Quantitative metrology study of Cu/SiO₂ interconnect structures using fluorescence x-ray microscopy

We demonstrate the capability of fluorescence x-ray microscopy with a 0.25 μm beam for in situ measurements of Cu-wiring interconnects of submicron dimensions. We are able to measure submicron line widths, lengths, and thicknesses of both Cu and W structures, and a Ta liner in the test vehicle, to the absolute accuracy of 0.03 μm, and a relative accuracy of ∼4% in lateral dimensions, and ∼10% in heights. The shape of a buried electromigration void was also determined. This nanoscale nondestructive characterization technique promises to be powerful for a variety of materials systems. © 2001 American Institute of Physics.