Imaging Of Overlay And Alignment Markers Under Opaque Layers Using Picosecond Laser Acoustic Measurements


Optically opaque materials present a series of challenges for alignment and overlay in the semi-damascene process flow or after the processing of the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) of a Magnetic Random-Access Memory (MRAM). The overlay and alignment of a lithographically defined pattern on top of the pattern and the underlying layer is fundamental to device operation in all multi-layer patterne... » read more

Finding Defects In IC Packages


Several equipment makers are ramping up new inspection equipment to address the growing defect challenges in IC packaging. At one time, finding defects in packaging was relatively straightforward. But as packaging becomes more complex, and as it is used in markets where reliability is critical, finding defects is both more difficult and more important. This has prompted the development of a ... » read more

Failure Analysis Of Electronic Devices Using Scanning Acoustic Microscopy


Scanning acoustic microscopy, or SAM, is a non-destructive technique used in failure analysis of complex devices. SAM can provide a resolution down to sub-micron thicknesses. SAM is an efficient tool for analysis of adhesion between layers and presence of possible flaws in each layer. This can be used e.g. for investigations of sealing, coating, flip-chip underfills, BGA, QFN, wafer to wafer ... » read more