Three-dimensional image visualization using the real-time confocal scanning optical microscope

Lloyd J. LaComb; Timothy R. Piwonka-Corle; Neil S. Levine

doi:10.1117/12.20037

Abstract

The development of the real-time confocal scanning optical microscope (RSOM) has made it easy for those familiar with standard optical microscopes to use the excellent range definition and cross-sectioning ability afforded by the RSOM to inspect integrated circuits. The ability of the RSOM to optically section a sample allows us to construct three-dimensional (3D) image projections of the sample surface. The depth response function, IV(z)12, of the microscope can be used to relate the relative height of a particular point on the sample to the received intensity allowing the surface to be reconstructed from the microscope image. Surface reconstructions based upon this method are shown to have comparable resolution to measurements obtained using a contact profilometer. This approach is extended to larger height variations by using the focal information from each optical section to determine the "coarse" height at each pixel location. Height variations within each section can be calculated using the received intensity at each pixel location in conjunction with the depth response function of the microscope. The intra-layer height variations are added to the coarse height at each pixel location to produce a map of the integrated circuit surface. The surface reconstruction can be shaded according to the strength of the received signal or with a lighting model to emphasize different properties of the surface. The surface reconstruction calculated using the depth response function of the microscope can be correlated to the surface roughness of the material. The surface roughness of a metal film is measured using the RSOM and compared to values obtained with a stylus profilometer. The effect of focal position on 3D image construction and defect detection is considered by examining several overlay structures.

Citation Download Citation

Lloyd J. LaComb, Lloyd J. LaComb, Timothy R. Piwonka-Corle, Timothy R. Piwonka-Corle, Neil S. Levine, Neil S. Levine, "Three-dimensional image visualization using the real-time confocal scanning optical microscope", Proc. SPIE 1261, Integrated Circuit Metrology, Inspection, and Process Control IV, (1 June 1990); doi: 10.1117/12.20037; https://doi.org/10.1117/12.20037

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

PERSONAL SIGN IN
Full access may be available with your subscription

Email or Username Forgot your username?

Password Forgot your password?

Show

Remember Email/Username on this computer

Remember Password

No SPIE account? Create an account
or Institutional Sign In via Shibboleth

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $14.40

Non-members: $18.00 ADD TO CART

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years