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welcome to the national access programme
a programme of the Tyndall National Institute with funding from SFI

Capital Equipment list of equipment purchased through NAP

These pieces of equipment are available to the research community in Ireland under the National Access Programme.

......Please contact nap@tyndall.ie if you have any queries regarding this equipment......


NAP equipment puchased in 2009 budget - further details to follow

Wafer scale plating cell
Research area:
Plating
Finetech - Fineplacer 145 "PICO"
Research area:
Photonics Packaging & Integration
Direct Write Optical Lithography System
Research area:
Fabrication
Equipment: Wafer scale plating cell - Specifications currently being prepared for e-tender.

This is a dedicated MEMs specific wafer scale plating apparatus. It will enable high precision, high speed plating through the use of rotating workpiece and reverse pulse plating rectifier.


Due: Selection of equipment to be made on completion of e-tender process - details to follow

Equipment: Fineplacer 145 "PICO"
NAP will contribute to the purchase of this system.

Used for the placement of high pin count SMDs & Flip Chip onto PCBs and other substrates. This system enables packaging and integration of photonic, electronic and microsystem components directly from wafer and/or gel packs on to substrates.

Due: September 2009

Equipment: Direct Write Optical Lithography System - Specifications currently being prepared for e-tender.

The ability to direct write optical patterns is of significant benefit. Often the patterns required are ‘once-off’ and the masks are expensive. This capability would allow small design changes to be made without the added cost of getting new photomasks.

Due: Selection of equipment to be made on completion of e-tender process
- details to follow


NAP equipment puchased in 2008 budget - Click on photo for details

E-beam Software
GenISys GmbH
Installed October 2008

Micromachining system
Hardinge Bridgeport GX 480
Installed March 2009

Microwave Plasma System
PVA-TePla
Installed June 2009


NAP equipment puchased in 2007 budget - Click on photo for details

Ellipsometer
J.A. Woolam
Installed February 2008

Post CMP cleaning tool
Nanomaster Inc.
Installed February 2008

Helium Cadmium Laser
Kimmon
Installed March 2008

Calibrated optical detector system
Newport
Installed February 2008


NAP equipment puchased in 2006 budget - Click on photo for details

Micro RAMAN
Renishaw inVia reflex Raman Microscope
Installed November 2006

Atomic Force Microscope
Dimension 3100 SPM
Installed July 2007

FTIR ATR accessory
Pike Miracle with builtin diamond ATR crystal
Installed October 2006

TMA upgrade
Installed

CV meter
Installed

100nm Calibation standard
Installed


NAP equipment puchased in 2005 budget

Spinner
Opti Coat SB 20+ SSE (GmbH)
Installed September 2005
High Precision Wafer Dicing Saw
Disco Hi-Tec
Installed February 2006
CMP system
CDP System from Logitech Ltd
Installed January 2006
Probe Station with Micro chamber Facility
Cascade Microtech Ltd.
Installed August 2005
SEM/EDX Workstation & Software Upgrade
Princeton Gamma Technology (PGT)
Installed July 2005


Software

Manufacturer: GenISys GmbH
Model: Layout Data Preparation and Proximity Effect Correction for E-Beam Lithography

Installed: October 2008

Description: The Layout BEAMER is a data preparation and proximity effect correction software for demanding applications in direct write. It enables the flexible design of demanding preparation processes with highly efficient import of large layout data, rich postprocessing functions, latest technology proximity effect correction and an efficient viewer for inspection.
The unique database driven, modular, process flow oriented concept combines performance and user-friendliness.

Typical use/applications: A software package to allow the correct writing of close packed patterns on an e-beam lithography system.

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Micromachining system

Manufacturer: Hardinge Bridgeport
Model: GX 480
Installed March 2009

Description: The Hardinge designed and built Bridgeport VMC GX 480 machine features a high quality cast iron “C-frame” with extra wide machine base and column for superior rigidity and durability. Structural components and castings are qualified by Finite Element Analysis(FEA) a well-established and proven procedure for machine tools built by Hardinge.

Typical use/applications: Micromachining system for making moulds for polymer microinjection moulding and other parts which need very precise tooling.

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Microwave Plasma System

Manufacturer: PVA-TePla 
Model: Microwave Plasma System 210

Installed June 2009

Description: PVA TePla is a market leader in microwave plasma processing used in the fabrication of microchips, MEMS devices, photovoltaic cells, flat panel displays and detectors, etc. Semiconducting materials such as silicon, III/V compounds, lithium niobate etc. are processed in the safe environment of microwave generated plasmas for applications such as photoresist ashing, wafer thinning and stress relief, bond pad cleaning prior to wirebonding, and activation prior to over-molding. Microwave plasmas are especially suited to treating devices that are electrostatically sensitive. The Microwave Plasma System 210 is our most popular full featured plasma surface modification system designed for laboratory and production use.

Typical use/applications: Photoresist stripping after wet etch, ion implantation, sputter etching, RIE etc.; Surface cleaning prior to wet etching; Removal of organic layers like Polyimide, SU-8, etc.; Etching of passivation layers; Etching of polysilicon, silicon nitride; Device decapsulation by removal of organic mold compound encapsulant (manual removal of the filling powder required); General plasma chemistry; Low temperature ashing of organic material for trace analysis; Cleaning of filters prior to asbestos fibre analysis. Plasma Chamber for releasing MEMs devices.

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Ellipsometer

Manufacturer: J.A. Woolam
Model: M-2000U

Installed: February 2008

Description: Many of the processes in the Compound Semiconductor Processing lab involve depositing and etching thin films such as dielectrics and metals. An ellipsometer will provide an in-lab facility for the accurate measurement of the properties of these thin films and material structures. Model "U" (for ultraviolet) ellipsometer is ideal for a large variety of applications, including both in-situ and ex-situ measurements of dielectrics, polymers, semiconductors, metal, etc. A spectral range from 245nm to 1000nm covers critical pints in semiconductors, making it useful for measuring and controlling compound semiconductor alloy ratios. A broad range of film thick nesses (sub-nanometer to 10 microns) are accessible with its resolution of 470 simultaneously measured wavelengths.

Typical use/applications: The ellipsometer is of fundamental importance to the Photonics users of the lab to be able to measure the refractive index and thickness of dielectric coatings used on laser devices.

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Post CMP Cleaning Tool

Manufacturer: Nanomaster Inc.
Model: SWC-4000

Installed February 2008

Description: Megasonic Single Wafer & Mask Cleaning Systems for the state of the art damage-free megasonic cleaning of substrates with the highest resolution patterns by controlling uniform distribution of the acoustic energy density across the entire surface of the substrate. Particle release off the surface is enhanced with chemical dispense and then the released particles are removed from the substrate surface allowing the least number of reattachments by sweeping off with the radial flow of the DI water. This patented technology provides reproducible and uniform cleaning of the wafers, masks and other delicate substrates with maximum megasonic energy just below the damage threshold of parts to be cleaned.

Typical use/applications: Post-CMP wafer cleaning to remove slurry residue from wafers.

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Helium Cadmium Laser

Manufacturer: Kimmon (Distributor PHOTONIC SOLUTIONS PLC)
Model: IK Series

Installed March 2008

Description: A He-Cd laser provides continuous wave ultra-violet light emitting at 325nm. The laser is configured to measure the photoluminescence from wide bandgap semiconductors and organic materials. HeCd laser emitting in the UV and visible region of the spectrum. It emits 5mW at 325nm and 35mW at 442nm. The laser can also be used in holographic, two photon structuring and Raman spectroscopy for example.

Typical use/applications: Photoluminescence

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Calibrated Optical Detector System

Manufacturer: Newport
Model: TBA
Installed February 2008

Description: An optical detector system with a range of detector heads permits calibrated measurements of light intensity from lasers and LEDs emitting from the near UV to the near IR (350 nm – 1600 nm). Power levels from the 10 nW to 1 W can be measured. Calibrated measurements of extended sources such as LEDs can be made in conjunction with an integrating sphere.

Typical use/applications: Power level measurement and verification

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Micro Raman

Manufacturer: Renishaw
Model: inVia reflex Raman Microscope

Installed November 2006

Description: The Renishaw inVia Raman microscope has become the world's best selling research Raman system. The inVia Raman microscope combines simplicity of operation with the high performance and unparalleled flexibility for which Renishaw Raman systems are renowned. inVia Raman microscopes are high-sensitivity systems with integrated research grade microscopes, enabling high resolution confocal measurements. inVia Raman microscopes support multiple lasers, with automatic software switching of excitation wavelength.
Renishaw Invia Reflex MicroRaman with automated mapping capabilities and 514nm laser excitation

Typical use/applications:
Since Raman is very sensitive to the molecular bonding and structure of a sample it produces very specific spectral 'fingerprints'. These fingerprints can be used for chemical identification, morphology and phase, intrinsic stress/strain and component distribution studies and analysis.

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Atomic Force Microscope

Manufacturer:
Model: Veeco
Dimension 3100 SPM
Installed July 2007

Description: The diDimension™ 3100 performs all the major scanning probe microscopy techniques and a wide range of standard and advanced characterization applications, making it one of the world’s most multi-functional SPMs. The system offers unmatched flexibility through field-upgradable scanner, controller, and image mode options. Precise laser tracking and the ability to change scanning techniques easily guarantees ease of use and high sample throughput. A host of other innovative features and a proven record of reliability have helped the Dimension 3100 to become one of the most sought-after SPM systems in research and industry.

Typical use/applications:
Imaging modes to measure surface characteristics for semiconductor wafers, lithography masks, magnetic media, CDs/DVDs, biomaterials, optics, and other samples

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FTIR ATR Accessory

Manufacturer:
Model:
Pike Miracle with builtin diamond ATR crystal

Installed October 2006

Description: The PIKE MIRacle™ is a universal ATR sampling accessory for analysis of solids, liquids, pastes, gels, and intractable materials. In its most popular configuration it is a single reflection ATR accessory with high IR throughput which makes it ideal for sample identification and QA/QC applications. Advanced options include three reflection ATR crystal plates to optimize for lower concentration components. Easily changeable crystal plate design provides analysis of a broad spectrum of sample types while ensuring constant sampling path length.

Typical use/applications:
A
nalysis of solids, liquids, pastes, gels, and intractable materials.

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TMA Upgrade

Manufacturer:RHEMOTRIC Scientific
Model:TMA500 & TGA1000
Installed

Description: New software & computer upgrade installed to enable easier retrieval of data.

Typical use/applications:
TMA500 enables measurement of CTE (coefficentient of thermal expansion), TGA1000 enables measurement of weight changes due to curing, compositional changes etc. Both TGA & TMA are used in the anlaysis of polmers, adhesives, solders and encapsulants for microelectronic packaging.

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100nm Calibation Standard

Manufacturer: VLSI Standrads Incorporated
Model: NanoLattice Pitch Standard NLSM
Installed

SEM image of 100 nm pitch calibration sample

High Resolution TEM image of a cross-section of the 100 nm pitch calibration sample

Standard is used to calibration the Jeol JSM 6700 SEM

Description: The NanoLattice standard is a 1.2 mm x 1 mm etched silicon grating with a nominal pitch of 100 nm. Each grating is continuous over a large certified area, permitting tens of thousands of measurements. Global alignment marks located 25 mm from the center of wafer on both sides of the chip can be used to assist pattern recognition and automation. Each standard is individually mounted.

Typical use/applications:
Used to calibr
ate magnification and scan linearity of CD-SEM and Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM).

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CV meter

Manufacturer: Agilent
Model: Precision Impedance Analyzer 4294A
Installed July 2006

Meter used in conjunction
with Cascade Prober

Description:
The Agilent 4294A is a general purpose impedance measurement instrument. It is based on the auto balancing bridge method allowing a large impedance measurement range over a wide frequency range (40Hz-110MHz). It provides high accuracy and advanced measurement functions. The frequency, DC bias and AC voltage/current level continuous sweep is available. Equivalent-circuit analysis is possible thanks to multi-element circuit model availability.

Typical use/applications:

  • Components evaluation (e.g. capacitors, inductors)
  • Semiconductor devices and process evaluation
  • Material characterisation (e.g. permittivity, permeability)

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Spinner

Manufacturer: SSE (GmbH)
Model: OPTIcoat 20+
Installed September 2005

Description: The OPTIcoat SB 20+ Coating System is a coating spinner with a process optimized covered chuck technology for 2” to 8” wafers or up to 6”x 6” substrates. The new design of the three piece process bowl and the covered chuck technology provides excellent coating uniformity and repeatability, especially for thick resist layers, high topography or square substrates.

Typical use/applications:
The covered chuck technology provide excellent coating uniformity and repeatability, especially for thick resist layers, high topography or square substrates.

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High Precision Wafer Dicing Saw

Manufacturer: Disco Hi-Tec
Model: 3350

Installed February 2006

Description: The 3000 series features an auto-alignment function, LCD touch panel, and graphical user interface. DAD3350 features a 1.8 kW spindle for excellent cutting results and a highly rigid bridge-type frame structure for excellent process stability. The system can accept wafers up to 8”and deploys a spindle can tilt to 10 degrees for cutting facets on chips for photonic applications.

Typical use/applications: Dicing wafers

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CMP system

Manufacturer: Logitech Ltd (UK)
Model: CDP Automatic

Installed January 2006

CMP System

Metal_2 – ILD – Metal_1 un-planarized

Metal_2 – ILD – Metal_1 after CMP

Description:
The CDP Automatic is a highly versatile Chemical-Mechanical-Polishing (CMP) system. It offers nanometre-level material removal capabilities on both individual die and wafers (up to 200mm) and can be used with a wide variety of substrates & material layers. The system is equipped with end-point detection for precise control of the process.

Typical use/applications:
Typical applications for the CDP are ILD planarization and 'Damascene' patterning of metal layers.

ILD planarization is a critical step for multi-layer metal CMOS devices, CMP is used to remove the topography introduced by conformal deposition over patterned circuit layers by preferentially removing thicker/higher points across the surface which leaves the top surface flat and allows for higher levels of device integration.

'Damascene' patterning of metal layers allows the use of materials in IC devices which were previously impossible to use due to the lack of dry-etch processes, the most obvious example being Copper Interconnect. In a reverse of the traditional flow for metal-patterning, trenches are first etched into the wafer surface and then the metal layer is blanket-deposited onto the surface. CMP is then used to remove the metal from the top-surface, but the metal in the trenches remains to form the interconnect.

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Probe Station With Micro Chamber Facility

Manufacturer: Cascade Microtech Ltd.
Model: Summit 12971B
Installed August 2005

Description:
This semiautomatic probe station is equipped with a thermal chuck to enable on-wafer electrical characterisation from -55oC to 200oC. The 200mm chuck (small samples can also be tested) is enclosed in a microchamber facility with controlled ambient (Dry air). This low noise and low leakage environment facilitates low level (~1fA) measurements.

Typical use/applications:

  • On-wafer DC parametric measurement for device modelling
  • MOS CV
  • CV and IV thermal measurement capabilities
  • Device Reliability

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SEM/EDX Workstation & Software Upgrade

Manufacturer: Princeton Gamma Technology (PGT)
Model: Avalon 8000

Installed July 2005

Description: Upgraded hardware and software to enhance the EDS detection system attached to the Hitachi FE-Scanning Electron Microscope.

Typical use/applications:
Qualitative Xray anaysis of samples, along with image grabbing software and digital dot mapping capabilities.

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Programme Coordinator: Paul Roseingrave | Telephone: +353 (0)21 490 4268 | Fax: +353 (0) 21 427 0271 | Email: nap@tyndall.ie

 

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