Abstract:
Material is deposited in a desired pattern by spontaneous deposition of precursor gas at regions of a surface that are prepared using a beam to provide conditions to support the initiation of the spontaneous reaction. Once the reaction is initiated, it continues in the absence of the beam at the regions of the surface at which the reaction was initiated.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for direct lithographic pattern definition based upon electron beam induced alteration of the surface chemistry of a substrate are described. The methods involve an initial chemical treatment for global definition of a specified surface chemistry (SC). Electron beam induced surface reactions between a gaseous precursor and the surface are then used to locally alter the SC. High resolution patterning of stable, specified surface chemistries upon a substrate can thus be achieved. The defined patterns can then be utilized for selective material deposition via methods which exploit the specificity of certain SC combinations or by differences in surface energy. It is possible to perform all steps in-situ without breaking vacuum.
Abstract:
Beam-induced etching uses a work piece maintained at a temperature near the boiling point of a precursor material, but the temperature is sufficiently high to desorb reaction byproducts. In one embodiment, NF3 is used as a precursor gas for electron-beam induced etching of silicon at a temperature below room temperature.
Abstract:
Material is deposited in a desired pattern by spontaneous deposition of precursor gas at regions of a surface that are prepared using a beam to provide conditions to support the initiation of the spontaneous reaction. Once the reaction is initiated, it continues in the absence of the beam at the regions of the surface at which the reaction was initiated.
Abstract:
Beam-induced etching uses a work piece maintained at a temperature near the boiling point of a precursor material, but the temperature is sufficiently high to desorb reaction byproducts. In one embodiment, NF3 is used as a precursor gas for electron-beam induced etching of silicon at a temperature below room temperature.
Abstract:
An improved method for laser processing that prevents material redeposition during laser ablation but allows material to be removed at a high rate. In a preferred embodiment, laser ablation is performed in a chamber filled with high pressure precursor (etchant) gas so that sample particles ejected during laser ablation will react with the precursor gas in the gas atmosphere of the sample chamber. When the ejected particles collide with precursor gas particles, the precursor is dissociated, forming a reactive component that binds the ablated material. In turn, the reaction between the reactive dissociation by-product and the ablated material forms a new, volatile compound that can be pumped away in a gaseous state rather than redepositing onto the sample.
Abstract:
An apparatus 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:
Practical implementation of Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) on a focused ion beam apparatus or on a dual-beam apparatus comprising both focused-ion beam and scanning microscopy capabilities is described. Accordingly, an analytical method comprises: directing and focusing a beam of ions comprising a mixture of protons and non-hydrogen ions onto a sample, wherein the kinetic energy of ions of the mixture is not greater than 50 kilo-electron-Volts (keV); and detecting and measuring X-rays that are emitted from the sample in response to the impingement of the protons and non-hydrogen ions onto the sample.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for direct lithographic pattern definition based upon electron beam induced alteration of the surface chemistry of a substrate are described. The methods involve an initial chemical treatment for global definition of a specified surface chemistry (SC). Electron beam induced surface reactions between a gaseous precursor and the surface are then used to locally alter the SC. High resolution patterning of stable, specified surface chemistries upon a substrate can thus be achieved. The defined patterns can then be utilized for selective material deposition via methods which exploit the specificity of certain SC combinations or by differences in surface energy. It is possible to perform all steps in-situ without breaking vacuum.
Abstract:
Various methods and systems are provided for imaging a sample under low vacuum with a charged particle beam. A magnetic field is provided in a detection area of the detector. Gas and plasma are provided in the detection area while detecting charged particles emitted from the sample. Sample image is formed based on the detected charged particles.