As the dimensions of semiconductor device structures shrink and become more complex, defect localization and failure analysis become more critical, and more challenging. High-density interconnects, wafer-level stacking, flexible electronics, and integral substrates mean that failure-inducing defects have more places to hide. Even worse, these failures can occur at the device packaging stage, resulting in an intolerable loss of yield and an increase in time-to-market.
Advanced analytical tools are essential for the detection of any electrical defects that can negatively influence yield, reliability, or performance. With the right equipment, the time and cost associated with electrical fault isolation can be reduced by quickly extracting comprehensive defect data from the sample.
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers advanced analytical tools for fast physical and electrical failure analysis. Our workflows allow you to localize and characterize subtle electrical issues that affect yield, performance, and reliability. Click through to our technique or product pages for additional information.
Semiconductor defect localization and analysis workflow examples
Optical Fault Isolation
Increasingly complex designs complicate fault and defect isolation in semiconductor manufacturing. Optical fault isolation techniques allow you to analyze the performance of electrically active devices to locate critical defects that cause device failure.
Thermal Fault Isolation
Uneven distribution of local power dissipation can cause large, localized increases in temperature, leading to device failure. We offer unique solutions for thermal fault isolation with high-sensitivity lock-in infrared thermography (LIT).
Semiconductor TEM Imaging and Analysis
Thermo Scientific transmission electron microscopes offer high-resolution imaging and analysis of semiconductor devices, enabling manufacturers to calibrate toolsets, diagnose failure mechanisms, and optimize overall process yields.
Semiconductor Analysis and Imaging
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers scanning electron microscopes for every function of a semiconductor lab, from general imaging tasks to advanced failure analysis techniques requiring precise voltage-contrast measurements.
Nanoprobing
As device complexity increases, so does the number of places defects have to hide. Nanoprobing provides the precise localization of electrical faults, which is critical for an effective transmission electron microscopy failure analysis workflow.
Semiconductor Laser Ablation
Laser ablation provides high-throughput milling of semiconductor devices for imaging and analysis with electron microscopy, while still preserving sample integrity. Access large-volume 3D data and optimize milling conditions to best suit your sample type.
APT Sample Preparation
Atom probe tomography (APT) provides atomic-resolution 3D compositional analysis of materials. Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy is an essential technique for high-quality, orientation, and site-specific sample preparation for APT characterization.
Device Delayering
Shrinking feature size, along with advanced design and architecture, results in increasingly challenging failure analysis for semiconductors. Damage-free delayering of devices is a critical technique for the detection of buried electrical faults and failures.
ESD Compliance Testing
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage small features and structures in semiconductors and integrated circuits. We offer a comprehensive suite of test equipment which verifies that your devices meet targeted ESD compliance standards.
Optical Fault Isolation
Increasingly complex designs complicate fault and defect isolation in semiconductor manufacturing. Optical fault isolation techniques allow you to analyze the performance of electrically active devices to locate critical defects that cause device failure.
Thermal Fault Isolation
Uneven distribution of local power dissipation can cause large, localized increases in temperature, leading to device failure. We offer unique solutions for thermal fault isolation with high-sensitivity lock-in infrared thermography (LIT).
Semiconductor TEM Imaging and Analysis
Thermo Scientific transmission electron microscopes offer high-resolution imaging and analysis of semiconductor devices, enabling manufacturers to calibrate toolsets, diagnose failure mechanisms, and optimize overall process yields.
Semiconductor Analysis and Imaging
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers scanning electron microscopes for every function of a semiconductor lab, from general imaging tasks to advanced failure analysis techniques requiring precise voltage-contrast measurements.
Nanoprobing
As device complexity increases, so does the number of places defects have to hide. Nanoprobing provides the precise localization of electrical faults, which is critical for an effective transmission electron microscopy failure analysis workflow.
Semiconductor Laser Ablation
Laser ablation provides high-throughput milling of semiconductor devices for imaging and analysis with electron microscopy, while still preserving sample integrity. Access large-volume 3D data and optimize milling conditions to best suit your sample type.
APT Sample Preparation
Atom probe tomography (APT) provides atomic-resolution 3D compositional analysis of materials. Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy is an essential technique for high-quality, orientation, and site-specific sample preparation for APT characterization.
Device Delayering
Shrinking feature size, along with advanced design and architecture, results in increasingly challenging failure analysis for semiconductors. Damage-free delayering of devices is a critical technique for the detection of buried electrical faults and failures.
ESD Compliance Testing
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage small features and structures in semiconductors and integrated circuits. We offer a comprehensive suite of test equipment which verifies that your devices meet targeted ESD compliance standards.
Semiconductor Materials and Device Characterization
As semiconductor devices shrink and become more complex, new designs and structures are needed. High-productivity 3D analysis workflows can shorten device development time, maximize yield, and ensure that devices meet the future needs of the industry.
Electron microscopy services for
semiconductors
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