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Conductive AFM in SEM for 7 nm and beyond - AM - Advanced Metrology

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2022-05-02
AuthorsGreg M. Johnson, Thomas Rodgers, Heiko Stegmann, F. Hitzel
InstitutionsCarl Zeiss (Germany)

Measuring surface conduction points is a well-established analytical technique in SRAM failure analysis. A novel workflow and system have been developed that makes use of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) inside a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and is capable of using standard laser deflection based probe tips. New results are provided on an 8T SRAM cell in 7 nm technology which demonstrate the ability to measure nFET, pFET, and gate contacts simultaneously with one scan, and with a topography measurement. A second analysis was performed to demonstrate the ability of the electron beam, combined with use of the AFM diamond tip as a scalpel, to expose subsurface layers and greatly improve current data. Furthermore, the system being in vacuum provides additional benefits in eliminating confounding effects.

  1. 0 - Polishing a Sample Surface by AFM
  2. 2020 - Polishing a Sample Surface by AFM [Video]
  3. 0 - APEX SHARP