The present invention relates to techniques for measuring integrated
circuit interconnect process parameters. The techniques are applicable to
any non-ideally shaped interconnects made from any type of conductive
materials. Test structures are fabricated within an integrated circuit.
Non-destructive electrical measurements are taken from the test
structures to determine coupling capacitances associated with the test
structures. A field solver uses the initial process parameters to
determine design coupling capacitances. An optimizer then uses the
measured coupling capacitances and the design coupling capacitances to
determine the interconnect process parameters.