Abstract:
An environmental cell for a charged particle beam system allows relative motion between the cell mounted on an X-Y stage and the optical axis of the focusing column, thereby eliminating the need for a sub-stage within the cell. A flexible cell configuration, such as a retractable lid, permits a variety of processes, including beam-induced and thermally-induced processes. Photon yield spectroscopy performed in a charged particle beam system and using gas cascade amplification of the photoelectrons allows analysis of material in the cell and monitoring of processing in the cell. Luminescence analysis can be also performed using a retractable mirror.
Abstract:
An improved microcalorimeter-type energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer provides sufficient energy resolution and throughput for practical high spatial resolution x-ray mapping of a sample at low electron beam energies. When used with a dual beam system that provides the capability to etch a layer from the sample, the system can be used for three-dimensional x-ray mapping. A preferred system uses an x-ray optic having a wide-angle opening to increase the fraction of x-rays leaving the sample that impinge on the detector and multiple detectors to avoid pulse pile up.
Abstract:
Electron-beam-induced chemical reactions with precursor gases are controlled by adsorbate depletion control. Adsorbate depletion can be controlled by controlling the beam current, preferably by rapidly blanking the beam, and by cooling the substrate (54). The beam (12,13) preferably has a low energy to reduce the interaction volume. By controlling the depletion and the interaction volume, a user has the ability to produce precise shapes.
Abstract:
A scanning transmission electron microscope (100) operated with the sample (114) in a high pressure environment (116). A preferred detector (120,122) uses gas amplification by converting either scattered or unscattered transmitted electrons to secondary electrons for efficient gas amplification.
Abstract:
A novel detector for a charged particle beam system which includes multiple gas amplification stages. The stages are typically defined by conductors to which voltage are applied relative to the sample or to a previous stage. By creating cascades of secondary electrons in multiple stages, the gain can be increased without causing dielectric breakdown of the gas.
Abstract:
A method for fabrication of microscopic structures that uses a beam process, such as beam-induced decomposition of a precursor, to deposit a mask in a precise pattern and then a selective, plasma beam is applied, comprising the steps of first creating a protective mask upon surface portions of a substrate using a beam process such as an electron beam, focused ion beam (FIB), or laser process, and secondly etching unmasked substrate portions using a selective plasma beam etch process. Optionally, a third step comprising the removal of the protective mask may be performed with a second, materially oppositely selective plasma beam process.
Abstract:
Charged particle beam imaging and measurement systems are provided using gas amplification with an improved imaging gas. The system includes a charged particle beam source for directing a charged particle beam to work piece, a focusing lens for focusing the charged particles onto the work piece, and an electrode for accelerating secondary electrons generated from the work piece irradiation by the charged practice beam, or another gas cascade detection scheme. The gas imaging is performed in a high pressure scanning electron microscope (HPSEM) chamber for enclosing the improved imaging gas including CH 3 CH 2 OH (ethanol) vapor. The electrode accelerates the secondary electrons though the CH 3 CH 2 OH to ionize the CH 3 CH 2 OH through ionization cascade to amplify the number of secondary electrons for detection. An optimal configuration is provided for use of the improved imaging gas, and techniques are provided to conduct imaging studies of organic liquids and solvents, and other CH 3 CH 2 OH-based processes.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, electron-beam or ion-beam induced etching of a work piece at a temperature below room temperature in a precursor gas is disclosed. The beam-induced etching may use a work piece maintained at a temperature near the boiling point of a precursor material, e.g. NF 3 , but the temperature is sufficiently high to desorb reaction byproducts. In another embodiment, NF 3 is used for generating a ionization cascade to amplify the number of secondary electrons for detection in a charged particle beam system for processing a work piece.