measurement accuracy in face of production inaccuracies. Furthermore, designs and methods are provided for enhancing and using ordered regions of a DSA-produced polymer surface as target elements and as hard masks for production processes. The targets and methods may be configured to enable metrology measurements using polarized light to distinguish target elements or DSA features.

Abstract: Method, metrology modules and RCA tool are provided, which use the behavior of resonance region(s) in measurement landscapes to evaluate and characterize process variation with respect to symmetric and asymmetric factors, and provide root cause analysis of the process variation with respect to process steps. Simulations of modeled stacks with different layer thicknesses and process variation factors may be used to enhance the analysis and provide improved target designs, improved algorithms and correctables for metrology measurements. Specific targets that exhibit sensitive resonance regions may be utilize to enhance the evaluation of process variation.

Abstract: Metrology targets and target design methods are provided, in which target elements are defined by replacing elements from a periodic pattern having a pitch p, by assist elements having at least one geometric difference from the replaced elements, to form a composite periodic structure that maintains the pitch p as a single pitch. Constructing targets within the bounds of compatibility with advanced multiple patterning techniques improves the fidelity of the targets and fill factor modulation enables adjustment of the targets to produce sufficient metrology sensitivity for extracting the overlay while achieving process compatibility of the targets.

Abstract: A metrology performance analysis system includes a metrology tool including one or more detectors and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more detectors. The controller is configured to receive one or more metrology data sets associated with a metrology target from the metrology tool in which the one or more metrology data sets include one or more measured metrology metrics and the one or more measured metrology metrics indicate deviations from nominal values. The controller is further configured to determine relationships between the deviations from the nominal values and one or more selected semiconductor process variations, and determine one or more root causes of the deviations from the nominal values based on the relationships between values of the one or more metrology metrics and the one or more selected semiconductor process variations.

Abstract: Method, metrology modules and RCA tool are provided, which use the behavior of resonance region(s) in measurement landscapes to evaluate and characterize process variation with respect to symmetric and asymmetric factors, and provide root cause analysis of the process variation with respect to process steps. Simulations of modeled stacks with different layer thicknesses and process variation factors may be used to enhance the analysis and provide improved target designs, improved algorithms and correctables for metrology measurements. Specific targets that exhibit sensitive resonance regions may be utilize to enhance the evaluation of process variation.

Abstract: Metrology targets, design files, and design and production methods thereof are provided. The metrology targets are hybrid in that they comprise at least one imaging target structure configured to be measurable by imaging and at least one scatterometry target structure configured to be measurable by scatterometry. Thus, the hybrid targets may be measured by imaging and scatterometry simultaneously or alternatingly and/or the measurement techniques may be optimized with respect to wafer regions and other spatial parameters, as well as with respect to temporal process parameters. The hybrid targets may be used to monitor process parameters, for example via comparative overlay measurements and/or high resolution measurements.

Abstract: A metrology performance analysis system includes a metrology tool including one or more detectors and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more detectors. The controller is configured to receive one or more metrology data sets associated with a metrology target from the metrology tool in which the one or more metrology data sets include one or more measured metrology metrics and the one or more measured metrology metrics indicate deviations from nominal values. The controller is further configured to determine relationships between the deviations from the nominal values and one or more selected semiconductor process variations, and determine one or more root causes of the deviations from the nominal values based on the relationships between values of the one or more metrology metrics and the one or more selected semiconductor process variations.

Abstract: Imaging metrology targets and methods are provided, which combine one-dimensional (1D) elements designed to provide 1D imaging metrology signals along at least two measurement directions and two-dimensional (2D) elements designed to provide at least one 2D imaging metrology overlay signal. The target area of the 1D elements may enclose the 2D elements or the target areas of the 1D and 2D elements may be partially or fully congruent. The compound targets are small, possible multilayered, and may be designed to be process compatible (e.g., by segmentation of the elements, interspaces between elements and element backgrounds) and possibly be produced in die. 2D elements may be designed to periodic to provide additional one dimensional metrology signals.

Abstract: Target designs methods and targets are provided, in which at least some of the differentiation between target elements and their background is carried out by segmenting either of them. Directed self-assembly (DSA) processes are used to generate fine segmentation, and various characteristics of the polymer lines and their guiding lines are used to differentiate target elements from their background. Target designs and design principles are disclosed in relation to the DSA process, as well as optimization of the DSA process to yield high metrology measurement accuracy in face of production inaccuracies. Furthermore, designs and methods are provided for enhancing and using ordered regions of a DSA-produced polymer surface as target elements and as hard masks for production processes. The targets and methods may be configured to enable metrology measurements using polarized light to distinguish target elements or DSA features.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe a target for use in measuring a relative position between two substantially coplanar layers of a device. The target includes periodic structures in first and second layers. Differences in relative position of the first and the second layers between the first and second periodic structures and the respective device-like structure can be measured to correct the relative position of the first and the second layers between the first and second periodic structures. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Metrology targets, design files, and design and production methods thereof are provided. The metrology targets are hybrid in that they comprise at least one imaging target structure configured to be measurable by imaging and at least one scatterometry target structure configured to be measurable by scatterometry. Thus, the hybrid targets may be measured by imaging and scatterometry simultaneously or alternatingly and/or the measurement techniques may be optimized with respect to wafer regions and other spatial parameters, as well as with respect to temporal process parameters. The hybrid targets may be used to monitor process parameters, for example via comparative overlay measurements and/or high resolution measurements.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe a target for use in measuring a relative position between two substantially coplanar layers of a device. The target includes periodic structures in first and second layers. Differences in relative position of the first and the second layers between the first and second periodic structures and the respective device-like structure can be measured to correct the relative position of the first and the second layers between the first and second periodic structures. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.