Transmission electron microscopy specimen preparation technique using focused ion beam fabrication: Application to GaAs metal–semiconductor field effect transistors

Author(s):  
Akira Yamaguchi
Author(s):  
K. Doong ◽  
J.-M. Fu ◽  
Y.-C. Huang

Abstract The specimen preparation technique using focused ion beam (FIB) to generate cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) samples of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Tungsten-plug (W-plug) and Tungsten Silicides (WSix) was studied. Using the combination method including two axes tilting[l], gas enhanced focused ion beam milling[2] and sacrificial metal coating on both sides of electron transmission membrane[3], it was possible to prepare a sample with minimal thickness (less than 1000 A) to get high spatial resolution in TEM observation. Based on this novel thinning technique, some applications such as XTEM observation of W-plug with different aspect ratio (I - 6), and the grain structure of CVD W-plug and CVD WSix were done. Also the problems and artifacts of XTEM sample preparation of high Z-factor material such as CVD W-plug and CVD WSix were given and the ways to avoid or minimize them were suggested.


Author(s):  
Chin Kai Liu ◽  
Chi Jen. Chen ◽  
Jeh Yan.Chiou ◽  
David Su

Abstract Focused ion beam (FIB) has become a useful tool in the Integrated Circuit (IC) industry, It is playing an important role in Failure Analysis (FA), circuit repair and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) specimen preparation. In particular, preparation of TEM samples using FIB has become popular within the last ten years [1]; the progress in this field is well documented. Given the usefulness of FIB, “Artifact” however is a very sensitive issue in TEM inspections. The ability to identify those artifacts in TEM analysis is an important as to understanding the significance of pictures In this paper, we will describe how to measure the damages introduced by FIB sample preparation and introduce a better way to prevent such kind of artifacts.


Catalysts ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roddatis ◽  
Lole ◽  
Jooss

The study of changes in the atomic structure of a catalyst under chemical reaction conditions is extremely important for understanding the mechanism of their operation. For in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM) studies, this requires preparation of electron transparent ultrathin TEM lamella without surface damage. Here, thin films of Pr1-xCaxMnO3 (PCMO, x = 0.1, 0.33) and La1-xSrxMnO3 (LSMO, x = 0.4) perovskites are used to demonstrate a cross-section specimen preparation method, comprised of two steps. The first step is based on optimized focused ion beam cutting procedures using a photoresist protection layer, finally being removed by plasma-etching. The second step is applicable for materials susceptible to surface amorphization, where in situ recrystallization back to perovskite structure is achieved by using electron beam driven chemistry in gases. This requires reduction of residual water vapor in a TEM column. Depending on the gas environment, long crystalline facets having different atomic terminations and Mn-valence state, can be prepared.


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