scholarly journals Recent Developments in CrossBeam® Technology

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-19
Author(s):  
A. Thesen ◽  
H. Hoffmeister ◽  
M. Schumann ◽  
P. Gnauck
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Materials Science ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Deposition Process ◽  
Injection System ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Submicron Scale ◽  
Recent Developments

Recent developments in nano- and semiconductor technology have substantially increased the demand for accurate and efficient site specific cross-sectioning of specimens and preparation of TEM samples. Moreover, nano-research is facing new challenges for manipulation, observation, and modification of devices on a submicron scale. At the same time in materials science a new focus on analytical nanoscale investigations—not only of specimen surfaces and cross sections—but on sample volumes is emerging.These demanding requirements can be met if a focused ion beam (FIB) column for nanoscale structuring is combined with a high resolution SEM that is used to monitor the FIB milling and deposition process on a nanometer scale. Such an integrated Cross-Beam® system enables the high resolution observation and direct control of the FIB milling process in real time. Using this concept it is possible to prepare site specific TEM samples and cross sections with nano-scale accuracy. Such a system can be complemented with a gas injection system (GIS), for deposition and enhanced etching of specific materials, as well as, in-situ micro manipulation systems, and analytical detectors such as EDX and EBSP systems.

FIB Enhancement of Mechanically Polished Cross-sections

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Becky Holdford
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscope ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
High Resolution Imaging ◽  
Chemical Attack ◽  
Resolution Imaging ◽  
Scanning Electron

Abstract On mechanically polished cross-sections, getting a surface adequate for high-resolution imaging is sometimes beyond the analyst’s ability, due to material smearing, chipping, polishing media chemical attack, etc.. A method has been developed to enable the focused ion beam (FIB) to re-face the section block and achieve a surface that can be imaged at high resolution in the scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Alternative FIB TEM Sample Preparation Method for Cross-Sections of Thin Metal Films Deposited on Polymer Substrates

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 1080-1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Rivera ◽  
Robert Davis ◽  
Richard Vanfleet
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Elemental Analysis ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Preparation Method ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Sample Preparation Method ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Polymer Substrates ◽  
Interface Layers

AbstractTransmission electron microscopy (TEM) and focused ion beam (FIB) are proven tools to produce site-specific samples in which to study devices from initial processing to causes for failure, as well as investigating the quality, defects, interface layers, etc. However, the use of polymer substrates presents new challenges, in the preparation of suitable site-specific TEM samples, which include sample warping, heating, charging, and melting. In addition to current options that address some of these problems such as cryo FIB, we add an alternative method and FIB sample geometry that address these challenges and produce viable samples suitable for TEM elemental analysis. The key feature to this approach is a larger than usual lift-out block into which small viewing windows are thinned. Significant largely unthinned regions of the block are left between and at the base of the thinned windows. These large unthinned regions supply structural support and thermal reservoirs during the thinning process. As proof-of-concept of this sample preparation method, we also present TEM elemental analysis of various thin metallic films deposited on patterned polycarbonate, lacquer, and poly-di-methyl-siloxane substrates where the pattern (from low- to high-aspect ratio) is preserved.

Focused Ion Beam Study of Ni5Al Single Splat Microstructure

2006 ◽  
Vol 983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuhong Wu ◽  
Meng Qu ◽  
Lucille A Giannuzzi ◽  
Sanjay Sampath ◽  
Andrew Gouldstone
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Surface Engineering ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Deposition Process ◽  
Rapid Quenching ◽  
Specimen Preparation ◽  
Ion Milling ◽  
Columnar Grains ◽  
Lift Off

AbstractThermally sprayed (TS) coatings are widely used for surface engineering across a range of industries, including aerospace, infrastructure and biomedical. TS materials are formed via the successive impingement, rapid quenching and build-up of molten powder particles on a substrate. The impacted ‘splats’ are thus the fundamental microstructural constituents of the coatings, and their intrinsic properties, as well as intersplat bonding and morphology, dictate coating behavior. Beyond the obvious practical considerations, from a scientific standpoint, splats represent a fascinating template for study, due to the highly non-equilibrium processing conditions (rapid deceleration from sub-sonic velocities, million-degree/sec cooling rates). In the literature, many studies of isolated splats on substrates have been carried out, but these have focused on overall morphology (disc-shape vs fragmented). Direct observations of microstructure, in particular cross-section, are limited in the specimen preparation stage due to splat size (tens of microns in diameter, 1-2 microns in thickness). However, Focused Ion Beam (FIB) techniques have allowed this problem to be addressed in a robust manner; in this paper we will discuss such approaches to observe Ni5Al splats on stainless steel substrates. Cross-sections through the splat and the substrate were created by recourse to ion milling and the ion beam itself provided good channeling contrast for grain imaging. The typical splat microstructure with sub-micron Ni(Al) columnar grains, a chill zone at the bottom and a lift off area is observed in high detail. In addition, an amorphous aluminum oxide top layer of 100-200 nm is partially present on top of the Ni(Al) columnar grains. At the splat/substrate interface, defects such as micro- and nano-scale pores were characterized for the first time and will be discussed. These observations provide insights into splat and interface formation during the deposition process and may drastically improve our current understanding of Ni5Al splat properties.

Practical Aspects of FIB Milling: Understanding Ion Beam/Material Interactions

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (S2) ◽  
pp. 502-503
Author(s):  
B. I. Prenitzer ◽  
B. W. Kempshall ◽  
S. M. Schwarz ◽  
L. A. Giannuzzi ◽  
F. A. Stevie
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Nanometer Scale ◽  
Specimen Preparation ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Vertical Milling ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Beam Currents ◽  
High Degree

Nanometer scale, high resolution Ga+ ion probes, attainable in commercially available focused ion beam (FIB) instruments, allow imaging, sputtering and deposition operations to be performed with a high degree of spatial precision. Of particular interest is how this precision milling/deposition capability has enabled a wide range of site specific micromachining and microfabrication operations (e.g., TEM, SEM, SIMS, and AUGER specimen preparation and circuit modification). The applications of FIB instruments frequently involve the creation of high aspect ratio features (i.e., deep narrow trenches). Ideally, the sidewalls of an FIB milled feature should be vertical; however, it has been generally observed that the trenches tend to exhibit a gradual sloping. The observed deviation from vertical milling has been attributed to the redeposition of sputtered material, and is especially pervasive at high beam currents and confining trench geometries. A hole milled with an FIB tends to be widest at the top surface and taper down to a point at the bottom.

FIB Sample Preparation of Polymer Thin Films on Hard Substrates Using the Shadow-FIB Method

2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 20-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhan Kim ◽  
Gao Liu ◽  
Andrew M. Minor
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Sacrificial Layer ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Initial Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Hard Substrates

Focused ion beam (FIB) instrumentation has proven to be extremely useful for preparing cross-sectional samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations. The two most widely used methods involve milling a trench on either side of an electron-transparent window: the “H-bar” and the “lift-out” methods [1]. Although these two methods are very powerful in their versatility and ability to make site-specific TEM samples, they rely on using a sacrificial layer to protect the surface of the sample as well as the removal of a relatively large amount of material, depending on the size of the initial sample. In this article we describe a technique for making thin film cross-sections with the FIB, known as Shadow FIBing, that does not require the use of a sacrificial layer or long milling times [2].

Site Specific 2-D Implant Profiling Using FIB Assisted SCM

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konrad Jarausch ◽  
John F. Richards ◽  
Lloyd Denney ◽  
Alex Guichard ◽  
Phillip E. Russell
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Semiconductor Technology ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Profiling Techniques

Abstract Advances in semiconductor technology are driving the need for new metrology and failure analysis techniques. Failures due to missing, or misregistered implants are particularly difficult to resolve. Two-dimensional implant profiling techniques such as scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) rely on polish preparation, which makes reliably targeting sub 0.25 um structures nearly impossible.[1] Focused ion beam (FIB) machining is routinely used to prepare site-specific cross-sections for electron microscopy inspection; however, FIB induced artifacts such as surface amorphization and Ga ion implantation render the surface incompatible with SCM (and selective etching techniques). This work describes a novel combination of FIB machining and polish preparation that allows for site-specific implant profiling using SCM.

scholarly journals Site Specific Preparation of Powders for High-Resolution Analytical Electron Microscopy Using a Ga+ Focused Ion Beam

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (S3) ◽  
pp. 180-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzy Vitale ◽  
Joshua D. Sugar ◽  
Patrick J. Cappillino ◽  
Lucille A. Giannuzzi ◽  
David B. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Analytical Electron Microscopy ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Analytical Electron

Effects of Ga-Irradiation On Properties of Materials Processed by A Focused Ion Beam (FIB)

2000 ◽  
Vol 647 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. D. Wanzenboeck ◽  
H. Langfischer ◽  
A. Lugstein ◽  
E. Bertagnolli ◽  
U. Grabner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Vapor Deposition ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Vapor Deposition ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Irradiation ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Chemical Vapor ◽  
Sample Surface ◽  
Deposition Process ◽  
Microelectronic Devices

AbstractFocused Ion Beam (FIB) technology allows to process various materials within a lateral range below 100 nm. The feasibility to mechanically sputter as well as to direct-write nanostructures and the fact that Ga-ions are utilized is unique for this method. The focused Ga-ions are used to locally induce a chemical vapor deposition of volatile precursor molecules adsorbed on a surface. Local deposition of metals and dielectrics has been achieved on a sub-µm scale utilizing a focused ion beam. This method is highly suitable for advanced microelectronic semiconductor fabrication. However, material specifications are narrow for these tailor-made applications. The effect of the Ga-ions implanted into the material both during sputtering and deposition has been realized as a key parameter for the function of FIB processed microelectronic devices. For Si-based semiconductors Ga can be used as dopant intentionally implanted into a Si substrate to locally modify the conductivity of Si. The results of locally confined ion irradiation on the surface roughness of a Si surface have been exploited by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both local sputter depletion of the sample surface as well as sub-µm deposition of selected metals or dielectrics by ion-induced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been examined. The penetration depth and the distribution of Ga ions during the deposition process have been studied by simulation and experimentally by profiling with secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) of cross-sections of the ion processed materials has revealed amorphisation of the crystalline substrate. For focused ion beam assisted deposition the effects of ion irradiation on the interface to the substrate and the local efficiency of the deposition are illustrated and discussed. The prospects of focused ion beam processing for modification of microelectronic devices in the sub-µm range and the limitations are demonstrated by the examples shown.

scholarly journals The LaserFIB: new application opportunities combining a high-performance FIB-SEM with femtosecond laser processing in an integrated second chamber

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Tordoff ◽  
Cheryl Hartfield ◽  
Andrew J. Holwell ◽  
Stephan Hiller ◽  
Marcus Kaestner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Femtosecond Laser ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Materials Science ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Energy Materials ◽  
Materials Research ◽  
Fs Laser

Abstract The development of the femtosecond laser (fs laser) with its ability to provide extremely rapid athermal ablation of materials has initiated a renaissance in materials science. Sample milling rates for the fs laser are orders of magnitude greater than that of traditional focused ion beam (FIB) sources currently used. In combination with minimal surface post-processing requirements, this technology is proving to be a game changer for materials research. The development of a femtosecond laser attached to a focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (LaserFIB) enables numerous new capabilities, including access to deeply buried structures as well as the production of extremely large trenches, cross sections, pillars and TEM H-bars, all while preserving microstructure and avoiding or reducing FIB polishing. Several high impact applications are now possible due to this technology in the fields of crystallography, electronics, mechanical engineering, battery research and materials sample preparation. This review article summarizes the current opportunities for this new technology focusing on the materials science megatrends of engineering materials, energy materials and electronics.

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