Sample inspection system

Abstract

A curved mirrored surface ( 78 ) is used to collect radiation scattered by a sample surface ( 76 a ) and originating from a normal illumination beam ( 70 ) and an oblique illumination beam ( 90 ). The collected radiation is focused to a detector ( 80 ). Scattered radiation originating from the normal and oblique illumination beams may be distinguished by employing radiation at two different wavelengths, by intentionally introducing an offset between the spots illuminated by the two beams or by switching the normal and oblique illumination beams ( 70, 90 ) on and off alternately. Beam position error caused by change in sample height may be corrected by detecting specular reflection of an oblique illumination beam and changing the direction of illumination in response thereto. Butterfly-shaped spatial filters may be used in conjunction with curved mirror radiation collectors ( 78 ) to restrict detection to certain azimuthal angles.

1 - 92 . (canceled)  
   
   
       93 . An optical system for detecting anomalies of a sample, comprising: 
 means for directing a beam of radiation along a first path at an oblique angle of incidence onto a surface of the sample;    detecting means including at least two detectors, said at least two detectors comprising a first detector located to detect light scattered by the surface within a first range of collection angles from a normal direction to the surface and a second detector located to detect light scattered by the surface within a second range of collection angles from the normal direction, said second range being different from the first range; and    means for comparing outputs of the two detectors to distinguish between a particle and a COP on the surface.    
   
   
       94 . The system of  claim 93 , wherein the collection angles of said first range are smaller than the collection angles of said second range, said first detector including at least one lens for collecting light to be detected, said second detector including a mirrored surface for receiving scattered radiation from the sample surface.  
   
   
       95 . The system of  claim 93 , said mirrored surface being substantially ellipsoidal or paraboloidal in shape.  
   
   
       96 . A method for detecting anomalies of a sample, comprising: 
 directing a beam of radiation along a first path at an oblique angle of incidence onto a surface of the sample;    detecting light scattered by the surface within a first and a second range of collection angles from a normal direction to the surface, said second range being different from the first range; and    comparing outputs of the two detectors to distinguish between a particle and a COP on the surface.