Characterization analysis study of μ-bridge defect using simulation and wafer inspection tools

As the design rules of semiconductor devices continue to decrease, the detection of critical killer defects has become more difficult. In this paper, μ-bridge defects are studied. In order to detect special μ-bridges, both direct inspection and simulation techniques were employed. The inspection technologies used include brightfield, darkfield, and electron-beam inspection (EBI) tools, while the simulation analysis uses charge calculations and Monte Carlo scattering simulation. Special μ-bridge defects were only captured by the EBI tool and verified by focused ion beam (FIB) milling. This result corresponds to simulation data.