Review Of Virtual Wafer Process Modeling And Metrology For Advanced Technology Development


Semiconductor logic and memory technology development continues to push the limits of process complexity and cost, especially as the industry migrates to the 5 nm node and beyond. Optimization of the process flow and ultimately quantifying its physical and electrical properties are critical steps in yielding mature technology. The standard build, test, and wait model of technology development ... » read more

High-NA EUVL: Automated Defect Inspection Based on SEMI-SuperYOLO-NAS


A new technical paper titled "Towards Improved Semiconductor Defect Inspection for high-NA EUVL based on SEMI-SuperYOLO-NAS" was published by researchers at KU Leuven, imec, Ghent University, and SCREEN SPE. Abstract "Due to potential pitch reduction, the semiconductor industry is adopting High-NA EUVL technology. However, its low depth of focus presents challenges for High Volume Manufac... » read more

Progress In Wafer And Package Level Defect Inspection


The technology to enable sampling and the need for more metrology and inspection data in a production setting have aligned just in time to address the semiconductor industry’s newest and most complex manufacturing processes. In both wafer and assembly manufacturing, engineering teams have long relied on imaging tools to measure critical features and to inspect for defects after specific pr... » read more

Non-Destructive Metrology Techniques For Measuring Hole Profile In DRAM Storage Node


DRAM storage node profile measurement during high aspect ratio (HAR) etch has been one of the most challenging metrology steps. DRAM storage node profile affects refresh time and device electric quality. So, controlling this profile is one of the key challenges. Conventional 3D modeling in Optical Critical Dimension (OCD) metrology has typically used multiple cylinder stacks. This method cannot... » read more

Using Picosecond Ultrasonics To Measure Trench Structures In SiC Power Devices


The road to the future is not always a smooth, trouble-free drive. Along the way, there may be unforeseen detours, potholes and accidents, each one capable of setting progress back. But for those behind the wheel, those obstacles are just a part of the journey. Such is the case for the automotive industry as it continues to steer away from gas-powered vehicles and turn toward hybrid and elec... » read more

AI/ML Challenges In Test and Metrology


The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) into semiconductor test and metrology is redefining the landscape for chip fabrication, which will be essential at advanced nodes and in increasingly dense advanced packages. Fabs today are inundated by vast amounts of data collected across multiple manufacturing processes, and AI/ML solutions are viewed as essential for... » read more

Laser Wavelength Selection In Raman


Laser wavelength selection, a critical determinant of accuracy and data quality, is guided by factors such as resonance, fluorescence, and sample absorption. Ensuring the correct laser wavelength leads to optimal excitation and signal strength, facilitating precise and informative analysis. Luminous evolution In the early days of Raman spectroscopy, light sources like arc lamps and incan... » read more

Using OCD To Measure Trench Structures In SiC Power Devices


You don’t have to be a dedicated follower of the transportation industry to know it is in the early stages of a significant transition, away from the rumbling internal combustion engine to the quiet days of electric vehicles. The signs of this transition are right there on the streets in the form of electric-powered buses, bikes and cars. The road to our electric future is before us, but we w... » read more

Inspection, Metrology Issues In Advanced Packages


Experts at the Table: Semiconductor Engineering sat down to talk about how to inspect and measure smaller features across large areas in advanced packaging, with Frank Chen, director of applications and product management at Bruker Nano Surfaces & Metrology; John Hoffman, computer vision engineering manager at Nordson Test & Measurement; and Jiangtao Hu, senior technology director at O... » read more

Using FTIR To Improve SiC Power Device Performance


The figures alone are impressive: SiC power devices are experiencing an annual average growth rate approaching 34% through 2027, according to the Yole Group. However, the potential for this amongst other compound semiconductor-based power devices such as gallium nitride (GaN) to change the world around us is even more impressive. Thanks to the role that SiC-based devices play in the increase... » read more

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