OPTICAL METROLOGY SYSTEM AND METHOD

A measurement system for use in optical metrology, the measurement system which includes a control system configured and operable to carry out the following: (i) receive raw measured data generated by a measurement unit that is configured and operable for performing normal-incidence spectral interferometric measurements on a sample and generating the raw measured data indicative of spectral interferometric signals measured on the sample for a number of different optical path differences (OPDs) between sample and reference arms using infrared wavelengths; (ii) extract, from the raw measured data, a portion of spectral interferometric signals describing variation of signal intensity with a change of an optical path difference OPD during interferometric measurements, said portion of the spectral interferometric signals being independent of interferometric signals returned from a bottom portion of the sample in response to said illuminating electromagnetic field; and (iii) directly determine, from the extracted portion of the spectral interferometric signals, both spectral amplitude and phase of reflection of the illuminating electromagnetic field from the top portion of the sample, thereby enabling to determine a measured spectral signature characterizing the top portion of the sample.