scholarly journals Enabling Automated Sample Delayering, Imaging, and Probing Prep with an Adaptive Endpointing Workflow

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Morgan-Jones ◽  
Pete Carleson ◽  
Mark Najarian ◽  
Gavin Mitchson ◽  
Noel Franco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Defect Inspection ◽  
Sample Analysis ◽  
Modern Logic ◽  
Design Validation ◽  
Processing Technologies ◽  
The Past ◽  
Dual Beam

Abstract The development of advanced logic processing technologies has hit a critical slowing period over the past 10 years. Long gone are the booming days of exponential growth seen in chip transistor density as described by Moore's Law back in 1965.[1] With modern logic manufacturers now capable of creating transistors in the 5-7 nm node range, having the ability to isolate, inspect, and probe individual metal and via layers is of utmost importance for defect inspection and design validation. In this realm of failure analysis, it is critical that design manufacturers possess the ability to isolate any given single layer of their logic samples. These isolated layers can be inspected for defects via SEM, provide validation of CAD designs, or tested with electrical probing for failure analysis. The work here-in describes a functional workflow that enables manufacturers to perform this kind of sample preparation in an automated fashion using the Thermo Scientific™ Helios™ G5 PFIB platform. This workflow can be utilized by both the Thermo Scientific Full Wafer and Small Dual Beam PFIB platforms to streamline sample analysis and failure testing in both the lab and fabrication environments.

Comparison of Precision XTEM Specimen Preparation Techniques for Semiconductor Failure Analysis

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (S2) ◽  
pp. 357-358
Author(s):  
C. Amy Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Mechanical Polishing ◽  
Specimen Preparation ◽  
Ion Milling ◽  
Tem Analysis ◽  
The Past ◽  
Preparation Techniques

The demand for TEM analysis in semiconductor failure analysis is rising sharply due to the shrinking size of devices. A well-prepared sample is a necessity for getting meaningful results. In the past decades, a significant amount of effort has been invested in improving sample preparation techniques for TEM specimens, especially precision cross-sectioning techniques. The most common methods of preparation are mechanical dimpling & ion milling, focused ion beam milling (FIBXTEM), and wedge mechanical polishing. Each precision XTEM technique has important advantages and limitations that must be considered for each sample.The concept for both dimpling & ion milling and wedge specimen preparation techniques is similar. Both techniques utilize mechanical polishing to remove the majority of the unwanted material, followed by ion milling to assist in final polishing or cleaning. Dimpling & ion milling produces the highest quality samples and is a relatively easy technique to master.

Failure Analysis of Flip Chip C4 Package Using Focused Ion Beam Milling Technique

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihong Cao ◽  
Loc Tran ◽  
Wallace Donna
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Flip Chip ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Failure Mechanisms ◽  
Organic Substrate ◽  
Dual Beam ◽  
Preparation Techniques

Abstract This article describes how Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling methodology enhances the capability of package-level failure analysis on flip-chip packages by eliminating the artifacts induced by using conventional mechanical techniques. Dual- Beam Focused Ion Beam (DB FIB) cross sections were successful in detecting failure mechanisms related either to the die/C4 bump or package defect inside the organic substrate. This paper outlines detailed sample preparation techniques prior to performing the DB FIB cross-sections, along with case studies of DB FIB cross-sections.

Preparation of Thin Cadmium Telluride Samples for Electron Microscope Studies

1974 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 548-549
Author(s):  
T. J. Magee ◽  
J. Peng ◽  
J. Bean
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Sulfuric Acid ◽  
Solid State ◽  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Cadmium Telluride ◽  
Potassium Dichromate ◽  
Optical Components ◽  
The Past ◽  
Solid State Devices

Cadmium telluride has become increasingly important in a number of technological applications, particularly in the area of laser-optical components and solid state devices, Microstructural characterizations of the material have in the past been somewhat limited because of the lack of suitable sample preparation and thinning techniques. Utilizing a modified jet thinning apparatus and a potassium dichromate-sulfuric acid thinning solution, a procedure has now been developed for obtaining thin contamination-free samples for TEM examination.

Novel Failure Analysis Sample Preparation Techniques for PoP Packaging

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ng Sea Chooi ◽  
Chor Theam Hock ◽  
Ma Choo Thye ◽  
Khoo Poh Tshin ◽  
Dan Bockelman
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Failure Mechanisms ◽  
Preparation Process ◽  
Space Saving ◽  
Optical Probing ◽  
Preparation Techniques

Abstract Trends in the packaging of semiconductors are towards miniaturization and high functionality. The package-on-package(PoP) with increasing demands is beneficial in cost and space saving. The main failure mechanisms associated with PoP technology, including open joints and warpage, have created a lot of challenges for Assembly and Failure Analysis (FA). This paper outlines the sample preparation process steps to overcome the challenges to enable successful failure analysis and optical probing.

ATE Failure Isolation Methodologies for Failure Analysis, Design Debug and Yield Enhancement

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.S. Patrick ◽  
L.C. Wagner ◽  
P.T. Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Yield Enhancement ◽  
Production Test ◽  
Final Test ◽  
Critical Design ◽  
The Past ◽  
Product Engineering ◽  
Time Savings ◽  
Analysis Design

Abstract Failure isolation and debug of CMOS integrated circuits over the past several years has become increasingly difficult to perform on standard failure analysis functional testers. Due to the increase in pin counts, clock speeds, increased complexity and the large number of power supply pins on current ICS, smaller and less equipped testers are often unable to test these newer devices. To reduce the time of analysis and improve the failure isolation capabilities for failing ICS, failure isolation is now performed using the same production testers used in product development, multiprobe and final test. With these production testers, the test hardware, program and pattern sets are already available and ready for use. By using a special interface that docks the production test head to failure isolation equipment such as the emission microscope, liquid crystal station and E-Beam prober, the analyst can quickly and easily isolate the faillure on an IC. This also enables engineers in design, product engineering and the waferfab yield enhancement groups to utilize this equipment to quickly solve critical design and yield issues. Significant cycle time savings have been achieved with the migration to this method of electrical stimulation for failure isolation.

Rapid Failure Analysis of Low-Yielding Electrical Test Structures Using E-beam Physical and Voltage Contrast Inspection

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver D. Patterson ◽  
Deborah A. Ryan ◽  
Xiaohu Tang ◽  
Shuen Cheng Lei
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Defect Detection ◽  
High Volume ◽  
The Other ◽  
Defect Inspection ◽  
Electrical Test ◽  
Detection Mode ◽  
Rapid Generation ◽  
Voltage Contrast ◽  
Additional Support

Abstract In-line E-beam inspection may be used for rapid generation of failure analysis (FA) results for low yielding test structures. This approach provides a number of advantages: 1) It is much earlier than traditional FA, 2) de-processing isn’t required, and 3) a high volume of sites can be processed with the additional support of an in-line FIB. Both physical defect detection and voltage contrast inspection modes are useful for this application. Voltage contrast mode is necessary for isolation of buried defects and is the preferred approach for opens, because it is faster. Physical defect detection mode is generally necessary to locate shorts. The considerations in applying these inspection modes for rapid failure analysis are discussed in the context of two examples: one that lends itself to physical defect inspection and the other, more appropriately addressed with voltage contrast inspection.

Thin-Die Flip Chip Physical-FA Process Flow

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Komrowski ◽  
N. S. Somcio ◽  
Daniel J. D. Sullivan ◽  
Charles R. Silvis ◽  
Luis Curiel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Flip Chip ◽  
Semiconductor Industry ◽  
Organic Substrate ◽  
Fault Isolation ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Chip Technology ◽  
Isolation Test ◽  
Sample Preparation Methods

Abstract The use of flip chip technology inside component packaging, so called flip chip in package (FCIP), is an increasingly common package type in the semiconductor industry because of high pin-counts, performance and reliability. Sample preparation methods and flows which enable physical failure analysis (PFA) of FCIP are thus in demand to characterize defects in die with these package types. As interconnect metallization schemes become more dense and complex, access to the backside silicon of a functional device also becomes important for fault isolation test purposes. To address these requirements, a detailed PFA flow is described which chronicles the sample preparation methods necessary to isolate a physical defect in the die of an organic-substrate FCIP.

Failure Analysis and Defect Inspection of Electronic Devices by High-Resolution Cathodoluminescence

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Monachon ◽  
M.S. Zielinski ◽  
D. Gachet ◽  
S. Sonderegger ◽  
S. Muckenhirn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Electronic Materials ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Optical Emission ◽  
Large Field ◽  
Nanometer Scale ◽  
Defect Analysis ◽  
Defect Inspection ◽  
Spectrally Resolved ◽  
Non Destructive

Abstract Quantitative cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy is a new optical spectroscopy technique that measures electron beam-induced optical emission over large field of view with a spatial resolution close to that of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Correlation of surface morphology (SE contrast) with spectrally resolved and highly material composition sensitive CL emission opens a new pathway in non-destructive failure and defect analysis at the nanometer scale. Here we present application of a modern CL microscope in defect and homogeneity metrology, as well as failure analysis in semiconducting electronic materials

Application of Automated FIB for TEM Sample Preparation in Semiconductor Failure Analysis

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Zhu ◽  
Soo Sien Seah ◽  
Irene Tee ◽  
Bing Hai Liu ◽  
Eddie Er ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Protective Layer ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Dual Beam ◽  
Lamella Thickness ◽  
Surface Patterns ◽  
Working Parameters ◽  
Practical Factors ◽  
High Flexibility

Abstract In this paper, we describe automated FIB for TEM sample preparation using iFast software on a Helios 450HP dual-beam system. A robust iFast automation recipe needs to consider as many variables as possible in order to ensure consistent sample quality and high success rate. Variations mainly come from samples of different materials, structures, surface patterns, surface topography and surface charging. The recipe also needs to be user-friendly and provide high flexibility by allowing users to choose preferable working parameters for specific types of samples, such as: grounding, protective layer coating, milling steps, and final TEM lamella thickness/width. In addition to the iFast recipe, other practical factors affecting automation success rate are also discussed and highlighted.

To Eliminate Curtain Effect of FIB TEM Samples by a Combination of Sample Dicing and Backside Milling

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Shing Luo ◽  
Hsiu Ting Lee
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Focused Ion Beam ◽  
Preparation Method ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Sample Preparation Method ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Dual Beam ◽  
Transmission Electron

Abstract Several methods are used to invert samples 180 deg in a dual beam focused ion beam (FIB) system for backside milling by a specific in-situ lift out system or stages. However, most of those methods occupied too much time on FIB systems or requires a specific in-situ lift out system. This paper provides a novel transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation method to eliminate the curtain effect completely by a combination of backside milling and sample dicing with low cost and less FIB time. The procedures of the TEM pre-thinned sample preparation method using a combination of sample dicing and backside milling are described step by step. From the analysis results, the method has applied successfully to eliminate the curtain effect of dual beam FIB TEM samples for both random and site specific addresses.

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