A method of controlling the lithography process used to fabricate patterns
on layers of a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. The method includes
providing at least two scatterometry targets, each target having a first
pattern formed in an upper layer substantially aligned with a second
pattern formed in a lower layer. The targets are optically inspected. A
theoretical model of each target is created, with each model including a
plurality of unknown parameters defining the target and wherein at least
one of the parameters is common to each of the targets. A regression
analysis is performed wherein the measured optical response of the
targets is compared to calculated optical responses generated by varying
the values of the parameters applied to the model. During the regression
analysis, a common value for the common parameter is maintained. The
results are used to control the lithography process.