Technology for Polarization Measurement

Lens and Lens Blank Characterization

Exicor® systems measure the optics used in the world's most sophisticated optical equipment, optical lithography systems.  These systems demand the most stringent low-level retardation measurements, which Exicor provides repeatably and accurately.

Calcium Fluoride and Fused Silica for optics are grown in cylindrical boules.  The material is cut into cylinders 200-300mm in diameter.  Following satisfactory birefringence measurement, these pieces may be formed into lenses.

Many of the lithography systems in use today are polarization-dependent.  Light passes through these systems at a particular polarization state.  Any birefringence in the lens train could change the polarization state of the light, reducing intensity in an area where a polarizer is set to accept the expected polarization state.   The change in intensity could mean that portions of the chip are not imaging correctly, which would adversely affect yield.

T4_2-3-1_AT4_2-3-1_B
In this application, samples with a birefringence measurement value approaching zero are preferable.

How Exicor has assisted optical lithography customers:

→Exicor's unsurpassed sensitivity insures repeatable low-level measurements.
→Customers requiring multiple instruments in different facilities can count on measurement accuracy and repeatabliity from instrument to instrument.
→Exicor provides the most precise measurement available at a faster speed than any competitor.

SUGGESTED PRODUCTS:

Exicor® OIA
Exicor® DUV

 
Contact us for more information on Hinds' Exicor systems used in lens and lens blank characterization for optical lithography.