TSV reveal height and dimension metrology by the TSOM method

This paper reports on an investigation to determine whether through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) is applicable to micrometer-scale through-silicon via (TSV) reveal metrology. TSOM has shown promise as an alternative inspection and dimensional metrology technique for FinFETs and defects. In this paper TSOM measurements were simulated using 546 nm light and applied to copper TSV reveal pillars with height in the 3 μm to 5 μm range and diameter of 5 μm. Simulation results, combined with white light interferometric profilometry, are used in an attempt to correlate TSOM image features to variations in TSV height, diameter, and sidewall angle (SWA). Simulations illustrate the sensitivity of Differential TSOM Images (DTI’s) using the metric of Optical Intensity Range (OIR), for 5 μm diameter and 5 μm height TSV Cu reveal structures, for variation of SWA (∆ = 2°, OIR = 2.35), height (∆ = 20 nm, OIR = 0.28), and diameter (∆ = 40 nm, OIR = 0.57), compared to an OIR noise floor of 0.01. In addition, white light interferometric profilometry reference data is obtained on multiple TSV reveal structures in adjacent die, and averages calculated for each die’s SWA, height, and diameter. TSOM images are obtained on individual TSV’s within each set, with DTI’s obtained by comparing TSV’s from adjacent die. The TSOM DTI’s are compared to average profilometry data from identical die to determine whether there are correlations between DTI and profilometry data. However, with several significant TSV reveal features not accounted for in the simulation model, it is difficult to draw conclusions comparing profilometry measurements to TSOM DTI’s when such features generate strong optical interactions. Thus, even for similar DTI images there are no discernible correlations to SWA, diameter, or height evident in the profilometry data. The use of a more controlled set of test structures may be advantageous in correlating TSOM to optical images.