Reference image forming method and pattern inspection apparatus

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6040911
SERIAL NO

09141364

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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A reference image forming method is used in a pattern inspection apparatus for scanning a pattern formed on an object to be inspected on the basis of design data with a laser beam having a predetermined wavelength, focusing transmitted light passing through the object on a light-receiving element by using an objective lens, forming a real image from pattern information obtained from the light-receiving element, and comparing the real image with a reference image obtained by imaging the design data, thereby detecting a defect in the object. In this method, reference data is formed by developing the design data as a pattern made of multilevel gradation values on pixels having a resolution higher than an inspection resolution. A reference image is formed by increasing or decreasing the width of each pattern of the reference data as a multilevel gradation pattern with a precision higher than the inspection resolution on the basis of an edge position of a corresponding pattern in the real image. A pattern inspection apparatus is also disclosed.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
NEC CORPORATION108-8001 TOKYO

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Nishii, Satoshi Kanagawa, JP 10 107
Nozaki, Takeo Tokyo, JP 11 125

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