To measure a process parameter of a semiconductor fabrication process, the
fabrication process is performed on a first area using a first value of
the process parameter. The fabrication process is performed on a second
area using a second value of the process parameter. A first measurement
of the first area is obtained using an optical metrology tool. A second
measurement of the second area is obtained using the optical metrology
tool. One or more optical properties of the first area are determined
based on the first measurement. One or more optical properties of the
second area are determined based on the second measurement. The
fabrication process is performed on a third area. A third measurement of
the third area is obtained using the optical metrology tool. A third
value of the process parameter is determined based on the third
measurement and a relationship between the determined optical properties
of the first and second areas.