Novel structures and methods for evaluating lines in semiconductor
integrated circuits. A first plurality of lines can be formed on a wafer
each of which comprises multiple line sections. All the line sections are
of the same length. The electrical resistances of the line sections are
measured. Then, a first line geometry adjustment is determined based on
the electrical resistances of all the sections of all the lines. The
first line geometry adjustment represents an effective reduction of
cross-section size of the lines due to grain boundary electrical
resistance. A second plurality of lines of same length and thickness can
be formed on the same wafer. Then, second and third line geometry
adjustments can be determined based on the electrical resistances of
these lines measured at different temperatures. The second and third line
geometry adjustments represent an effective reduction of cross-section
size of the lines due to grain boundary electrical resistance and line
surface roughness.