Overview

MetaPULSE 200 is the first production-worthy opaque film metrology tool that can simultaneously measure the individual thicknesses of up to six layers in a multi-layer metal (MLM) film stack. It can measure single or multi-layer thicknesses on product wafers with Angstrom accuracy and sub-Angstrom repeatability at up to 60 wafers per hour. The tool uses picosecond ultrasonic laser sonar (PULSE TechnologyTM), a non-contact, non-destructive measurement technique based on laser-induced ultrasound. Its pattern recognition allows it to reliably place its 10 µm measurement spot within existing metrology sites for reliable on-product measurement. MetaPULSE 200 can also diagnose film adhesion and interlayer-reaction problems, measure the RMS roughness of top- and buried-layers, and determine material properties such as silicide phase. This provides critical information about the product’s film stack, which is not available when using single-layer monitor wafer metrology. The system’s broad range of capabilities allows it to significantly reduce the use of monitor wafers in controlling cluster tool MLM deposition, leading to substantial cost and time savings.