Applied Materials Announces Brightfield Wafer Inspection Tool

Santa Clara, CA - Applied Materials, Inc. recently unveiled its Applied UVision 3 system, a DUV1 Brightfield wafer inspection tool with the critical-defect detection sensitivity required for 45 nanometer (nm) FEOL² and immersion lithography. Delivering significant advancements to Applied's breakthrough UVision technology, this next-generation system triples the number of laser beams scanning the wafer to provide 40% faster throughput than any competitive system. Two new imaging modes extend sensitivity to 20nm, and a new flexible automatic defect classification engine enables quick access to defects of interest and faster yield learning.

"The UVision 3 system's multi-beam DUV laser architecture allows extendibility beyond the resolution limits of traditional optical inspection," said Dr. Gilad Almogy, vice president and general manager of Applied Materials' Process Diagnostics and Control group. "With this enhanced system, leading-edge memory and immersion lithography manufacturers can run volume production at engineering tool sensitivity with a shorter cycle time to generate meaningful data. We have shipped multiple UVision 3 systems to leading customers where they have validated its exceptional sensitivity at groundbreaking DUV Brightfield throughputs."

By coupling unique laser DUV architecture with a sensitive photo-multiplier tube (PMT) and variable polarization, the UVision 3 system also meets the challenges of 32nm memory development. New Brightfield imaging modes, both in the illumination and collection path, address the contrast versatility required for immersion lithography. In addition, the system's innovative algorithms of high defect accuracy and stitch-to-stitch detection enable enhanced sensitivity on periphery areas, a key advantage not addressed by any other Brightfield system.

UVision 3 is an integral part of Applied Material's advanced lithography-enabling technologies for 45nm and below double patterning and advanced FEOL applications. For more information on the Applied UVision system, visit http://appliedmaterials.com/products/uvision_4.html.

1 DUV=deep ultraviolet

2 FEOL=front end of line

SOURCE: Applied Materials, Inc.