Traditional review sampling consists of two parts: binning and defect selection. Binning is defined as a set of rules and conditions determined by human experience and judgment to categorize different DOI types. Then, defects are selected from each bin and reviewed by SEM. Due to the nature of high SNV from optical inspection, the random selection of defects will end up with high SNV in the defect Pareto. A defect Pareto with high SNV provides little value to yield learning. Because SEM review plus classification is limited by time and economic budget, improving the ability to predict whether a defect is DOI or SNV before SEM review is valuable. This paper introduces a machine learning based method suitable for high volume manufacturing that can increase the probability of finding DOIs during review sampling by integrating all available data sources, such as historical defect attributes from optical inspection, context information of the inspection recipe, design hotspots and metrology measurements. In addition to review sampling, this paper also illustrates other applications based on machine learning defect prediction, such as virtual process window discovery, and predicted defect types for trend monitoring. A predictive analytics platform was employed to allow defect type prediction based upon multiple inputs. |
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Machine learning
Semiconducting wafers
Data modeling
Optical inspection
Modulation
Inspection
Analytics