Applied Materials' Next-Generation Defect Review, Classification Technology Improves Yield for Complex 3D Transistors, 1X Nanometer Nodes

Applied Materials, Inc.

today announced a suite of new defect review and classification technologies for its market-leading SEMVision^(TM) family of products to accelerate time to yield for leading-edge chip manufacturing at 1X-nm and beyond.  The Applied SEMVision G6 defect analysis system combines unprecedented high-resolution, multi-dimensional imaging capabilities with revolutionary machine learning intelligence of the Purity^(TM) Automatic Defect Classification (ADC) system that sets new performance benchmarks and brings first-of-a-kind DR SEM technology to the semiconductor industry. The SEMVision G6 system's resolution is a 30% improvement over the previous generation, making it the highest available in the industry. This capability and the system's unique e-beam tilt angle make the G6 the industry's superior, field-proven DR SEM for finding, identifying and analyzing defects in 3D FinFET and high aspect ratio structures at 1Xnm nodes.  The system's advanced detection assembly and sophisticated processing make possible high-quality topographical images of tiny and shallow defects. High dynamic range detection, collection of back-scattered electrons, and energy filtering enable high aspect ratio imaging. High-energy imaging makes possible "see through" penetration that reveals defects in underlying layers. The Purity ADC's dynamic machine learning algorithms analyze and classify defects, ensuring accuracy, quality and consistency to enable stable process control and rapid and reliable excursion detection. Smart machine learning algorithms also make possible the separation of real defects from the large number of nuisance defects or false alarms, a challenge that is growing with scaling and device complexity.  By establishing a proven intelligent analysis and classification process, Purity ADC gives customers the confidence for the first time to rely on an automatic review system to correctly and quickly identify classes of defects in a production environment and accelerate time-to-yield.