Through-focus technique for nano-scale grating pitch and linewidth analysis

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We report results of experimental investigations into a through-focus method relevant to sub-wavelength feature dimension measurement. The method linearizes the partial derivative values of a focus indicator with respect to minimum intensity order, and hence permits determination of pitch using a classical linear method. By evaluating the variations in focus indicator of the different captured images obtained at various focal positions, the through-focus curves show a response to sub-resolution changes in the grating structure. The results suggest that sub-wavelength feature dimensions can be evaluated using regular optical microscopes by implementing the through focus method.