US Patent 10228320 Achieving a small pattern placement error in metrology targets

Target design methods, targets as well as scanner aberration methods and device design improvements are provided. Metrology targets may be designed by identifying at least two geometric elements in a specified device design, and designing corresponding at least two target cells of an overlay metrology target to have structures related to the at least two geometric elements. Non-printed filling elements may be added to target or device designs which exhibit large spaces (e.g., larger than twice the minimal design rule pitch) in order to avoid placement error and other inaccuracies. Scanner aberrations themselves may be measured using corresponding targets as well.