Micromachining by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) for Materials Characterization

2005 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 384-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. P. Jud ◽  
P. M. Nellen ◽  
U. Sennhauser
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Moore

Abstract The availability of the focused ion beam (FIB) microscope with its excellent imaging resolution, depth of focus and ion milling capability has made it an appealing platform for materials characterization at the sub-micron, or "nano" level. This article focuses on nanomechanical characterization in the FIB, which is an extension of the FIB capabilities into the realm of nano-technology. It presents examples that demonstrate the power and flexibility of nanomechanical testing in the FIB or scanning electron microscope with a probe shaft that includes a built-in strain gauge. Loads that range from grams to micrograms are achievable. Calibration is limited only by the availability of calibrated load cells in the smallest load ranges. Deflections in the range of a few nanometers range can be accurately applied. Simultaneous electrical, mechanical, and visual data can be combined to provide a revealing study of physical behavior of complex and dynamic nanostructures.


MRS Bulletin ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 408-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Uchic ◽  
Lorenz Holzer ◽  
Beverley J. Inkson ◽  
Edward L. Principe ◽  
Paul Munroe

AbstractThis article reviews recent developments and applications of focused ion beam (FIB) microscopes for three-dimensional (3D) materials characterization at the microscale through destructive serial sectioning experiments. Precise ion milling—in combination with electron-optic—based imaging and surface analysis methods—can be used to iteratively section through metals, ceramics, polymers, and electronic or biological materials to reveal the true size, shape, and distribution of microstructural features. Importantly, FIB tomographic experiments cover a critical size-scale gap that cannot be obtained with other instrumentation. The experiments encompass material volumes that are typically larger than 1000 μm3, with voxel dimensions approaching tens of nanometers, and can contain structural, chemical, and crystallographic information. This article describes the current state of the art of this experimental methodology and provides examples of specific applications to 3D materials characterization.


MRS Bulletin ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G. Kotula ◽  
Gregory S. Rohrer ◽  
Michael P. Marsh

Abstract


2002 ◽  
Vol 733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brock McCabe ◽  
Steven Nutt ◽  
Brent Viers ◽  
Tim Haddad

AbstractPolyhedral Oligomeric Silsequioxane molecules have been incorporated into a commercial polyurethane formulation to produce nanocomposite polyurethane foam. This tiny POSS silica molecule has been used successfully to enhance the performance of polymer systems using co-polymerization and blend strategies. In our investigation, we chose a high-temperature MDI Polyurethane resin foam currently used in military development projects. For the nanofiller, or “blend”, Cp7T7(OH)3 POSS was chosen. Structural characterization was accomplished by TEM and SEM to determine POSS dispersion and cell morphology, respectively. Thermal behavior was investigated by TGA. Two methods of TEM sample preparation were employed, Focused Ion Beam and Ultramicrotomy (room temperature).


2002 ◽  
Vol 719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myoung-Woon Moon ◽  
Kyang-Ryel Lee ◽  
Jin-Won Chung ◽  
Kyu Hwan Oh

AbstractThe role of imperfections on the initiation and propagation of interface delaminations in compressed thin films has been analyzed using experiments with diamond-like carbon (DLC) films deposited onto glass substrates. The surface topologies and interface separations have been characterized by using the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) imaging system. The lengths and amplitudes of numerous imperfections have been measured by AFM and the interface separations characterized on cross sections made with the FIB. Chemical analysis of several sites, performed using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), has revealed the origin of the imperfections. The incidence of buckles has been correlated with the imperfection length.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.S. Bonifacio ◽  
P. Nowakowski ◽  
M.J. Campin ◽  
M.L. Ray ◽  
P.E. Fischione

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimens are typically prepared using the focused ion beam (FIB) due to its site specificity, and fast and accurate thinning capabilities. However, TEM and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) analysis may be limited due to the resulting FIB-induced artifacts. This work identifies FIB artifacts and presents the use of argon ion milling for the removal of FIB-induced damage for reproducible TEM specimen preparation of current and future fin field effect transistor (FinFET) technologies. Subsequently, high-quality and electron-transparent TEM specimens of less than 20 nm are obtained.


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