BiCMOS Die Sort Yield Improvement from Isolation of a Localized Defect Mechanism and Precision TEM Cross Section

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Douglass ◽  
T. D. Myers ◽  
F. Tsai ◽  
R. Ketcheson ◽  
J. Errett
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Yield Loss ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Yield Improvement ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Defect Mechanism ◽  
Water Residue

Abstract This paper describes how the authors used a combination of focused ion beam (FIB) microprobing, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and data and process analysis to determine that localized water residue was causing a 6% yield loss at die sort.

The Application of FIB Voltage-Contrast Technique Combining with TEM on Subtle Defect Analysis: Via Delamination After TC

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Yang ◽  
X. Song
Keyword(s):  
Cross Section ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
New Product ◽  
Defect Analysis ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Contrast Technique ◽  
Defect Mechanism ◽  
Open Defect ◽  
Voltage Contrast

Abstract Novel Focused Ion Beam (FIB) voltage-contrast technique combined with TEM has been used in this study to identify a certain subtle defect mechanism that caused reliability stress failures of a new product. The suspected defect was first isolated to a unique via along the row through electrical testing and layout analysis. Static voltage contrast of FIB cross-section was used to confirm the suspected open defect at the via. Precision Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) was then used to reveal the detail of the defect. Based on the result, proper process changes were implemented. The failure mode was successfully eliminated and the reliability of the product was greatly improved.

FIB-Based Sample Preparation for Localized SCM and SSRM

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Lorut ◽  
Alexia Valéry ◽  
Nicolas Chevalier ◽  
Denis Mariolle
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Side View ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Acceleration Voltage ◽  
Top View

Abstract Dopants imaging using scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) and scanning spreading resistance microscopy are used for identifying doped areas within a device, the latter being analyzed either in a top view or in a side view. This paper presents a sample preparation workflow based on focused ion beam (FIB) use. A discussion is then conducted to assess advantages of the method and factors to monitor vigilantly. Dealing with FIB machining, any sample preparation geometry can be achieved, as it is for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation: cross-section, planar, or inverted TEM preparation. This may pave the way to novel SCM imaging opportunities. As FIB milling generates a parasitic gallium implanted layer, a mechanical polishing step is needed to clean the specimen prior to SCM imaging. Efforts can be conducted to reduce the thickness of this layer, by reducing the acceleration voltage of the incident gallium ions, to ease sample cleaning.

Perfect TEM Membranes by focused ion beams: A stress reduction technique

1996 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 1030-1031
Author(s):  
John F. Walker ◽  
James K. Odum ◽  
Peter D. Carleson
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Critical Dimensions ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Preparation Techniques

With the realisation that the critical dimensions in integrated circuits are shrinking to the point where scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques are not sufficiently accurate for many applications, advanced semiconductor fabs are looking to the increased resolution and analytical functionality of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in failure and process analysis. TEM sample preparation is traditionally labour-intensive and needs skilled technical support but, with the acceptance of focused ion beam (FIB) workstations, this preparation and subsequent analysis is now becoming more routine. The reasons are: more reliable preparation with less risk of catastrophic breaking on unique specimens, highly site-specific preparation capable of viewing individual, sub-100 nm features, thin and uniform membranes even with tungsten plugs, and fast and easy preparation techniques.The initial stages of sample preparation involves preparing a sub-100 um sliver mounted on a TEM grid. When mounting this sliver on the grid, care must be taken to prevent any strain from being transferred to the silicon.

TEM Sample Preparation Tricks for Advanced DRAMs

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching Shan Sung ◽  
Hsiu Ting Lee ◽  
Jian Shing Luo
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Integrated Circuit ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Tem Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Characterization Of Materials

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) plays an important role in the structural analysis and characterization of materials for process evaluation and failure analysis in the integrated circuit (IC) industry as device shrinkage continues. It is well known that a high quality TEM sample is one of the keys which enables to facilitate successful TEM analysis. This paper demonstrates a few examples to show the tricks on positioning, protection deposition, sample dicing, and focused ion beam milling of the TEM sample preparation for advanced DRAMs. The micro-structures of the devices and samples architectures were observed by using cross sectional transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy. Following these tricks can help readers to prepare TEM samples with higher quality and efficiency.

Focused Ion Beam Analysis of Low-K Dielectrics

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J. Bender ◽  
R. A. Donaton
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Specimen Preparation ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Beam Analysis ◽  
Low K ◽  
Scanning Electron

Abstract The characteristics of an organic low-k dielectric during investigation by focused ion beam (FIB) are discussed for the different FIB application modes: cross-section imaging, specimen preparation for transmission electron microscopy, and via milling for device modification. It is shown that the material is more stable under the ion beam than under the electron beam in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) or in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The milling of the material by H2O vapor assistance is strongly enhanced. Also by applying XeF2 etching an enhanced milling rate can be obtained so that both the polymer layer and the intermediate oxides can be etched in a single step.

Fin Level Defect Isolation Inside a FinFET Using Electron Beam Alteration of Current Flow

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.J. Ryu ◽  
A.B. Shah ◽  
Y. Wang ◽  
W.-H. Chuang ◽  
T. Tong
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Electron Beam ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Current Flow ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
The Body ◽  
Complete Understanding ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Defect Isolation

Abstract When failure analysis is performed on a circuit composed of FinFETs, the degree of defect isolation, in some cases, requires isolation to the fin level inside the problematic FinFET for complete understanding of root cause. This work shows successful application of electron beam alteration of current flow combined with nanoprobing for precise isolation of a defect down to fin level. To understand the mechanism of the leakage, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) slice was made along the leaky drain contact (perpendicular to fin direction) by focused ion beam thinning and lift-out. TEM image shows contact and fin. Stacking fault was found in the body of the silicon fin highlighted by the technique described in this paper.

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