Structures formed on a semiconductor wafer are consecutively measured by
obtaining first and second measured diffraction signals of a first
structure and a second structure formed abutting the first structure. The
first and second measured diffraction signals were consecutively measured
using an angle-resolved spectroscopic scatterometer. The first measured
diffraction signal is compared to a first simulated diffraction signal
generated using a profile model of the first structure. The profile model
has profile parameters, characterize geometries of the first structure,
and an azimuth angle parameter, which define the angle between the plane
of incidence beam and direction of periodicity of the first or second
structure. One or more features of the first structure are determined
based on the comparison. The second measured diffraction signal is
compared to a second simulated diffraction signal generated using the
same profile model as the first simulated diffraction signal with the
azimuth angle parameter having a value that is about 90 degrees different
than the value of the azimuth angle parameter used to generate the first
simulated diffraction signal. One or more features of the second
structure are determined based on the comparison of the second measured
diffraction signal to the second simulated diffraction signal.