Abstract: A method for evaluating a sample that includes an array of structural elements. The method includes obtaining a first small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) pattern for a first angular relationship between the sample and an x-ray beam that exhibits a first collimation value and has a given cross-sectional area on a first side of the sample. A second SAXS pattern is obtained for a second angular relationship between the sample and the x-ray beam, while the x-ray beam exhibits a second collimation value that differs from the first collimation value while maintaining the given cross-sectional area of the x-ray beam on the first side of the sample, wherein the second angular relationship differs from the first angular relationship.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an array of high aspect ratio (HAR) structures on a sample includes illuminating the sample with an x-ray beam along a first axis parallel to within two degrees to the HAR structures in the array and sensing a first pattern of small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) scattered from the sample while illuminating the sample along the first axis. The sample is illuminated with the x-ray beam along a second axis that is oblique to the HAR structures in the array, and a second pattern of the SAXS scattered from the sample is sensed while illuminating the sample along the second axis. Information is extracted with respect to the HAR structures based on the first and second patterns.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an array of high aspect ratio (HAR) structures on a sample includes illuminating the sample with an x-ray beam along a first axis parallel to within two degrees to the HAR structures in the array and sensing a first pattern of small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) scattered from the sample while illuminating the sample along the first axis. The sample is illuminated with the x-ray beam along a second axis that is oblique to the HAR structures in the array, and a second pattern of the SAXS scattered from the sample is sensed while illuminating the sample along the second axis. Information is extracted with respect to the HAR structures based on the first and second patterns.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus, that may include a mount that is configured to hold a sample; an x-ray source, that is configured to direct an x-ray beam toward a first side of the sample; a detector, positioned downstream to a second side of the sample, the detector is configured to detect, during a sample measurement period, at least a part of x-rays that have been transmitted through the sample; and an x-ray intensity detector that is positioned, during a beam intensity monitoring period at a measurement position that is located between the x-ray source and the first side of the sample, so as to detect at least a part of the x-ray beam before the x-ray beam reaches the sample.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus, that may include a mount that is configured to hold a sample; an x-ray source, that is configured to direct an x-ray beam toward a first side of the sample; a detector, positioned downstream to a second side of the sample, the detector is configured to detect, during a sample measurement period, at least a part of x-rays that have been transmitted through the sample; and an x-ray intensity detector that is positioned, during a beam intensity monitoring period at a measurement position that is located between the x-ray source and the first side of the sample, so as to detect at least a part of the x-ray beam before the x-ray beam reaches the sample.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a mount, an X-ray source, a detector and a beam limiter. The mount is configured to hold a planar sample. The X-ray source is configured to direct a beam of X-rays toward a first side of the sample. The detector is positioned on a second side of the sample, opposite the first side, so as to receive at least a part of the X-rays that have been transmitted through the sample. The beam limiter is positioned on the first side of the sample so as to intercept the beam of the X-rays. The beam limiter includes first and second blades and first and second actuators. The first and second blades have respective first and second edges positioned in mutual proximity so as to define a slit, through which the beam of the X-rays will pass, at a distance smaller than 25 mm from the first side of the sample. The first and second actuators are configured to shift the first and second blades along respective, first and second translation axes so as to adjust a width of the slit.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a mount, an X-ray source, a detector, an optical gauge and a motor. The mount is configured to hold a planar sample having a first side, which is smooth, and a second side, which is opposite the first side and on which a pattern has been formed. The X-ray source is configured to direct a first beam of X-rays toward the first side of the sample. The detector is positioned on the second side of the sample so as to receive at least a part of the X-rays that have been transmitted through the sample and scattered from the pattern. The optical gauge is configured to direct a second beam of optical radiation toward the first side of the sample, to sense the optical radiation that is reflected from the first side of the sample, and to output a signal, in response to the sensed optical radiation, that is indicative of a position of the sample. The motor is configured to adjust an alignment between the detector and the sample in response to the signal.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a mount, an X-ray source, a detector, an optical gauge and a motor. The mount is configured to hold a planar sample having a first side, which is smooth, and a second side, which is opposite the first side and on which a pattern has been formed. The X-ray source is configured to direct a first beam of X-rays toward the first side of the sample. The detector is positioned on the second side of the sample so as to receive at least a part of the X-rays that have been transmitted through the sample and scattered from the pattern. The optical gauge is configured to direct a second beam of optical radiation toward the first side of the sample, to sense the optical radiation that is reflected from the first side of the sample, and to output a signal, in response to the sensed optical radiation, that is indicative of a position of the sample. The motor is configured to adjust an alignment between the detector and the sample in response to the signal.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a mount, an X-ray source, a detector and a beam limiter. The mount is configured to hold a planar sample. The X-ray source is configured to direct a beam of X-rays toward a first side of the sample. The detector is positioned on a second side of the sample, opposite the first side, so as to receive at least a part of the X-rays that have been transmitted through the sample. The beam limiter is positioned on the first side of the sample so as to intercept the beam of the X-rays. The beam limiter includes first and second blades and first and second actuators. The first and second blades have respective first and second edges positioned in mutual proximity so as to define a slit, through which the beam of the X-rays will pass, at a distance smaller than 25 mm from the first side of the sample. The first and second actuators are configured to shift the first and second blades along respective, first and second translation axes so as to adjust a width of the slit.

Abstract: Apparatus for X-ray scatterometry includes an X-ray source, which directs an X-ray beam to be incident at a grazing angle on an area of a surface of a sample, and an X-ray detector measures X-rays scattered from the area. A knife edge is arranged parallel to the surface of the sample in a location adjacent to the area so as to define a gap between the surface and the knife edge and to block a portion of the X-ray beam that does not pass through the gap. A motor moves the knife edge perpendicular to the surface so as to control a size of the gap. An optical rangefinder receives optical radiation reflected from the surface and outputs a signal indicative of a distance of the knife edge from the surface. Control circuitry drives the motor responsively to the signal in order to regulate the size of the gap.

Abstract: Apparatus for X-ray scatterometry includes an X-ray source, which directs an X-ray beam to be incident at a grazing angle on an area of a surface of a sample, and an X-ray detector measures X-rays scattered from the area. A knife edge is arranged parallel to the surface of the sample in a location adjacent to the area so as to define a gap between the surface and the knife edge and to block a portion of the X-ray beam that does not pass through the gap. A motor moves the knife edge perpendicular to the surface so as to control a size of the gap. An optical rangefinder receives optical radiation reflected from the surface and outputs a signal indicative of a distance of the knife edge from the surface. Control circuitry drives the motor responsively to the signal in order to regulate the size of the gap.