초록 ▼

An overlay mark for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate is disclosed. The overlay mark includes at least one test pattern for determining the relative shift between a first and a second layer of the substrate in a first direction. The test pattern inc

An overlay mark for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate is disclosed. The overlay mark includes at least one test pattern for determining the relative shift between a first and a second layer of the substrate in a first direction. The test pattern includes a first set of working zones and a second set of working zones. The first set of working zones are disposed on a first layer of the substrate and have at least two working zones diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to one another. The second set of working zones are disposed on a second layer of the substrate and have at least two working zones diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to one another. The first set of working zones are generally angled relative to the second set of working zones thus forming an "X" shaped test pattern.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark having a plurality of working zones and comprising: at least one test patte

What is claimed is: 1. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark having a plurality of working zones and comprising: at least one test pattern for determining the relative shift between a first and a second layer of the substrate in a first direction, the test pattern having a first set of working zones and a second set of working zones, the first set being disposed on a first layer of the substrate and having at least two working zones diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to one another, the second set being disposed on a second layer of the substrate and having at least two working zones diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to one another, each of the working zones having a periodic structure positioned therein, each of the periodic structures including a plurality of coarsely segmented elements that are each formed from a plurality of finely segmented elements, the plurality of finely segmented elements being evenly divided over the entire coarsely segmented elements; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer to a signal from a second layer to determine the relative shift between different layers. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer to a signal from a second layer to determine the relative shift between different layers is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer to a signal from a second layer to determine the relative shift between different layers is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 5. A method for determining a relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark having a plurality of working zones and comprising: a first set of working zones disposed on a first layer of the substrate and having at least two working zones diagonally opposed to one another and positioned within a perimeter of the mark, each of the working zones having a periodic structure of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein, the coarsely segmented elements being oriented in a first direction and formed from a plurality of finely segmented elements, the plurality of finely segmented elements being evenly divided across the entire coarsely segmented elements, and a second set of working zones positioned crosswise relative to the first set of working zones, the second set of working zones being disposed on a second layer of the substrate and having at least two working zones diagonally opposed to one another and positioned within the perimeter of the mark, each of the working zones having a periodic structure of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein, the coarsely segmented elements being oriented in the first direction and formed from a plurality of finely segmented elements, the plurality of finely segmented elements being evenly divided across the entire coarsely segmented elements; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer to a signal from a second layer to determine the relative shift between different layers. 6. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 7. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer to a signal from a second layer to determine the relative shift between different layers is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 8. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer to a signal from a second layer to determine the relative shift between different layers is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 9. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark having a plurality of working zones comprising: an optically discernable test region positioned on a first layer of the substrate, the first layer being formed by a first pattern via a first process and a second pattern via a second process, a plurality of working zones positioned in the test region, the working zones being laterally spatially separated relative to one another, the working zones representing the actual areas of the test region that are used to determine the relative shift between the first and second patterns, wherein a first portion of the working zones are formed via the first process and a second portion of the working zones are formed via the second process, and a periodic structure positioned within each of the working zones, each of the periodic structures including a plurality of coarsely segmented elements, each of the coarsely segmented elements being formed by a plurality of finely segmented elements that are evenly divided across the entire coarsely segmented element; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each of the first and second patterns is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each of the first and second patterns is formed; and comparing the signal from the first pattern to the signal from the second pattern to determine the relative shift between the first and second patterns. 10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 11. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein comparing the signal from the first pattern to the signal from the second pattern to determine the relative shift between the first and second patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 12. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein comparing the signal from the first pattern to the signal from the second pattern to determine the relative shift between the first and second patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 13. A method for optically determining the overlay between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer or successive layers of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark having a plurality of working zones, the overlay mark being separated into four quadrants that are optically discernable, each of the four quadrants including at least two separately generated working zones that are juxtaposed relative to one another and that together substantially fill the quadrant, the upper left quadrant including working zones configured to provide overlay information in a first direction, the upper right quadrant including working zones configured to provide overlay information in a second direction that is different than the first direction, the lower right quadrant including working zones configured to provide overlay information in the first direction, and the lower left quadrant including working zones configured to provide overlay information in the second direction; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 15. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 16. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 17. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark comprising: a plurality of working zones used to calculate alignment between a first and a second layer of the substrate or between a first and a second pattern on a single layer of the substrate, each of the working zones being positioned within the perimeter of the mark, each of the working zones representing a different area of the mark, the working zones being configured to substantially fill the perimeter of the mark such that the combined area of the working zones is substantially equal to the total area of the mark, wherein the overlay mark is divided into four equal quadrants, each quadrant including at least one working zone, a first set of quadrants being in a first opposed relationship, a second set of quadrants being oriented in a second opposed relationship that lies crosswise relative to the first set of quadrants, the first set of quadrants each including at least a first working zone, the first working zones being generated together in the first layer or first pattern, the second set of quadrants each including at least a second working zone, the second working zones being generated together in the second layer or second pattern; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 18. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 19. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 20. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 21. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark comprising: a structure comprising a set of parallel and spaced apart lines, each of the lines comprising a first group of finely segmented bars and at least one dark field, the dark field being distinct from the first group of finely segmented bars, the spacing between the parallel and spaced apart lines comprising a second group of finely segmented bars and at least one clear field, the clear field being distinct from the second group of finely segmented bars; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 22. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 23. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 24. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 25. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark comprising: a first structure comprising a first group of coarsely segmented lines, which are parallel and spaced apart relative to one another, each of the coarsely segmented lines comprising a plurality of finely segmented bars, the spacing between the coarsely segmented lines corresponding to a clear field; and a second structure comprising a second group of coarsely segmented lines, which are parallel and spaced apart, each of the coarsely segmented lines comprising a plurality of finely segmented bars, the spacing between the coarsely segmented lines corresponding to a dark field; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 26. The method as recited in claim 25, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 27. The method as recited in claim 25, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 28. The method as recited in claim 25, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 29. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark being separated into four quadrants, each of the four quadrants including only two separately generated working zones that together substantially fill their quadrant, each of the working zones including a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein, the two separately generated working zones being juxtaposed relative to one another and configured to provide overlay information in the same direction, each quadrant including an inner working zone and an outer working zone, the inner working zone being positioned towards the center of the overlay mark, the outer working zone being positioned towards the periphery of the overlay mark; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 30. The method as recited in claim 29, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 31. The method as recited in claim 29, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 32. The method as recited in claim 29, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 33. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark being separated into four quadrants, each of the four quadrants including at least four working zones that together substantially fill their quadrant, each quadrant including a first and second set of working zones and wherein the first set of the working zones are configured to provide overlay in a first direction, and the second set of working zones are configured to provide overlay information in a second direction, the first set of working zones being diagonally opposed with one another, the second set of working zones being diagonally opposed with one another and lying crosswise relative the first set of working zones, each of the working zones including a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 34. The method as recited in claim 33, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 35. The method as recited in claim 33, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 36. The method as recited in claim 33, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 37. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of a multidirectional mark formed on the substrate, the multidirectional mark being separated into four quadrants, each of the four quadrants including at least three separately generated working zones that are juxtaposed relative to one another and that together substantially fill their quadrant, the upper left quadrant including working zones configured to provide overlay information in a first direction, the upper right quadrant including working zones configured to provide overlay information in a second direction that is different than the first direction, the lower right quadrant including working zones configured to provide overlay information in the first direction, and the lower left quadrant including working zones configured to provide overlay information in the second direction, each of the working zones including a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 38. The method as recited in claim 37, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 39. The method as recited in claim 37, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 40. The method as recited in claim 37, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 41. A method for determining the relative shift between at least two separately generated patterns on a single or successive layers of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark comprising: a first region having at least two separately generated working zones, that are juxtaposed relative to one another, and are configured to provide overlay information in a first direction, and each include a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein; a second region having at least two separately generated working zones, that are juxtaposed relative to one another, and are configured to provide overlay information in the first direction, and each include a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein; a third region having at least two separately generated working zones, that are juxtaposed relative to one another, and are configured to provide overlay information in a second direction that differs from the first direction, and each include a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein; and a fourth region having at least two separately generated working zones, that are juxtaposed relative to one another, and are to provide overlay information in the second direction, and each include a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein, wherein the working zones of the first and second regions that were generated together are diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to one another, wherein the working zones of the third and fourth regions that were generated together are diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to one another; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 42. The method as recited in claim 41, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 43. The method as recited in claim 41, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 44. The method as recited in claim 41, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 45. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark comprising: a first set of working zones being formed from a first process and having at least two working zones that are diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to each other, each of the first set of working zones including a periodic structure comprising a plurality of coarsely segmented elements that are each formed from a plurality of finely segmented elements that are evenly divided over the entire coarsely segmented elements of the first set of working zones; and a second set of working zones being formed from a second process and having at least two working zones that are diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to each other, each of the second set of working zones including a periodic structure comprising a plurality of coarsely segmented elements that are each formed from a plurality of finely segmented elements that are evenly divided over the entire coarsely segmented elements of the second set of working zones; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 46. The method as recited in claim 45, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 47. The method as recited in claim 45, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 48. The method as recited in claim 45, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 49. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark comprising: a plurality of first periodic structures formed via a first process and having a first orientation and comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements, wherein the first periodic structures comprise at least two working zones that are diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to each other; a plurality of second periodic structures formed via a second process and having the first orientation and comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements, wherein the second periodic structures comprise at least two working zones that are diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to each other; a plurality of third periodic structures formed via the first process and having a second orientation and comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements, wherein the third periodic structures comprise at least two working zones that are diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to each other; and a plurality of fourth periodic structures formed via a second process and having the second orientation and comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements, wherein the fourth periodic structures comprise at least two working zones that are diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to each other, wherein each of the working zones of the first plurality of periodic structures is adjacent to one of the working zones of the second plurality of periodic structures, wherein each of the working zones of the third plurality of periodic structures is adjacent to one of the working zones of the fourth plurality of periodic structures; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 50. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 51. The method as recited in claim 49, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 52. The method as recited in claim 49, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 53. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark comprising: a first set of working zones being formed from a first process, and each first set of working zones including a periodic structure of a plurality of elements that are spaced apart within a plurality of lines and configured to convey overlay information in a first direction and a second direction that differs from the first direction; and a second set of working zones being formed from a second process, and each second set of working zones including a periodic structure of a plurality of elements that are spaced apart within a plurality of lines and configured to convey overlay information in the first direction and the second direction, wherein the first set of working zones and second set of working zones are diagonally opposed and spatially offset relative to one another, and wherein the segmented elements are substantially distributed over an area of the overlay mark; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 54. The method as recited in claim 53, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 55. The method as recited in claim 53, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 56. The method as recited in claim 53, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm. 57. A method for determining the relative shift between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate, the method comprising: capturing an image of an overlay mark formed on the substrate, the overlay mark comprising: a first quadrant having only two separately generated working zones, that are juxtaposed relative to one another, and are configured to provide overlay information in a first direction, and each include a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein, and that together substantially fill their quadrant; a second quadrant having only two separately generated working zones, that are juxtaposed relative to one another, and are configured to provide overlay information in the first direction, and each include a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein, and that together substantially fill their quadrant; a third quadrant having only two separately generated working zones, that are juxtaposed relative to one another, and are configured to provide overlay information in a second direction that differs from the first direction, and each include a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein, and that together substantially fill their quadrant; and a fourth quadrant having only two separately generated working zones, that are juxtaposed relative to one another, and are configured to provide overlay information in the second direction, and each include a periodic structure comprised of a plurality of coarsely segmented elements positioned therein, and that together substantially fill their quadrant, wherein each quadrant includes an inner working zone and an outer working zone, the inner working zone being positioned towards the center of the overlay mark, the outer working zone being positioned toward the periphery of the overlay mark, wherein the coarsely segmented elements are finely segmented in order to control the contrast of the resultant image in the metrology tool; selecting a plurality of working zones from the captured image, wherein at least one working zone from each layer or pattern is selected; forming representative signals for each of the selected working zones, wherein at least one signal for each layer or pattern is formed; and comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns. 58. The method as recited in claim 57, wherein forming representative signals is accomplished by collapsing the 2D images of the working zones into ID signals by averaging over X for Y-overlay calculations and by averaging over Y for X-overlay calculations. 59. The method as recited in claim 57, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a covariance-based overlay algorithm. 60. The method as recited in claim 57, wherein comparing the signal from a first layer or pattern to a signal from a second layer or pattern to determine the relative shift between different layers or patterns is accomplished via a Fourier Decomposition overlay algorithm.