CN101361159B - Ion sources, systems and methods - Google Patents

Ion sources, systems and methods Download PDF

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Publication number
CN101361159B
CN101361159B CN200680051591.9A CN200680051591A CN101361159B CN 101361159 B CN101361159 B CN 101361159B CN 200680051591 A CN200680051591 A CN 200680051591A CN 101361159 B CN101361159 B CN 101361159B
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ion
sample
ion beam
less
gas
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CN101361159A (en
Inventor
比利·W·沃德
约翰·A·诺特四世
路易斯·S·法卡斯三世
兰德尔·G·珀西瓦尔
雷蒙德·希尔
克劳斯·埃丁格
拉斯·马克沃特
德克·阿德霍尔德
乌尔里克·曼茨
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Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
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Alis Corp
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Priority claimed from US11/385,136 external-priority patent/US20070228287A1/en
Priority claimed from US11/385,215 external-priority patent/US7601953B2/en
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Priority claimed from PCT/US2006/044339 external-priority patent/WO2007067311A2/en
Publication of CN101361159A publication Critical patent/CN101361159A/en
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Abstract

The invention provides a method for utilizing a gas field ion source, which comprises the steps of generating an ion beam by interacting a gas with a gas field ion source; interacting the ion beam with a semiconductor article to cause particles to leave the sample, wherein the semiconductor article has multiple stacked layers including first and second layers; detecting the particles to provide an image; stacking the characteristics in the first layer with the characteristics in the second layer; and editing the semiconductor article based on the image.

Description

Ion source, system and method
Technical field
The disclosure relates to ion source, system and method.
Background technology
Ion can example such as liquid metal ion source or gas field ion source and form.In some instances, the ion that forms by ion source can be used in some characteristic of the sample of determining to be exposed to ion, or revises sample.In other example, can be used in some characteristic of determining ion source self by the formed ion of ion source.
Summary of the invention
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thereby described gas field ion source can have the ion beam of the spot size of 10nm or less size with the interact surface that is created in sample of gas.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thereby described gas field ion source can have the ion beam of the spot size of 3nm or less size with the interact surface that is created in sample of gas.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thereby described gas field ion source can have 1 * 10 with the gas surface that is created in sample that interacts 9A/cm 2The ion beam of sr or larger brightness.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thereby described gas field ion source can interact to produce have on the surface of sample with gas and has 5 * 10 8A/m 2The ion beam of srV or the larger brightness that reduces.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thereby described gas field ion source can have 5 * 10 with the gas surface that is created in sample that interacts -21Cm 2The ion beam of sr or less etendue.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thereby described gas field ion source can have 1 * 10 with the gas surface that is created in sample that interacts -16Cm 2The ion beam of srV or the less etendue that reduces.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, gas field ion source comprises conductive tip.Thereby gas field ion source can interact with gas and produce ion beam and do not remove conductive tip from system in a week or longer cycle.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thereby gas field ion source can interact with gas and produces ion beam in a week or longer cycle with 10 hours or less total outage time.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of ion microscope that can produce the image of sample.Sample is different from ion microscope, and the image of sample has 3nm or less resolution.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of ion microscope that can produce the image of sample.Sample is different from ion microscope, and the image of sample has 10nm or less resolution.
In aspect another, of the present invention being characterized as a kind ofly has 0.25 or the gas field ion microscope of larger quality factor.
In aspect other, the ion microscope that is characterized as a kind of 25nm of having or less damage test value of the present invention.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of ion microscope, described ion microscope comprises having 20 or the ion source of the conductive tip of end layer still less (terminal shelf) atom.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system, described system comprises the gas field ion source that has from the conductive tip of 15 ° to 45 ° average full cone angle.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, described gas field ion source has conductive tip, and this conductive tip has 200nm or less mean radius of curvature.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of gas field ion source that comprises the conductive tip with one or more end layer atoms.System is configured, so that between the operating period of system, thereby one or more atoms and gas interact and produce ion beam, and in the ion beam that arrives sample surfaces 70% or more ion only produce with an atomic interaction of one or more atom by gas.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system, thus described system comprise have can with the interact gas field ion source of the conductive tip that produces ion beam of gas.Described system also comprises the ion optics that is configured, so that during use, at least part of ion beam passes ion optics.System also comprises with the travel mechanism of gas field ion source coupling so that travel mechanism can the translation conductive tip, inclination conductive tip or both.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system, described system comprises the ion source that can interact to produce with gas ion beam, thereby ion beam can interact with sample and cause that the particle of number of different types is to leave sample.System comprises that also at least one detector that is configured is in order to survey at least two types particle of the particle of number of different types.The particle of number of different types is selected from secondary electron, Auger (Auger) electronics, secondary ion, secondary neutral particle, neutral particle, scattered ion(s) and a photon.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause particle.Particle is selected from auger electrons, secondary ion, secondary neutral particle, neutral particle, scattering particles and a photon.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, this at least one detector is surveyed at least some particles in order to determine the information of sample.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause particle.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, this at least one detector can be surveyed at least some particles.For the given particle that is detected, this at least one detector is detected particle according to given energy produces signal.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause particle.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, this at least one detector can be surveyed at least some particles.For the given particle that is detected, the angle of the track of the particle that this at least one detector is detected according to given produces signal.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause scattered ion(s).System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, at least one detector can be surveyed at least some scattered ion(s)s.System also comprises the electronic processors that is electrically connected at least one detector, so that during use, electronic processors can be according to the scattered ion(s) that is detected and process information, in order to determine the information of sample.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause a neutral particle.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, at least one detector can be surveyed at least some neutral particles.System also comprises the electronic processors that is electrically connected at least one detector, so that during use, electronic processors can be according to the neutral particle that is detected and process information, in order to determine the information of sample.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause photon.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, at least one detector can be surveyed at least some photons.System also comprises the electronic processors that is electrically connected at least one detector, so that during use, electronic processors can be according to the photon that is detected and process information, in order to determine the information of sample.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause secondary ion.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, at least one detector can be surveyed at least some secondary ions.System also comprises the electronic processors that is electrically connected at least one detector, so that during use, electronic processors can be according to the secondary ion that is detected and process information, in order to determine the information of sample.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause the secondary neutral particle.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, at least one detector can be surveyed at least some secondary neutral particles.System also comprises the electronic processors that is electrically connected at least one detector, so that during use, electronic processors can be according to the secondary neutral particle that is detected and process information, in order to determine the information of sample.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause auger electrons.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, at least one detector can be surveyed at least some auger electrons.System also comprises the electronic processors that is electrically connected at least one detector, so that during use, electronic processors can be according to the auger electrons that is detected and process information, in order to determine the information of sample.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause ion.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, at least one detector can detect ion.The interaction of ion beam and sample can cause that secondary electron leaves sample, and when the interaction of ion beam and sample caused that secondary electron leaves sample, at least one detector can be surveyed at least some ions and not survey secondary electron.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause neutral particle.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, at least one detector can be surveyed neutral particle.The interaction of ion beam and sample can cause that secondary electron leaves sample, and when the interaction of ion beam and sample caused that secondary electron leaves sample, at least one detector can be surveyed at least some neutral particles and not survey secondary electron.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thus gas field ion source can with gas interact produce can with the interactional ion beam of sample, leave sample in order to cause photon.System also comprises at least one detector that is configured, so that during use, at least one detector can detection of photons.The interaction of ion beam and sample can cause that secondary electron leaves sample, and when the interaction of ion beam and sample caused that secondary electron leaves sample, at least one detector can be surveyed at least some photons and not survey secondary electron.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thereby gas field ion source can interact with gas and produces the ion beam of the spot size with 10nm or less size on the surface of sample.System also comprises the ion optics that is configured so that with the lead surface of sample of ion beam, ion optics has at least one adjustable setting.When the setting of adjustable ion optics is first when arranging, the primary importance of ion beam and sample interacts.When the setting of adjustable ion optics is second when arranging, the second place of ion beam and sample interacts.The first setting and second of the ion optics of ion optics arranges different, and the primary importance of sample is different from the second place of sample.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system that comprises gas field ion source, thereby gas field ion source can interact with gas and produces the ion beam that be directed to sample.System also comprises the charged particle source that is configured, so that during use, charged particle source provides the charged particle beam of guiding sample.Gas field ion source is different from charged particle source.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, thereby described method comprises that ion beam and sample are interacted causes that the particle of number of different types leaves sample, and survey at least two types of particles of the particle of number of different types.The particle of number of different types is selected from secondary electron, auger electrons, offspring, secondary neutral particle, neutral particle, scattered ion(s) and a photon.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and gas field ion source are interacted and produces ion beam, and ion beam and sample interaction are left sample in order to cause particle.Particle is selected from auger electrons, secondary ion, secondary neutral particle, neutral particle, scattered ion(s) and a photon.Described method also comprises surveys at least some particles in order to determine the information of sample.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and ion beam and sample interaction is left sample in order to cause particle.Described method also comprises according to the energy of the particle of surveying by detector and from detector generation signal.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and ion beam and sample interaction is left sample in order to cause particle.Described method also comprises according to the angle of the track of the particle of surveying by detector and from detector generation signal.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and ion beam and sample interaction is left sample in order to cause scattered ion(s).Described method also comprises surveys at least some scattered ion(s)s, and determines the information of sample according to the scattered ion(s) of surveying.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and with ion beam and sample interaction, leaves sample in order to cause a neutral ion.Described method also comprises surveys at least some neutral particles, and determines the information of sample according to a neutral particle of surveying.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and with ion beam and sample interaction, leaves sample in order to cause photon.Described method also comprises surveys at least some photons, and determines the information of sample according to the photon of surveying.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and with ion beam and sample interaction, leaves sample in order to cause secondary ion.Described method also comprises surveys at least some secondary ions.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and with ion beam and sample interaction, leaves sample in order to cause the secondary neutral particle.Described method also comprises the particle of surveying at least some secondary neutral particles or deriving from described secondary neutral particle.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and with ion beam and sample interaction, leaves sample in order to cause auger electrons.Described method also comprises surveys at least some auger electrons.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises the gas field ion source that forms, and, after forming gas field ion source, described ion source is arranged in the chamber, in order to gas field ion system is provided.
In another aspect, form the ion source with emission shaft, and after forming ion source, ionogenic emission shaft is aimed at the incident axle of ion-optic system.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the interaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, ion beam has the spot size of 10nm or less size on the surface of sample, and ion beam is moved to the second place on the sample surfaces from the primary importance on the sample surfaces, and primary importance is different from the second place.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and gas field ion source are interacted and produces ion beam, and sample is contacted with ion beam.Described method also comprises sample is contacted with charged particle beam from charged particle source.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and with ion beam and sample interaction, leaves sample in order to cause particle.Described method also comprises surveys at least some particles, and determines the information of the crystallization of sample according to the particle of surveying.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and causes voltage in the part of sample.Thereby described method also comprises particle detection and determines the voltage-contrast information of sample.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and with ion beam and sample interaction, leaves sample in order to cause particle.Sample comprises at least the first material and the second material.Described method also comprises according to particle distinguishes the first and second materials.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and with ion beam and active gases interaction, so that promotion is at the chemical reaction of sample surfaces.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and the use ion beam is determined information under the surface of semiconductor article (semiconductor article).Described method also comprises according to information under the surface revises semiconductor article.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and the use ion beam is determined the information of semiconductor article.Ion beam has 10nm or speckle size more on the surface of semiconductor article.Described method also comprises according to described information revises semiconductor article.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and uses ion beam so that the information of definite mask.Ion beam has 10nm or speckle size more on the surface of semiconductor article.Described method also comprises according to described information repairs mask.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises the resist that uses on the ion beam composition sample.Ion beam has 10nm or speckle size more at sample.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and with ion beam and the sample interaction that comprises a feature.Ion beam has 50nm or speckle size more on the surface of sample.Described method also comprises the size of determining this feature.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and the reaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam, and with ion beam and sample interaction, leaves sample in order to cause particle.Sample has and comprises many laminations of first and second layers.Whether described method also comprises particle detection and aims at ground floor in order to determine the second layer.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises exposed sample in focused ion beam, and produces the second ion beam by gas and gas field ion source are interacted.Described method comprises that also exposed sample is in the second ion beam.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises when gas field ion source is present in the ion microscope, forms the conductive tip of gas field.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of ionogenic system that comprises.System can the imaging ion source in first mode, and system can use ion source to collect the image of sample in the second pattern.Sample is different from ion source.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of sample manipulations device, described sample manipulations device comprises shell, the dish by shell supported, the member that is supported by coiling, and member has pillar and is configured to support the surface of sample, and device.Thereby at the contact member mobile example of device described in the first mode, and in the second pattern, install and do not contact with member.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system, described system comprises gas field ion source and sample manipulations device.The sample manipulations device comprises shell, the dish by shell supported, the member that is supported by coiling, and member has pillar and is configured to support the surface of sample, and device.Thereby device contact member mobile example in first mode, and in the second pattern, install and do not contact with member.
On the one hand, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises and produces the first bundle that comprises ion by gas and gas field ion source are interacted, thereby and removes the charged chemical species of non-list from the first bundle and form and comprise single lotus electro-ionic second and restraint.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system, described system comprises the gas field ion source that can interact to produce with gas bundle, and described bundle comprises the chemical species that comprises charged chemical species.System also comprises at least one electrode that is biased, and the described electrode that is biased is configured to cause that the beam path of intrafascicular chemical species disperses according to the electric charge of chemical species.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and gas field ion source are interacted and produces ion, and uses the ion sputtering sample.
In aspect another, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and gas field ion source are interacted and produces ion beam, and the use system generation electron beam different from gas field ion source.Described method also comprises with ion beam and electron beam investigates sample.
In another aspect, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of system, described system comprises the scanning electron microscopy that electron beam can be provided.Thereby described system also comprises the gas field ion source that can interact produce with gas ion beam.Scanning electron microscopy and gas field ion microscope are positioned, so that during use, electron beam and ion beam can both be used for the investigation sample.
In aspect other, of the present inventionly be characterized as a kind of method, described method comprises by gas and gas field ion source are interacted and produces the first ion beam.The first ion beam has first-class.Described method also comprises using to have first the first ion beam, so that for the preparation of the gas field ion source of investigating sample.Described method also comprises by gas and the interaction of gas field ion source are produced the second ion beam.The second ion beam has second.In addition, described method comprises use the second ion beam investigation sample.
Embodiment can comprise one or more following advantages.
In certain embodiments, ion source (for example gas field ion source) can provide on the surface of sample relative speckle size.Use so ionogenic ion microscope (for example gas field ion microscope) passable, for example acquisition has the image of the sample of relatively high resolution.
In certain embodiments, ion source (for example gas field ion source) can have relatively high brightness and/or the relatively high brightness that reduces.Use so ionogenic ion microscope (for example gas field ion microscope) passable, for example within the relatively short time, obtain the good picture quality of sample, this can increase again can a large amount of samples of imaging speed.
In certain embodiments, ion source (for example gas field ion source) can have relatively high brightness for given ion current (for example relatively low etendue).Use so ionogenic ion microscope (for example gas field ion microscope) passable, for example use the picture quality that obtains good sample for relatively few damage of sample.
In certain embodiments, the gas field ion microscope can have relatively high reliability.Thereby, for example, period that gas field ion source can be used to expand and do not replace gas field ion source, this can, for example, the speed that increase can a large amount of samples of imaging, reduce the idle hours relevant with a large amount of samples of imaging, and/or reduce in the relevant cost of a large amount of samples of imaging.
In certain embodiments, ion microscope (for example gas field ion microscope) is configured so that the vibration by basically from ion source by decoupling zero.This can improve the ability of ion microscope, in order to realize one or more above-mentioned advantages.
In certain embodiments, ion microscope (for example gas field ion microscope) can operate under relatively high temperature and one or more above-mentioned advantages still is provided.For example, liquid nitrogen can be as the cooling agent of ion microscope.This can reduce and use some other cooling agent cost and/or complexity that for example liquid helium is relevant.This can also reduce the potential problems relevant with some mechanical system of the employing liquid helium coolant that can produce remarkable vibration.
From specification, accompanying drawing, other features and advantages of the present invention will be obvious.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of ion microscope system.
Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram in gas field ion source.
Fig. 3 is the illustrative diagram of enlarged side view of the embodiment of tip.
Fig. 4 is the illustrative diagram of enlarged side view at the tip of Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is the schematic diagram of helium ion microscope system.
Fig. 6 is the illustrative diagram of the amplification plan view of the most advanced and sophisticated embodiment of W (111).
Fig. 7 is the illustrative diagram of the most advanced and sophisticated enlarged side view of the W (111) of Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is the end view that the tip of cone angle measuring is shown.
Fig. 9 is the end view that the tip of radius of curvature measurement is shown.
Figure 10 is the flow chart that the embodiment that makes most advanced and sophisticated method is shown.
Figure 11 A is the perspective view of the embodiment of most advanced and sophisticated supporting component.
Figure 11 B is the upward view of the supporting component of Figure 11 A.
Figure 12 is the end view that comprises the embodiment of the supporting component that supports most advanced and sophisticated Vogel seat.
Figure 13 is the schematic diagram of the embodiment of gas field ion source and ion optics.
Figure 14 is the schematic diagram of the embodiment of ion-optic system.
Figure 15 is the vertical view of embodiment in the aperture of many openings.
Figure 16 is the vertical view of embodiment in the aperture of many openings.
Figure 17 is the sectional view of embodiment of the travel mechanism at gas field ion microscope tip.
Figure 18 is the schematic diagram of Everhart-Thornley detector.
Figure 19 is the sectional view of part that comprises the gas field ion microscope system of micro-channel plate detector.
Figure 20 A and 20B are end view and the vertical views of the Jin Dao that supported by carbon surface.
Figure 20 C is the sample for Figure 20 A and 20B, and total abundance of the secondary electron of average measurement is as the figure of ion beam location function.
Figure 21 is the schematic diagram of part that comprises the gas field ion microscope of air-delivery system.
Figure 22 is the schematic diagram of part that comprises the gas field ion microscope of flood gun.
Figure 23 is the schematic diagram that comprises the sample of the lower charge layer in surface.
Figure 24 is the schematic diagram be used to the collector electrode that reduces the surface charge on the sample.
Figure 25 is the schematic diagram that reduces the flood gun equipment of the surface charge on the sample.
Figure 26 is the schematic diagram that reduces flood gun equipment surface charge, that comprise change-over panel on the sample.
Figure 27 A is the illustrative diagram with sample of the positive charge layer that is arranged on wherein.
Figure 27 B is the illustrative diagram with sample of setting and positive and negative charged layer wherein.
Figure 28 is the schematic diagram of the embodiment of vibration uncoupling sample manipulations device.
Figure 29 is the schematic diagram of the embodiment of vibration uncoupling sample manipulations device.
Figure 30 is the schematic diagram of the embodiment of vibration uncoupling sample manipulations device.
Figure 31 is the schematic diagram for separating of the electrostatic filtration system of the ion in the particle beams and neutral atom.
Figure 32 is the schematic diagram for separating of the electrostatic filtration system of the neutral atom in the particle beams, single charged ion and double-electric ion.
Figure 33 is a kind of schematic diagram of filtration system, described filtration system comprise for separating of the electricity of the neutral atom in the particle beams, single charged ion and double-electric ion and magnetic field without the disperse sequence.
Figure 34 A is the schematic diagram that illustrates from the embodiment of the helium ion scattering pattern on surface.
Figure 34 B is the figure that the relative abundance of the helium ion that is scattered that the detector that is used among Figure 34 A surveys is shown.
Figure 35 A, 35D and 35G be illustrate with different detectors survey the helium ion that is scattered, from the schematic diagram of the corresponding embodiment of the helium ion scattering pattern on surface.
Figure 35 B, 35E and 35H are respectively for the figure at the helium ion productive rate that always is scattered of the system shown in Figure 35 A, 35D and the G.
Figure 35 C, 35F and 35I are respectively the figure that is used in the relative abundance of the helium ion that is scattered that the detector among Figure 35 A, 35D and the 35G surveys.
Figure 36 illustrates to comprise for the schematic diagram of measurement from the part of the gas field ion microscope of the layout of the detector of the scattered ion(s) of sample.
Figure 37 A-37D is the scanning electron microscope image of conductive tip.
Figure 38 is the digitized representations on the surface of conductive tip.
Figure 39 is the gradient figure in the gradient on the surface shown in Figure 38.
Figure 40 is the field ion microscope image that has on its summit as the conductive tip of the tripolymer (trimer) of holding layer.
Figure 41 is the scanning field ion microscope image that has on its summit as the trimerical conductive tip of end layer.
Figure 42 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 43 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 44 is the scanning field ion microscope image of conductive tip.
Figure 45 is the field ion microscope image that has on its summit as the trimerical conductive tip of end layer.
Figure 46 is the scanning electron microscope image of conductive tip.
Figure 47 is the field ion microscope image of conductive tip.
Figure 48 is the field ion microscope image of conductive tip.
Figure 49 is the field ion microscope image of conductive tip.
Figure 50 is the scanning field ion microscope image that has on its summit as the trimerical conductive tip of end layer.
Figure 51 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 52 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 53 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 54 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 55 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 56 is the illustrative diagram of the support at tip.
Figure 57 is the illustrative diagram of the support at tip.
Figure 58 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 59 A is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 59 B is the image with the sample of scanning electron microscopy acquisition.
Figure 60 is the curve chart from the secondary electric subflow of sample.
Figure 61 A is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 61 B is the image that obtains sample with scanning electron microscopy.
Figure 62 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 63 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 64 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 65 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 66 is the embodiment of configuration that is configured to survey the detector of secondary electron.
Figure 67 A is the curve chart according to the secondary electron density that changes with sample position of the image among Figure 59 A.
Figure 67 B is the curve chart according to the secondary electron density that changes with sample position of the image among Figure 59 B.
Figure 68 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey helium ion and neutral He atom.
Figure 69 A-69C is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey helium ion and neutral He atom.
Figure 70 A is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey helium ion and neutral He atom.
Figure 70 B is the polar diagram that illustrates for the mil(unit of angular measure) of the helium ion that leaves sample of the image of Figure 70 A and helium atom.
Figure 71 A is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey helium ion and neutral He atom.
Figure 71 B is the polar diagram that illustrates for the mil(unit of angular measure) of the helium ion that leaves sample of the image of Figure 71 A and helium atom.
Figure 72 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey helium ion and neutral He atom.
Figure 73 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey helium ion and neutral He atom.
Figure 74 is the image with the sample of the helium ion microscope acquisition that is configured to detection of photons.
Figure 75 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey secondary electron.
Figure 76 is the expander graphs of the parts of images of Figure 75.
Figure 77 is that the image density conduct is for the figure of the function of the location of pixels of the line sweep of the image that passes through Figure 76.
Figure 78 is at the figure of the data shown in Figure 77 after numerical value convergent-divergent and the smooth operation.
Figure 79 is the image of the sample that obtains with the helium ion microscope that is configured to survey helium ion and neutral He atom.
Figure 80 is that image density is as the figure of the function of the location of pixels of the line sweep of the parts of images that passes through Figure 79.
Figure 81 is the image with the sample of scanning electron microscopy acquisition.
Figure 82 is that image density is as the figure of the function of the location of pixels of the line sweep of the parts of images that passes through Figure 81.
Reference number similar in each figure is indicated similar element.
Embodiment
General introduction
Ion can be produced and be used for the imaging of sample and the application of other microscopic system.The microscopic system that the use that can be used for sample analysis (for example imaging) produces the gas field ion source of ion is called as the gas field ion microscope.Gas field ion source is a kind of device that comprises conductive tip (typically have 10 or still less the summit of atom), apply simultaneously high normal potential (for example with respect to extractor (discussion below seeing) 1kV or larger) to the summit of conductive tip by near (for example in the distance of about 4 to 5 dusts) that the neutral gas nucleic is carried into conductive tip, produce the ion form of ion beam (for example with) thereby this conductive tip can be used for ionization neutral gas nucleic.
Fig. 1 shows the schematic diagram of gas field ion microscope system 100, gas field ion microscope system 100 comprises gas source 110, gas field ion source 120, ion optics 130, sample manipulations device 140, front side detector 150, rear side detector 160 and is electrically connected to the electronic control system 170 (for example electronic processors, for example computer) of the various elements of system 100 by connection 172a-172f.Sample 180 is located in the sample manipulations device 140 between ion optics 130 and the detector 150,160/on.During use, ion beam 192 passes the surface 181 that ion optics 130 is directed to sample 180, and measures by detector 150 and/or 160 from the particle 194 that the interaction of ion beam 192 and sample 180 produces.
Usually, expectation reduces the existence of some chemical species of not expecting in system 100 by emptying this system.Typically, the different element of system 100 is maintained under the different background pressures.For example, gas field ion source 120 can be maintained at about 10 -10Under the pressure of Torr.When gas was introduced into gas field ion source 120, background pressure was raised to about 10 -5 Torr.Ion optics 130 was maintained at about 10 before gas being introduced gas field ion source 120 -8Under the background pressure of Torr.When gas was introduced into, the background pressure in the ion optics 130 typically increased to about 10 -7 Torr.Sample 180 is located in and typically remains on about 10 -6In the chamber of the background pressure of Torr.This pressure is not because the existence of gas or do not exist and change significantly in gas field ion source 120.
As shown in Figure 2, gas source 110 is configured, in order to provide one or more gas 182 to gas field ion source 120.Described in detail as follows, gas source 110 can be configured, in order to provide gas with various purity, flow, pressure and temperature.Usually, the gas that is provided by gas source 110 be inert gas (helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe)) one of at least, and the expectation of the ion of inert gas is main component in the ion beam 192.Usually, surperficial measured as at sample 180, along with the pressure of the inert gas in system 110 increases, the ion current in the ion beam 192 increases monotonously.In certain embodiments, this relation can be described by exponential law, and for the certain pressure scope of inert gas, stream increases in the ratio of gas pressure usually.During operation, the pressure of inert gas is adjacent to tip (seeing following discussion) typically 10 -2Torr or less by (for example 10 -3Torr or less, 10 -4And/or 10 Torr or less), -7Torr or larger (for example 10 -6Torr or larger, 10 -5Torr or larger).Usually, the relatively highly purified gas existence of the chemical species that reduces not expect in the system (for example, for) is used in expectation.For example, when using helium, helium can be 99.99% pure (for example, 99.995% pure, 99.999% pure, 99.9995% pure, 99.9999% pure) at least.Similarly, when using other inert gas (Ne gas, Ar gas, Kr gas, Xe gas), the purity of gas is contemplated to be highly purified commercial grade.
Optionally, gas source 110 can also provide one or more gas except inert gas.Discuss in more detail as following, the example of such gas is nitrogen.Typically when the gas that adds can exist with the level more than the impurity in the inert gas, the gas of interpolation still consisted of the minority composition of the overall gas mixture of being introduced by gas source 110.For example, He gas and Ne gas are introduced among the embodiment in gas field ion source 120 by gas source 110 therein, the overall gas mixture can comprise 20% or still less (for example 15% or still less, 12% or still less) Ne, and/or 1% or the Ne of more (for example 3% or more, 8% or more).For example, among the embodiment that He gas and Ne gas are introduced into by gas source 110 therein, the overall gas mixture can comprise 5% to 15% Ne of (for example from 8% to 12%, from 9% to 11%).As another example, among the embodiment that He gas and nitrogen are introduced into by gas source 110 therein, the overall gas mixture can comprise 1% or the nitrogen of (for example 0.5% or still less, 0.1% or still less) still less, and/or 0.01% or the nitrogen of more (for example 0.05% or more).For example, among the embodiment that He gas and nitrogen are introduced into by gas source 110 therein, the overall gas mixture can comprise 0.01% to 1% nitrogen of (for example from 0.05% to 0.5%, from 0.08% to 0.12%).In certain embodiments, (multiple) gas of interpolation before entering system 100, mix with inert gas (for example, by using gas manifold, this gas manifold mist and import mixture into system 100 by single entrance subsequently).In certain embodiments, (multiple) gas that adds (did not for example mix with inert gas before entering system 100, independent entrance is used for each gas input system 100, and any element in described gas and gas field ion source 120 just becomes mixed before interacting but independent entrance enough approaches).
Gas field ion source 120 is configured, in order to receive one or more gas 182 and produce gas ion from gas 182 from gas source 110.Gas field ion source 120 comprises conductive tip 186 with tip 187, extractor 190 and inhibitor 188 optionally.Typically, the distance on 180 surface 181 (not shown among Fig. 2) is 5cm or longer (10cm or longer for example from tip 187 to sample, 15cm or longer, 20cm or longer, 25cm or longer), and/or 100cm or shorter (for example 80cm or shorter, 60cm or shorter, 50cm or shorter).For example, in certain embodiments, the distance on 180 surface 181 is from 5cm to 100cm (for example from 25cm to 75cm, from 40cm to 60cm, from 45cm to 55cm) from tip 187 to sample.
Conductive tip 186 can be formed by various materials.In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 186 formed by metal (for example, tungsten (W), tantalum (Ta), iridium (Ir), lawrencium (Rh), niobium (Nb), platinum (Pt), molybdenum (Mo)).In certain embodiments, conductive tip 186 can be formed by alloy.In certain embodiments, conductive tip 186 can be formed by different material (for example, carbon (C)).
During use, most advanced and sophisticated 186 with respect to extractor 190 by positive bias (for example approximately 20kV), extractor 190 is with respect to externally (for example being setovered by negative or positive, from-20kV to+50kV), and optionally inhibitor 188 with respect to most advanced and sophisticated 186 by the biasing of plus or minus ground (for example from-5kV extremely+5kV).Because most advanced and sophisticated 186 are formed by electric conducting material, thus at the electric field at the tip 186 of tip 187 outside the surface sensing of tip 187.Because most advanced and sophisticated 186 shape, electric field is the strongest near tip 187.Most advanced and sophisticated 186 electric field strength can be adjusted, and for example, is applied to the positive voltage at tip 186 by change.Adopt this configuration, the not ionizable gas atom 182 that is provided by gas source 110 is ionized and becomes the charged ion near tip 187.This charged ion is repelled by charged most advanced and sophisticated 186 simultaneously and is attracted by the electric extractor 190 of load, so that the charged ion is imported into ion optics 130 as ion beam 192 from most advanced and sophisticated 186.Whole electric field between inhibitor 188 auxiliary controls most advanced and sophisticated 186 and the extractor 190, and thereby control charged ion is from most advanced and sophisticated 186 tracks to ion optics 130, in a word, total electric field between tip 186 and the extractor 190 can be adjusted, in order to be controlled at the speed that tip 187 produces the charged ion, and the charged ion is transported to the efficient of ion optics 130 from tip 186.
For example, do not expect to be bound by theory, think that the He ion can followingly produce.Gas field ion source 120 is configured, so that near the electric field at the tip 186 tip 187 surpasses the ionized electric field of not ionizable He gas atom 182, and tip 186 is maintained under the relatively low temperature.When not ionizable He gas atom 182 during very near tip 187, the He atom can be polarized by the electric field at tip, produces weak attraction between He atom 182 and tip 187.As a result, He atom 182 can contact tip summit 187 and is kept constraint (for example physisorption) some times to it.Near tip 187, electric field is high enough to ionization and is adsorbed to He atom on the tip 187, produces the charged He ion form of ion beam (for example with).
Fig. 3 is the illustrative diagram of tip 187 (formed by W (111), see following discussion).Tip 187 comprises the layer that is positioned to the former subrack of formation.The former subrack of terminal is formed by atom 142.The second former subrack is formed by atom 144, and the 3rd former subrack is formed by atom 146.The neutral gas atom 182 that is transmitted by gas source 110 is present near the tip 187.Atom 182 is polarized owing to the electric field of tip 187, and experiences the relatively weak attraction that causes that atom 182 moves to tip 187, and is indicated such as the arrow on the atom 182.
According to the intensity of the electric field at tip, can have corresponding ionization dish 148 near each atom in the former subrack of tip 187.Ionization dish 148 is space region, and the neutral He atom of wherein swarming into wherein has the Ionized high probability of experience.Typically, the ionization of neutral He atom occurs by the electron tunnel from neutral He atom to the tip atom.Ionization dish 148 thereby represent the space region that He ion wherein produces, the He ion occurs from this district.
The size of the ionization dish 148 of concrete tip atom depends on the shape of tip 187 and puts on the current potential of tip 187.Usually, the ionization of He atom can come across in the space region adjacent to tip 187 of internal field above the ionization potential of He atom.Thereby for the large current potential that puts on tip 187, many most advanced and sophisticated atoms will have the ionization dish.In addition, the shape of tip 187 is depended near the internal field the tip 187.For relatively sharp-pointed tip, near the internal field the tip 187 will be relatively high.For relatively blunt tip, internal field, both just also less near tip 187.
Ionization dish 148 space in Fig. 3 corresponding to the single atom of tip 187 is separated from each other.In certain embodiments, if the electric field of tip 187 is enough large, then from overlapping on can the space more than monatomic ionization dish (for example atom 142), produce the larger ionization dish that strides across close to the space region of a plurality of tip atoms.By reducing the electric field of tip 187, can reduce the volume in the occupied space of ionization dish 148, and can realize the geometry described in Fig. 3, several tip atoms have respectively its oneself ionization dish independent, that separate in the space in described geometry.Because in many situations, the shape of tip 187 was not easy to be changed between the operating period of ion source 120, so near the electric field the tip 187 typically puts on the current potential of tip 187 by adjustment and controlled.
By further reducing to put on the current potential of tip 187, some the ionization dishes among Fig. 3 can be eliminated.For example, tip 187 is so not sharp-pointed near the second former subrack atom 144, and by reducing to put on the current potential of tip 187, near the electric field of the tip 187 atom 144 can be reduced, so that the ionization of He atom does not occur with high probability in these districts.As a result, the ionization dish corresponding to atom 144 no longer exists.But near the electric field of the tip 187 end layer atom 142 can still be high enough to cause the He atomizing/ionizing, and thereby corresponding to ionization dish 148 reservations of atom 142.Put on the current potential of tip 187 by carefully control, ion source 120 can be worked, so that only take inventory corresponding to the ionization of end layer atom 142, and spatially be separated from each other corresponding to the ionization dish of end layer atom.As a result, be produced by near the ionization particular end layer atom near the ionizable He atom tip 187.
Neutral He atom is stayed longlyer in the ionization dish 148 then has an Ionized probability of higher experience.The polarization of the He atom that the electric field by tip 187 is introduced, with the described electric field that causes that polarized He atom moves to tip, guarantee that also polarized He atom keeps being bound by tip 187, increase He atom 182 and stayed time quantum in the ionization dish 148, and increased the Ionized probability of polarized He atom along with the time.
Polarized He atom can also be from a position along tip 187 surface move to the another location.Because the attraction between polarized He atom and the tip 187 depends on the local strength at the electric field of the tip 187 of polarized He atom site, so the motion of polarized He atom trends towards transporting to the end of the tip 187 at the strongest tip 186 of internal field atom (for example to end layer 142).The transport mechanism of the He atom that this is polarized, (for example combine with the control for the current potential that puts on tip 186, in order to ensure only existing only corresponding to the discrete ionization dish of holding layer atom 142), can be used for operation ionization source 120, so that He ion beam 192 is produced by gas field ion source 120, interacting with one of end layer atom 142 by He gas at the independent He ion of ion source 120 in ion beam is produced.Ion beam 192 thereby comprise a plurality of He ions from each end layer atom 142, each He ion can ascribe the ionization of one of end layer atom 142 to.
As discussed above, usually, the size and dimension of ionization dish 148 can be modified by the current potential that change puts on tip 187, and can be with the suitable large current potential that applies, so that adjacent ionization dish 148 is overlapping, perhaps keep separate on the space by the suitable little current potential that applies.Typically, ionization dish 148 and most advanced and sophisticated atom 142,144 and 146 spaced apart with the distance of about 0.4nm.The thickness that typically has about 0.02nm corresponding to the independent ionization dish of most advanced and sophisticated atom is being measured to the direction of the straight line of price fixing and its corresponding atom along connection.Ionization dish 148 typically has the diameter of measuring to the direction of the straight line of price fixing and its corresponding atom perpendicular to connection, and this diameter approximately is the diameter of the atom of correspondence.
Fig. 4 shows the active configuration of tip 187, wherein puts on 3 ionization dishes 148 of current potential generation of most advanced and sophisticated 186, and each ionization dish is corresponding to one of 3 former subrack atoms 142 of terminal.In case the He ion is produced near tip 187, then owing to large positive most advanced and sophisticated current potential, the He ion is promptly accelerated to leave from the tip.The He ion 187 accelerates to leave along a plurality of tracks from tip.Figure 4 illustrates two such tracks 156.As depicted in figure 4, a left side and the limit on the right-right-hand limit of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) (FWHM) that track 156 distributes corresponding to intermediate ends layer atom track.Like this, if track 156 is extrapolated backward (for example along the line 154) to the position of intermediate ends layer atom, then it defines the virtual source 152 of intermediate ends layer atom.The diameter of virtual source 152 is typically less than the diameter of intermediate ends layer atom, and can be more much smaller than the diameter of intermediate ends layer atom (for example divided by 2 or the larger factor, divided by 3 or the larger factor, divided by 5 or the larger factor, divided by 10 or the larger factor).Similar consideration is applicable to other end layer atom, and each end layer atom has corresponding virtual source size.
The little virtual source size of end layer atom can provide many advantages.For example, the little virtual source size of ion beam 192 can assist in ensuring that with the little thickness that produces the ionization dish 148 of the ion ion beam 192 from it ion beam 192 has relative high brightness and relative narrow ion energy distribution.
Do not expect to be bound by theory, think used low tip temperature can negative effect the adverse effect of stream stability and/or the Impurity Absorption that increased from the increase on the tip.Usually, most advanced and sophisticated 186 temperature is 5K or larger (for example 10K or larger, 25K or larger, 50K or larger, 75K or larger), and/or 100K or less (for example 90K or less, 80K or less).For example, most advanced and sophisticated 186 temperature can be from 5K to 100K (for example, from 25K to 90K, from 50K to 90K, from 75K to 80K).Most advanced and sophisticated 186 temperature can obtain occasionally by the thermoelectricity of carrying coolant (for example liquid helium or liquid nitrogen).Alternatively or additionally, most advanced and sophisticated 186 can use cryogenic refrigerator and cooled off at calorifics.
Think if most advanced and sophisticated 186 temperature is excessively low, then the absorbed He atom speed that quilt is transported by the atom 142 in the former subrack of the terminal that moves to tip 187 is reduced, and they can ionizable atom 142 there so that time per unit does not have enough He atom arrival.The result, when most advanced and sophisticated 186 emission pattern is observed (for example, by using field ion microscope (FIM) technology, or by scanning FIM (SFIM) technology), from the abundance of the ion of independent end layer atom from relative high abundance to relatively low abundance alternately (being commonly referred to flicker).For example, when not having to be used for the Ionized He atomic time near end layer atom in some time, this can occur.Temperature along with most advanced and sophisticated 186 increases, and the He atom increases to the speed that transports of the end layer atom of tip 187, and is reduced or eliminates from this observation that replaces high/low abundance of end layer atom 142.
Also think if most advanced and sophisticated 186 excess Temperature can not keep being bound in the most advanced and sophisticated 186 sufficiently long times in order to guarantee near the effective ionization of the He atom end layer atom 142 thereby the He atom that then polarizes will have too high kinetic energy.This can also cause when using FIM and/or SFIM imaging technique to observe the disappearance from the emission pattern of end layer atom.As a result, in order to ensure producing stable ion current in the He ionization technique of each end layer atom 142 from each end layer atom 142, most advanced and sophisticated 186 temperature is carefully controlled, in order to alleviate the height do not expected and low temperature effect.
Usually, ion optics 130 is configured, so that on the surface 181 with ion beam 192 guiding samples 180.Describe in more detail such as following institute, ion optics 130 can for example focus on, the ion in calibration, deflection, acceleration and/or the degraded beam 192.Ion optics 130 can also allow the only part ion in the ion beam 192 to pass ion optics 130.Usually, ion optics 130 comprises various static and other ion optics that configures such as expectation.By the electric field strength of operation one or more element (for example, static deflecter) in the ion optics 130, the surface 181 that He ion beam 192 can scanned sample 180.For example, ion optics 130 can be included in two deflectors of two orthogonal direction deflected ion beam 192.Described deflector can the vicissitudinous electric field strength of tool, so that the district on surface 181 is crossed in ion beam 192 grid scannings (raster).
When ion beam 192 strikes on the sample 180, can produce various dissimilar particles 194.These particles for example comprise secondary electron, auger electrons, secondary ion, secondary neutral particle, neutral particle, scattered ion(s) and a photon (for example x-ray photon, IR photon, optical photon, UV photon).Detector 150 and 160 is positioned and is configured, in order to measure respectively one or more the dissimilar particle that is caused by the interaction between He ion beam 192 and the sample 180.Go out as shown in FIG. 1, detector 150 is positioned, in order to survey mainly the particle 194 that generates from the surface 183 of sample 180, and detector 160 is positioned, in order to survey mainly the particle 194 (for example particle of transmission) that generates from the surface 183 of sample 180.As described in detail below, usually, any quantity of detector and configuration can be used to microscopic system disclosed herein.In certain embodiments, a plurality of detectors are used, and some of a plurality of detectors are configured, in order to measure dissimilar particle.In certain embodiments, detector is configured, in order to the different information for the same type particle (for example the angle of the energy of particle, given particle distributes, total abundance of given particle) are provided.Optionally, can use the combination of such detector arrangement.
Usually, be used for determining the information of sample 180 by the measured information of detector.The typical information of sample 180 comprises the voltage-contrast information, the optical property of sample 180 of surperficial inferior segment of voltage-contrast information (thereby electrical property), the sample 180 on crystal orientation information, the surface 181 of information, the sample 180 of the material composition in surface 181 pattern information, (surface 181 of sample 180 and/or subsurface district), and/or the magnetic property of sample 180.Typically, this information exchange is crossed the image that obtains one or more sample 180 and is determined.By ion beam 192 grid are scanned surperficial 181, the information by pixel of sample 180 can obtain in discrete step.Detector 150 and/or 160 can be configured, in order to survey one or more dissimilar particle 194 of each pixel.Typically, pixel is foursquare, although in certain embodiments, pixel can have different shape (for example rectangle).Pixel Dimensions corresponding to the length on the limit of pixel for example can be, from 100pm to 2 μ m (for example from 1nm to 1 μ m).In certain embodiments, the position of neighbor can be defined at least within the 200pm (for example to the 100pm at least, to 75pm at least, to 50pm at least).Thereby the center that the operator of system can determine described bundle point is (for example to the 100pm at least, to 75pm at least, to 50pm at least) in 200pm at least.In certain embodiments, the visual field of sample 180 (field of view FOV) is 200nm or larger (for example 500nm or larger, 1 μ m or larger, 50 μ m or larger, 100 μ m or larger, 500 μ m or larger, 1mm or larger, 1.5mm or larger), and/or 25mm or less (15mm or less, 10mm or less, 5mm or less).The visual field is called the district of the sample surfaces of ion microscope imaging.
The work of microscopic system 100 is typically controlled by electronic control system 170.For example, electronic control system 170 can be configured, so that the setting of the current potential of the current potential at the temperature at the gas that control provides by gas source 110, tip 186, tip 186, the current potential of extractor 190, inhibitor 188, the element of ion optics 130, the position of sample manipulations device 140, and/or the position of detector 150 and 160 and setting.Optionally, one or more these parameters can be manually controlled (for example, by with the integrated user interface of electronic control system 170).Additionally or alternatively electronic control system 170 (for example can be used, pass through electronic processors, computer for example), be detected the information that device 150 and 160 is collected in order to analyze, and the information of sampling 180 (pattern information for example, material composition information, crystal information, voltage-contrast information, optical property information, magnetic information), these information can optionally be the form of image, figure, table, spreadsheet etc.Typically, electronic control system 170 comprises user interface, and it has output device, input unit and the storage medium of display or other type.
Helium ion microscope system
A. general introduction
Fig. 5 shows the schematic diagram of He ion microscope system 200.Microscopic system 200 comprises the first vaccum case 202 of sealing He ion source and ion optics 130 and the second vaccum case 204 of sealing sample 180 and detector 150 and 160.Gas source 110 is sent to microscopic system 200 by dispatch tube 228 with He gas.Flow regulator 230 controls are by the flow of the He gas of dispatch tube 228.The He ion source comprises the tip 186 that is pasted to most advanced and sophisticated executor 208.The He ion source also comprise configure with the He ion from most advanced and sophisticated 186 extractor 190 and the inhibitor 188 that import ion optics 130.Ion optics 130 comprises first lens 216, aims at deflector 220 and 222, aperture 224, astigmatic correction device 218, scan deflection device 219 and the 221 and second lens 226.Aperture 224 is located in the aperture seat 234.Sample 180 is installed in the sample manipulations device 140 in the second vaccum case 204/on.Detector 150 and 160 also is located in the second vaccum case 204 and is configured, in order to survey the particle 194 from sample 180.Gas source 110, most advanced and sophisticated executor 208, extractor 190, inhibitor 188, first lens 216, aligning deflector 220 and 222, aperture seat 234, astigmatic correction device 218, scan deflection device 219 and 221, sample manipulations device 140 and/or detector 150 and/or 160 are typically controlled by electronic control system 170.Optionally, electronic control system 170 is also controlled vacuum pump 236 and 237, and vacuum pump 236 and 237 is configured, in order to the reduced pressure atmosphere in vaccum case 202 and 204 inside and the ion optics 130 is provided.
B. ion source
As mentioned above, usually, most advanced and sophisticated 186 can be formed by any suitable electric conducting material.In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 186 can be formed by monocrystal material, for example single-crystal metal.Typically, the specific single crystal orientation of the end layer atom of tip 187 and most advanced and sophisticated 186 axis alignment 3 ° or less in (for example, 2 ° or less in, 1 ° or less interior).In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 can end in atomic layer (20 atoms or still less for example, 15 atoms or still less of the atom with some quantity, 10 atoms or still less, 9 atoms or still less, 6 atoms or still less, 3 atoms or still less).For example, most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 can be formed and can be had with 3 by W (111) and hold layer end layer of atoms (trimer).Fig. 6 and 7 shows respectively the amplification plan view of two atomic layers at the W tip 186 of close tip and the illustrative diagram of end view.End layer comprises 3 W atoms 302 arranging with trimer, and corresponding to (111) face of W.Do not expect to be bound by theory, think this trimer surface be superior (with regard to the easiness of its formation, again form and stability), because W (111) thus the surface energy of crystal face advantageously support to form the formed end layer of trimeric 3 W atoms by arranging with equilateral triangle.Trimer atom 302 is supported by the second layer of W atom 304.
In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 186 can have and comprise and be less than 3 atoms or more than the end layer of 3 atoms.For example, W (111) tip can have the end layer that comprises 2 atoms, or only comprises the end layer of an atom.As an alternative, W (111) tip can have and comprises 4 or more polyatomic end layer (for example 5 or polyatom more, 6 or polyatom more, 7 or polyatom more, 8 or polyatom more, 9 or polyatom more, 10 or polyatom more, more than 10 atoms).
Alternatively, or additionally, tip (for example W (112), W (110) or W (100)) corresponding to other W crystal orientation can be used, and such tip can have comprise one or more atoms (for example 2 or more polyatom, 3 or more polyatom, 4 or more polyatom, 5 or more polyatom, 6 or more polyatom, 7 or more polyatom, 8 or more polyatom, 9 or more polyatom, 10 or more polyatom, more than 10 atoms) the end layer.
In certain embodiments, the tip that is formed by the material outside the monocrystalline W can be used for the ion source (monocrystalline of metal for example, the monocrystalline of one of above-mentioned metal for example), and such tip can have comprise one or more atoms (for example 2 or more polyatom, 3 or more polyatom, 4 or more polyatom, 5 or more polyatom, 6 or more polyatom, 7 or more polyatom, 8 or more polyatom, 9 or more polyatom, 10 or more polyatom, more than 10 atoms) the end layer.
As described below, the shape of tip 187 can have the impact for the quality of ion beam, and this can have the impact for the performance of microscopic system 200.For example, when observing from the side, tip 187 can become around the symmetrical pattern of its longitudinal axis, perhaps can become around the asymmetric pattern of its longitudinal axis, in certain embodiments, from one or more end views, tip 187 can center on its longitudinal axis and symmetrical pattern one-tenth, and from one or more different end views, most advanced and sophisticated 187 can center on its longitudinal axis and unsymmetrical looks one-tenth.Fig. 8 shows the typical case's most advanced and sophisticated 300 who becomes with respect to its longitudinal axis 308 asymmetric patterns end view (with than magnification ratio much smaller in Fig. 6 and 7).From given end view, example is such as, the parameter of average full cone angle and average cone direction, and the degree that becomes along the longitudinal axis 308 most advanced and sophisticated 300 asymmetric patterns can be quantized.These parameters are following to be determined.
Most advanced and sophisticated 300 image uses scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and obtains.Fig. 8 is the illustrative diagram of such image.Most advanced and sophisticated 300 comprise that summit 310 and 312, two points of second point all are positioned on the longitudinal axis 308, and point 312 is along the longitudinal axis 308 and 310 intervals, summit, 1 μ m.Dotted line 314 extends and passes through point 312 perpendicular to axle 308 in the plane of Fig. 8.Line 314 is crossing at point 316 and 318 with most advanced and sophisticated 300 outline line.Left taper angle theta lBe the tangent line of outline line at point 316 tips 300 and line 320 (by put 316 and be parallel to the dotted line that axle 308 extends) between angle.Similarly, right taper angle theta rBe the tangent line of outline line at point 318 tips 300 and line 322 (by put 318 and be parallel to the dotted line that axle 308 extends) between angle.Most advanced and sophisticated 300 full cone angle is θ lAnd θ rNumerical value and.For example, for θ wherein lNumerical value be 21.3 ° and θ rNumerical value be given end view among 11.6 ° the embodiment, be 32.9 ° for the full cone angle of the outline line at the tip 300 of this end view.Because most advanced and sophisticated 300 can be in an end view for symmetrical in different end views for asymmetric, so most advanced and sophisticated 300 average full cone angle is determined in expectation usually.Average full cone angle is determined (each rotates most advanced and sophisticated 300 around axle 308 with 45 ° of orders corresponding to the last end view for most advanced and sophisticated 300) by the full cone angle of 8 different end views of measurement most advanced and sophisticated 300, and the mean value of 8 full cone angles that calculate subsequently thereby obtain, the result obtains average full cone angle.Do not expect to be bound by theory, think if average full cone angle is too small, arc discharge can appear (for example then between the operating period at tip, when most advanced and sophisticated 300 during for generation of ion beam 192), and because near the large electric field most advanced and sophisticated 300, the He ion that produces by He atom and the most advanced and sophisticated atomic interaction outside the atom on the end layer at tip can occur.Also think, if average full cone angle is excessive, then can reduce repeatedly to build again most advanced and sophisticated 300 ability, to such an extent as to and near the electric field most advanced and sophisticated 300 can cross low reliably ionization He atom and produce stable He ion current.In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 300 average full cone angle can be 45 ° or less (for example 42 ° or less, 40 ° or less, 35 ° or less, 32 ° or less, 31 ° or less), and/or average full cone angle can be 15 ° or larger (for example 20 ° or larger, 23 ° or larger, 25 ° or larger, 28 ° or larger, 29 ° or larger).For example, most advanced and sophisticated 300 average full cone angle can be (for example from 28 ° to 32 °, from 29 ° to 31 °, 30 °) from 27 ° to 33 °.In certain embodiments, the standard deviation of 8 full cone angle measurings be average full cone angle 40% or less (for example 30% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less).
The cone direction is θ lAnd θ rNumerical value between half of absolute value of difference.Thereby, for example, for θ wherein lNumerical value be 21.3 ° and θ rNumerical value be given end view among 11.6 ° the embodiment, the cone direction is 0.5*|21.3 °-11.6 ° |, or 4.9 °.Because for the identical reason of the discussion of average full cone angle, can expect to determine most advanced and sophisticated average cone direction with above-mentioned.On average the cone direction is determined by measuring the cone direction for 8 different end views (each end view is corresponding to sequentially rotating most advanced and sophisticated 300 around axle 308 with 45 ° for last figure) of most advanced and sophisticated 300, and calculate subsequently the mean value of 8 cone orientation measurements, the result is average cone direction.In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 300 average cone direction can be 10 ° or less (for example, 9 ° or less, 8 ° or less, 7 ° or less, 6 ° or less, 5 ° or less), and/or most advanced and sophisticated 300 average cone direction can be 0 ° or larger (for example 1 ° or larger, 2 ° or larger, 3 ° or larger, 4 ° or larger).In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 300 average cone direction is (for example, from 1 ° to 10 °, from 3 ° to 10 °, from 6 ° to 10 °, from 2 ° to 8 °, from 4 ° to 6 °) from 0 ° to 10 °.
Most advanced and sophisticated 300 can also be characterized by its radius of curvature, and radius of curvature can followingly be determined.Fig. 9 shows most advanced and sophisticated 300 diagrammatic side view.In practice, this end view uses SEM to obtain.At the either side of the longitudinal axis 308, the slope of most advanced and sophisticated 300 outline line is measured.Point 324 and 326 be on most advanced and sophisticated 300 surface close to the point on summit 310, the slope of the outline line at 310 tips 300 on the summit (indicated by tangent line 328 and 330 respectively) has respectively 1 and-1 value (for example 45 ° of oblique lines).Perpendicular to axle 308 and in the plane of Fig. 9 measured point 324 and the distance between the axle 308 be most advanced and sophisticated 300 left cut linear distance T lPerpendicular to axle 308 and in the plane of Fig. 9 measured point 326 and the distance between the axle 308 be that most advanced and sophisticated 300 right tangent is apart from T rLeft radius R lPress R l=2 1/2T lCalculate, and right radius is pressed R r=2 1/2T rCalculate.Most advanced and sophisticated 300 radius of curvature R is pressed R lAnd R rMean value calculation.Thereby, for example, T therein l120nm and T rAmong the embodiment of 43nm, R l169nm, R rBe 61nm, and R is 115nm.Because for the identical reason of the discussion of average full cone angle, can expect to determine most advanced and sophisticated mean radius of curvature with above-mentioned.Mean radius of curvature is determined by measuring radius of curvature for 8 different end views (each end view is corresponding to sequentially rotating most advanced and sophisticated 300 around axle 308 with 45 ° for last figure) of most advanced and sophisticated 300, and calculate subsequently the mean value of 8 radius of curvature, the result is mean radius of curvature.Do not expect to be bound by theory, think if mean radius of curvature is too small, the ionization of He gas then near the most advanced and sophisticated atom outside the atom that can occur between the operating period at tip on arc discharge and/or the end layer at the tip, can occur.If mean radius of curvature is excessive, then can reduce repeatedly to build again the ability at tip 300, and because near the lower electric field strength most advanced and sophisticated 300, near the ionization speed of the He atom most advanced and sophisticated 300 can be reduced.In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 300 radius of curvature is 200nm or less (for example 180nm or less, 170nm or less, 160nm or less, 150nm or less, 140nm or less, 130nm or less), and/or most advanced and sophisticated 300 mean radius of curvature is 40nm or larger (for example 50nm or larger, 60nm or larger, 70nm or larger, 80nm or larger, 90nm or larger, 100nm or larger, 110nm or larger).For example, in certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 300 mean radius of curvature is from 40nm to 200nm (for example, from 50nm to 190nm, from 60nm to 180nm, from 70nm to 170nm, from 80nm to 160nm).In certain embodiments, the standard deviation of 8 radius of curvature measurement be mean radius of curvature 40% or less (for example, 30% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less).
Figure 10 is the flow chart of making the technique 400 at W (111) tip with trimeric end atomic layer.In first step 402, monocrystalline W (111) presoma line is attached at supporting component.Typically, W (111) presoma line has 3mm or less diameter (for example 2mm or less, 1mm or less), and/or 0.2mm or larger diameter (for example, 0.3mm or larger, 0.5mm or larger).In certain embodiments, W (111) presoma line has diameter from 0.2mm to 0.5mm (for example from 0.3mm to 0.4mm, 0.25mm).Suitable presoma line can for example obtain from FEI Beam Technology (Hillsboro, OR).
More at large, in certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated presoma can be the form that is different from line.For example, most advanced and sophisticated presoma can be formed by electric conducting material, and this electric conducting material has the projection that stops with crystal structure.The end points of projection can be mono-crystalline structures for example, and can be formed by W (111), and perhaps other material by similar or different crystal orientation forms.
Figure 11 A and 11B show respectively perspective view and the upward view of the embodiment of supporting component 520.Supporting component 520 comprises pillar 522a and the 522b that is connected to support substrate 524. Pillar 522a and 522b are connected to heater line 526a and 526b, and the length of W (111) presoma line 528 (for example by welding) is connected to heater line 526a and 526b.Pillar 522a and 522b can be connected to servicing unit, and current source (for example power supply) for example is in order to allow the temperature of control W (111) presoma line 528.
Matrix 524 provide the mechanical support of assembly 520 and usually by can bearing temperature the one or more material of circulation form, and play electrical insulator.For example, in certain embodiments, matrix 524 is formed by electrical insulating material, for example glass and/or hard polymer and/or pottery.
Pillar 522a and 522b are formed by one or more electric conducting materials usually.Typically, the material that is used to form pillar 522a and 522b is selected, so that pillar 522a has similar thermal coefficient of expansion with 522b to matrix 524, and so that pillar 522a and 522b during the temperature cycles of presoma line 528, remain fixed in the appropriate location with respect to matrix 524.In certain embodiments, pillar 522a and 522b are formed by the alloy that comprises iron, nickel and cobalt.The example that can form the material that can obtain on the market of pillar 522a and 522b is KOVAR TM
Usually, heater line 526a and 526b are formed by the one or more material with resistivity higher than presoma line 528.For example, in certain embodiments, heater line 526a and 526b can be formed by the material of for example tungsten-rhenium alloy.Explain as following, when electric current (for example, from external power source) passes through this line, heater line 526a and 526b heating, and during each most advanced and sophisticated processing step, this heat can be used to increase and/or control the temperature of presoma line 528.Usually, the diameter of heater line 526a and 526b and material are selected, in order to guarantee that the temperature control for presoma line 528 can be implemented during manufacturing process.In certain embodiments, heater line 526a and 526b for example have the diameter from 100 μ m to 750 μ m.
The geometrical property of matrix 524, pillar 522a and 522b and heater line 526a and 526b can be selected according to expectation usually.For example, in certain embodiments, the distance between pillar 522a and the 522b can be from 1mm to 10mm.
Optionally, can be attached at matrix 524 more than two pillars (for example 3 pillars, 4 pillars, 5 pillars, 6 pillars), each pillar is connected to presoma line 528 by the heater line of correspondence.Provide extra pillar can increase assembly 520 stability and/or reduce assembly 520 for the sensitiveness of mechanical oscillation.
In certain embodiments, presoma line 528 can be fixed in the appropriate location by the supporting component that has applied compression stress for line.For example, Figure 12 shows and comprises the fixedly typical supporting component 520 of the Vogel seat of presoma line 528.Suitable Vogel seat can obtain from for example AP Tech (McMinnville, OR) on market.Supporting component 550 comprises support substrate 556 and is attached at the hold-down arm 552 of matrix 556.For fixing presoma line 528, the space that arm 552 is pried open and slider (for example being formed by RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON) 554 is inserted between the arm.Presoma line 528 is inserted into the opening between the slider 554 subsequently, and hold-down arm 552 is released subsequently.Because the elasticity of arm 552, arm is applying compression stress for slider 554 and presoma line 528 by arrow 558 and 560 indicated directions, and is thus that presoma line 528 is fixing against slider 554.Stiction between line 528, slider 554 and the arm 552 has hindered the relative motion of these elements, guarantees that line 528 remains fixed in the appropriate location of supporting component 550.Typically, line 528 is extending for example distance between the 1mm and 5mm above the arm 552.
Matrix 556 can be by form (for example, glass and/or hard polymer and/or pottery) similar in appearance to the material that can be used to form matrix 524.The material of matrix 556 typically can bearing temperature the electrical insulating material of circulation.
Hold-down arm 552 can be formed by one or more electric conducting materials.The material that is used to form arm 552 also can be selected, so that matrix 556 has similar thermal coefficient of expansion with arm 552, and so that during the temperature cycles of presoma line 528, arm 552 remains secured to suitable position with respect to matrix 556.In certain embodiments, arm 552 is formed by the alloy that comprises iron, nickel and cobalt.The example that forms the material that can obtain on the market of arm 552 is KOVAR TM
Slider 554 is formed by the material of for example RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON.Suitable RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON slider can obtain from for example AP Tech (McMinnville, OR).The RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON slider is typically formed in order to produce layer structure by a series of flat carbon plates that are laminated to each other.Usually, the resistivity of RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON changes according to direction, the resistivity of carbon (for example almost perpendicular to the direction on the plane of laminates) on the direction perpendicular to sheet than along high on the direction on the plane that is parallel to sheet.During installation, slider 554 is oriented, so that the direction of the high electrical resistance of slider 554 is roughly parallel to the direction (for example being roughly parallel to arrow 558 and 560) of the compression stress that is applied by arm 552.When electric current was introduced into arm 552, slider 554 was owing to its high resistivity produces heat.Thereby slider 554 can be with the heating element of the temperature that adjusts presoma line 528.
Refer again to Figure 10, in second step 404, presoma line 528 is etched so that the tip of shaped wire 528 in electrochemical bath.Usually, step 404 comprises a plurality of substeps.
The first substep in etch process can optionally be cleaning, in order to remove surface contaminant from line 528.This etch process can relate to and line 528 is placed in the chemical etching solution and exposes line 528 to exchanging (AC) voltage.For example, solution can be the 1N solution of NaOH (NaOH), and can use the AC voltage of 1V.Subsequently, whole supporting component (for example supporting component 520 or 550) can cleaned (for example supersonic cleaning in water) in order to remove some residual pollutant.
The next son step is optionally to apply anticorrosive additive material to the part of line 528 in step 404.Typically, on about 0.5 the length that anticorrosive additive material is applied to that the summit from line 528 of line 528 begins.Applying of anticorrosive additive material can be implemented, and for example, immerses resist for several times by resist solution being dripped on the surface that is placed on cleaning and with line 528, allows resist dry a little between applying for several times.The resist that is applied in has limited the amount of etched presoma line 528 in follow-up processing step.Because the formation at follow-up tip is often followed by etching and is removed previous tip on the presoma line 528, so the use of anticorrosive additive material allows online by a large amount of most advanced and sophisticated in given presoma line formation before throwing aside.Various anticorrosive additive material can be applied in presoma line 528.Typical anticorrosive additive material is cosmetic nail polish.In certain embodiments, can use more than a kind of anticorrosive additive material.But, forming technique for the tip, the use of anticorrosive additive material is optionally, in certain embodiments, carries out in manufacturing process before the subsequent step, anticorrosive additive material can not be applied in presoma line 528.
Next son step in step 404 is chemical etching presoma line 528.Can use various electrochemical etching processes.In certain embodiments, used following electrochemical etching process.Supporting component is placed in the Etaching device, and this Etaching device comprises translation device, the dish of translation supporting component and extends into the electrode (for example stainless steel electrode) of dish.Etching solution is placed in the dish, so that solution and electrode contact.Supporting component reduces until the contact etch solution just in time of the resist interface on the line 528 to dish by translation device.Line 528 is lowered subsequently additional amount (for example 0.2mm) and enters etching solution.
Etching solution comprises the composition (for example NaOH) of chemical corrosion line 528.Etching solution comprises among the embodiment of NaOH therein, and the concentration of NaOH can be selected in the etching solution, in order to change the corrosion rate of presoma line 528 and the chemical environment of solution.For example, in certain embodiments, the concentration of NaOH can be 0.1M or larger (for example, 0.2M or larger, 0.5M or larger, 0.6M or larger, 0.8M or larger, 1.0M or larger, 1.2M or larger, 1.4M or larger, 1.6M or larger, 2.0M or larger, 2.5M or larger, 3.0M or larger) and/or 10.0M or less (for example, 9.0M or less, 8.0M or less, 7.0M or less, 6.5M or less, 5.5M or less, 5.0M or less, 4.5M or less, 4.0M or less).In certain embodiments, the concentration of NaOH is from 0.5M to 10.0M (for example, from 1.0M to 9.0M, from 1.5M to 8.0M, from 2.0M to 7.0M, from 2.0M to 6.0M, from 2.0M to 3.0M).
In certain embodiments, other corrosive agent may be added to etching solution, substitutes or be additional to NaOH.The example of such corrosive agent comprises KOH (KOH that comprises melting), HCl, H 3PO 4, H 2SO 4, KCN and/or melting NaNO 3The ability of the presoma line that the corrosive agent in the etching solution can be formed by the material of particular type according to its corrosion is selected.For example, for example the etchant of NaOH can be used for the line that corrosion is formed by W.Line for the different materials by for example Ir forms can use other corrosive agent in etching solution.
In certain embodiments, etching solution can comprise the surfactant of relatively little amount.Do not expect to be bound by theory, think that surfactant can assist the etched symmetry that improves presoma line 528.The surfactant that is suitable for this purpose comprises for example PhotoFlo 200, can obtain from Eastman Kodak (Rochester, NY).Usually the concentration of surfactant is 0.1 volume % or larger (for example 0.2 volume % or larger, 0.3 volume % or larger, 0.4 volume % or larger) in etching solution, and/or 2 volume % or less (for example 1 volume % or less, 0.8 volume % or less, 0.6 volume % or less).
In certain embodiments, etch process can also carry out in the situation of the stirring of etching solution.The speed that etching solution is stirred can be determined according to etched result empirically.
After the location presoma line 528, external power source is connected to line 528 and electrode in etching solution, and strides across line 528 and electrode applies current potential, in order to promote the electrochemical corrosion reaction of line 528.Usually, voltage can from or AC power supplies or direct current (DC) power supply be applied in.The size of the voltage that applies usually can be selected by expectation, determines according to the empirical of the size that produces uniform etched presoma line 528.For example, in certain embodiments, the size of the current potential that is applied in is 3.0V or larger (for example 3.2V or larger, 3.5V or larger, 4.0V or larger, 5.0V or larger, 10V or larger, 15V or larger, 20V or larger), and/or 50V or less (for example, 40V or less, 35V or less, 30V or less, 25V or less).In certain embodiments, the size of the current potential that is applied in (for example, from 3.5V to 40V, from 4.0V to 30V, from 4.5V to 20V) between 3.0V and 50V.
Thereby the duration that puts on the AC pulse of etching solution can preferably change the etching that improves controlled line 528 usually.For example, in certain embodiments, the pulse that puts on etching solution has 10ms or longer duration (25ms or longer for example, 50ms or longer, 75ms or longer, 100ms or longer, 150ms or longer, and/or 1 second or shorter (900ms or shorter for example 200ms or longer, 250ms or longer),, 800ms or shorter, 700ms or shorter, 650ms or shorter, 600ms or shorter).In certain embodiments, the pulse that puts on etching solution has the duration (for example from 10ms to 900ms, from 10ms to 800ms, from 10ms to 700ms, from 10ms to 600ms) from 10ms to 1 second.
Usually, thus the pulse of duration and/or size variation can be applied in the corrosion of presoma line 528 in the zone that etching solution causes the line that contacts with solution.Typically, during technique, the end of part presoma line 528 is fallen in the etching solution, and the etching region that the quilt of presoma line 528 newly exposes is further processed in subsequent step.For example, suitable etching mode comprises initially the applying of AC pulse of about 100 big or small 5V, and each pulse has the duration of about 580ms.After this, apply the series of about 60 pulses, duration and size that each pulse has about 325ms are 5V.Then, the pulse with duration 35ms and big or small 5V is applied in, until the end of line 528 is fallen in the etching solution.
Applying electric pulse during the etching solution, the immersion depth of presoma line 528 can be adjusted.Typically, etch process causes forming the narrow diameter district of presoma line 528.The immersion depth of adjusting line 528 can assist in ensuring that the meniscus of etching solution is located in the mid point near the narrow diameter district, and this can improve the relatively probability at symmetrical tip of formation.Along with near drop point (for example, along with the narrow diameter district becomes very little), carry out the adjustment of immersion depth, in order to guarantee that the end of presoma line 528 is not snapped.After dropping in the end of presoma line 528, the most advanced and sophisticated of the line 528 that newly is exposed immersed etching solution considerably lessly and applies other electric pulse.In certain embodiments, apply two electric pulses.For example, the first electric pulse can be that (for example, from 3V to 7V, 5V) duration from 20ms to 50ms (for example from 1V to 10V, from 30ms to 40ms, 35ms), and the second pulse can be from 1V to 10V (for example, from 3V to 7V, 5V), duration from 10ms to 25ms (for example, from 15ms to 20ms, 17ms).
Supporting component is removed from Etaching device subsequently, by rinsing (for example, with distilled water or deionized water) and be dried (for example flowing down at the nitrogen of drying).
The next step 406 of technique 400 is that check supporting component (and especially line 528 etched tips) has suitable geometric characteristic in order to verify etched tip.As discussed previously, for example, the mensuration of geometric characteristic comprises the contour images that obtains etched tip and calculates various geometric parameters from the data that contour images obtains.Can example such as SEM test.The contour images at the tip of line 528 can obtain with very high enlargement ratio, for example 65,000 times enlargement ratio.The geometric parameter of measuring can for example comprise average tip curvature radius, on average bore direction, average full cone angle.In this situation, if the shape at etched tip is improper, then can be by assembly being turned back to Etaching device and reducing the etched tip of line 528 until tip contact etch solution and reshape slightly the tip just in time to dish.Electric pulse (for example pulse of from 1 to 3 duration 35ms and big or small 5V) in a small amount can be used for reshaping the tip of line 528.For example, if the average full cone angle at the tip of line 528 is too small, then the pulse of short duration of a small amount of can increase indistinctively for increasing average full cone angle the mean radius at etched tip.After the applying of the electric pulse that these are other, the tip can then again be checked in SEM in order to verify it and correctly be reshaped.
Subsequently, in step 408, the end layer on the summit at the tip of etched line 528 is formed trimer.This technique is usually directed to imaging tip (for example using FIM or SFIM) and be shaped most advanced and sophisticated (for example using field evaporation).
In certain embodiments, step 408 is included among the FIM and supporting component is installed and FIM is vacuumized.The tip of line 528 is cooled (for example, to liquid nitrogen temperature), and He gas is provided to FIM (for example, with about 5 * 10 -6The pressure of Torr).Be applied in the tip of line 528 with respect to the positive potential (for example, with respect to extractor 5kV or larger) of extractor, thus and the coupling vertex at the tip of He atom and line 528 formation He ion.The He ion is accelerated from the summit of the charged at the tip of line 528 and leaves.Detector for example optionally is coupled to the phosphor screen of the bidimensional imaging device of CCD camera for example, is located in the distance that distance ionogenic is selected, and is oriented as and is approximately perpendicular to from ionogenic main ion beam trajectory.The collision ion causes phosphor screen emission photon, and photon is surveyed by the CCD camera.Will be than showing brightlyer corresponding to the zone of the ion that is detected of small number relatively corresponding to the zone of the image of the ion that is detected of relative majority amount.The ionization of He gas atom comes across the summit at the tip of line 528 and locates near the independent ion source atom.As a result, be detected image that device absorbs corresponding to ionogenic emission pattern.More specifically, the bright spot from the image that detector obtains is corresponding to the independent atom on ion source summit.Thereby the FIM image is the image on summit at the tip of the atom line 528 of resolving.According to the FIM image, can be determined in crystal structure, orientation and the concrete layout of the atom on ion source summit.
If the desired characteristic on the summit at the tip of line 528 does not exist, then the tip can example such as field evaporation and being formed.During field evaporation, still there is the background pressure of He gas in the image at the etched tip of line 528 on the focus of FIM detector and in FIM, positive potential on the tip is increased (for example, with respect to extractor 15kV or larger) until W atom (with the pollutant atom) is removed in the position that the electric field of gained begins from the highest tip of internal field.The removed speed of atom is controlled, in order to avoid atomic group to be removed simultaneously.Usually, field evaporation continues under the detection of FIM emission image, is in correct crystal orientation until verified the surface at etched tip, and determines the pollutant do not expected at the end layer at tip.
After field evaporation, can expect that sharpening is most advanced and sophisticated.Most advanced and sophisticated for sharpening, He gas is pumped out the FIM chamber, and the bias voltage at online 528 tip is changed to respect to being negative publicly, so that the summit electron emission at the tip of line 528.Response incident electron and produce the detector of photon for example covers phosphor and gets glass screen and be positioned, so that intercepting gets electronics from the tip.Electron emission from the tip is surveyed and be used to monitor to the photon that produces by suitable detector (for example photon detector of CCD device, photomultiplier, photodiode or other type).In certain embodiments, detector can couple directly to photon generation apparatus.In certain embodiments, detector and photon generation apparatus be not by direct-coupling.For example, for example the optical element of mirror can be used for the photon that produces is directed to detector.
Put on most advanced and sophisticated voltage bias adjusted, until the electron stream that measures expectation is (for example from 25pA to 75pA, from 40pA to 60pA, 50pA).The most advanced and sophisticated temperature that is heated to subsequently expectation (for example from 1000K to 1700K, from 1300K to 1600K, 1500K), and most advanced and sophisticated by visual monitoring in order to survey the light that applies in response to voltage and heat from the tip emission.The light that sends from the tip can be monitored, for example, uses the mirror of location so that the light of launching to suitable photo-detector (for example CCD device, the photo-detector of photomultiplier, photodiode or other type) reflection quilt tip).Heat can use various devices to be applied in the tip, resistive heating device (for example reheater) for example, radiant heating device, induction heating equipment, or electron beam.In light 15 seconds to 45 seconds (for example 25 seconds to 35 seconds, 30 seconds) after the tip occurs first, the current potential and the heater that are applied in all are closed, and produce to have trimer as the line 528 of its end atomic layer.
Optionally, gas can be used for the sharpening tip.For example, oxygen can be introduced into the FIM chamber in order to improve the sharpening of the W tip end surface of sphering.After He gas was removed from the FIM chamber, sharpening gas (for example oxygen) was introduced into, and most advanced and sophisticated at oxygen with selected and pressure be heated in the presence of the time.For example, most advanced and sophisticated for sharpening sphering W, at first He is pumped the FIM chamber and be heated to temperature (for example 1500K) between 1300K and the 1700K with rear tip.The tip is maintained between the 1500K one to five minute.Then, oxygen can be about 10 -5Be introduced into chamber under the pressure of Torr, kept simultaneously most advanced and sophisticated temperature about 2 minutes.Along with oxygen flows into continuing of described chamber, most advanced and sophisticated temperature then is decreased to (for example 1000K) between 700K and the 1200K, and the tip was maintained at this temperature roughly two minutes.At last, be closed for the oxygen supply of chamber and oxygen be pumped out chamber until oxygen pressure wherein less than 10 -7Torr.Simultaneously, the tip is cooled to normal working temperature (for example in certain embodiments roughly 77K) and He is introduced into the FIM chamber again.When the tip is imaged in the FIM pattern, be observed corresponding to the W trimer on the top, tip of W (111) face.Have and to remove and to be stored for subsequent use from FIM subsequently as W (111) line of trimeric end layer.
Although the embodiment that the FIM that wherein separates with system 200 is used for imaging/shaped wire tip has been described in the front,, in certain embodiments, system 200 can be used as FIM.In such embodiments, usually according to the technique described in the paragraph in front, supporting component is installed in the ion source and system 200 works as FIM.In certain embodiments, when operating system 200 was in the FIM pattern, detector can be located in sample 280 and usually be located part (that is, sample 180 is not present in its normal position).In certain embodiments, when operating system 200 is in the FIM pattern, flat sample with relatively high secondary electron productive rate can be located in sample 180 and usually be located part, and be detected by He ion and the flat sample secondary electron that produces that interacts, extremely the intensity on the flat sample is proportional because the intensity of the secondary electron that is detected is usually with the He ion incidence.
Optionally, system 200 works in the SFIM pattern during the imaging/forming technology of tip online.In such embodiments, described technique is as described in the paragraph formerly, thereby is used for the field emission pattern on summit that surface with the scanned aperture 224 of ion beam grid produces the line tip except aiming at deflector 220 and 222.The part of passing the ion beam in aperture 224 can optionally be focused on by the second lens 226, perhaps keeps not being focused.In the SFIM pattern, the image at line tip is obtained by pixel ground, and each measured image pixel intensities is corresponding to the part of the ion beam that is allowed to pass through aperture 224.Image pixel intensities can be launched pattern with image with the field at tip together, perhaps more at large, presents with a plurality of signals of telecommunication.Field emission pattern can be used to evaluate most advanced and sophisticated various performances subsequently, is used for adaptability of gas field ion microscope in order to determine it.In the SFIM pattern, detector can and be such as the type described in the paragraph formerly such as the location described in the paragraph formerly.Optionally, detector can be the integrated detector in space, for example photomultiplier or photodiode.
Above-mentioned technique can be used for first sharpening W tip usually, and can be used for the again sharpening at W tip in the ion microscope system.Again sharpening like this can be carried out in system 200, both just carries out among the FIM of the initial process at sharpening W tip outside system 200.Sharpening can be carried out in the mode identical with initial sharpening usually again, and perhaps sharpening technique can be different from initial sharpening technique again.In certain embodiments, whether again sharpening expect in order to assess, and microscopic system 200 can be configured to work in FIM and/or SFIM pattern, as mentioned above.According to the image at one or more tips, again sharpening technique can be activated or postpone.In certain embodiments, other standard can be used in order to determine when and start again sharpening.For example, if when the ion current of measuring from the tip drops down onto under the threshold value of foundation, can start again sharpening after the work of a period of time.
As the first step in the sharpening again, the tip can be by field evaporation in order to remove atom near tip.For example, microscopic system 200 can be configured to work in FIM and/or SFIM pattern, discusses as above-mentioned, and puts on most advanced and sophisticated current potential and can carefully be adjusted, in order to produce the field evaporation of controlled most advanced and sophisticated atom.During the evaporation technology on the scene, most advanced and sophisticated field emission pattern can be by detector (for example, phosphorus coupling photon detector, or be configured to measure the secondary electron detector of the secondary of self-balancing sample) in FIM or SFIM pattern, obtain, and monitoredly interrupt field evaporation technique in order to determine when.As before, when the surface at tip was in correct crystal orientation and is clean, this tip can be by again sharpening.
He gas is pumped out microscopic system 200, until background He pressure is less than about 10 -7Torr.In certain embodiments, in order to start again sharpening, negative potential is applied to the tip, in order in electronic pattern, operate microscopic system 200, and most advanced and sophisticated by heating as previously described by sharpening.In certain embodiments, for example the sharpening gas of oxygen is introduced into microscopic system 200, and most advanced and sophisticated is heated the selected time in the presence of oxygen, and is as described earlier.Follow again sharpening technique, He gas is introduced microscopic system 200 again, and in the situation that system configuration is for to work in FIM and/or SFIM pattern, the one or more image at the tip of sharpening is ingested again, so that the checking tip comprises the trimer corresponding to W (111) face.
In certain embodiments, some again sharpening step can be by the hardware in the electronic control system 170 and/or software and is automatically carried out.For example, in certain embodiments, the sharpening technique that is applied to the sphering tip can be carried out with automated manner.The example of the sharpening job step that electronic control system 170 is implemented is as described below.At first, control system 170 by activate pump 236 and/or 237 and so that microscopic system 200 vacuumizes and cooling tip to liquid nitrogen temperature.When the background pressure of the gas in microscopic system 200 during less than the threshold value that is established, most advanced and sophisticated by control system 170, by being heated to 1500K for the electric current that supports most advanced and sophisticated heater wire and apply calibration.After two minutes, control system 170 is introduced microscopic system 200 by opening the valve on the source of oxygen with oxygen under 1500K.Valve openings is adjusted, in order to remain in the microscopic system 200 about 10 -5The oxygen pressure of Torr.After other two minutes, most advanced and sophisticated temperature is by control system 170, and the flow that enters system by regulating the liquid nitrogen cooling agent is reduced to 1100K.Under 1100K after two minutes, control system 170 is closed for the oxygen supply of system and cooling tip to liquid nitrogen temperature.In this situation, the FIM that (being measured by the operator) is most advanced and sophisticated and/or SFIM image can be used for artificial checking in the existence of the W (111) on the summit at tip.
Do not expect to be bound by theory, think that oxygen can promote the trimeric formation as most advanced and sophisticated end atomic layer.In certain embodiments, the pressure of the oxygen in the FIM chamber can be 10 -7Torr or larger (for example 10 -6Torr or larger, 10 -5Torr or larger, 10 -4And/or 1Torr or less by (for example, 10 Torr or larger), -1Torr or less, 10 -2Torr or less, 10 -3Torr or less).In certain embodiments, the pressure of the oxygen in the FIM chamber can be from 10 -8Torr to 10 -2Torr is (for example, from 10 -7Torr to 10 -3Torr, from 10 -6Torr to 10 -4Torr).Other gas and material also can be used for promoting the trimeric formation of conduct end atomic layer during most advanced and sophisticated sharpening.For example, such as the material of palladium, platinum, gold and/or indium can be before sharpening again by vapour deposition on the surface at the tip of sphering.Think that these materials can promote the trimeric formation on the summit at tip more reliably.
In certain embodiments, the sharpening at W tip can realize by the controlled heat at tip, and applied field or intentionally add oxygen not.For example, the W tip can be through the following steps by sharpening: 1) install most advanced and sophisticated in the FIM chamber; 2) reduce the total pressure of FIM chamber; 3) add heated tip to 1000K maintenance 5 minutes; And cooling (for example to liquid nitrogen temperature).Do not expect to be bound by theory, think that the trace that is present in the oxygen on the tip as oxide can help to use the heat sharpening most advanced and sophisticated.In certain embodiments, can be exposed to oxygen flow by the tip of sharpening, be placed in the environment of basic anaerobic, and by controlled heating by sharpening.Think that the method can produce on the surface at tip the W oxide, and the oxygen that discharges from the W oxide during heating can be assisted most advanced and sophisticated sharpening technique.
In certain embodiments, one or more additional gas can exist during most advanced and sophisticated sharpening.For example, in certain embodiments, nitrogen can exist.Do not expect to be bound by theory, think that nitrogen can help etching most advanced and sophisticated in order to the structure that has as the more sphering of trimeric end atomic layer is provided; Think that the tip of trimer termination of such less sphering of structure is more stable.Usually, nitrogen and oxygen are introduced into simultaneously.In certain embodiments, the pressure of the nitrogen in the FIM chamber can be 10 -8Torr or larger (for example, 10 -7And/or 10 Torr or larger), -5Torr or less by (for example, 10 -6Torr).In certain embodiments, the nitrogen pressure in the FIM chamber can be from 10 -5Torr to 10 -8Torr is (for example, from 10 -6Torr to 10 -7Torr).
Optionally, form trimer and auxiliary guarantee most advanced and sophisticated sharpening technique be repeatably after, put on by the positive potential at the tip of sharpening and be increased, so that the field evaporation at controlled tip occurs.After most advanced and sophisticated a period of time, tip is rendered as the shape of sphering again at field evaporation.Typically, the tip of sphering produces the emission pattern at the tip after the initial fields evaporation step.Then, the tip of sphering again in electronic pattern by sharpening, in order to produce as trimeric end atomic layer (for example using above-mentioned technique).In certain embodiments, in order to increase by the life-span at the tip of sharpening and stability, one or more trimers can use the field evaporation technology from being removed by the tip of sharpening.For example, the atomic layer of the top at the sharpening tip that is formed by 3 atomic layers can be removed, in order to represent the following atomic layer that comprises more than 3 atoms.The atomic layer that newly is exposed can be by further field evaporation, so that at its summit generation W atom trimer.The trimer that should newly form, the other trimer with forming during field evaporation can be evaporated.This technique causes near its summit most advanced and sophisticated sphering successively.Most advanced and sophisticated by sphering, the electric-force gradient of close tip is reduced, and has reduced the probability of most advanced and sophisticated atom experience field evaporation when microscopic system 200 work, and has increased most advanced and sophisticated stability and life-span.
In the step 410 of technique 400, most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 is aligned in system 200.Employing is installed in the supporting component in the microscopic system 200, use one or more vacuum pumps so that microscopic system 200 vacuumizes, and heat is applied in most advanced and sophisticated 187 in order to remove subsequently, for example oxide, condensate and/or any other impurity that can be pasted to tip end surface.Typically, for example, most advanced and sophisticated 186 are heated to 900K or higher temperature (for example, 1000K or higher, 1100K or higher) duration 10s or longer (for example, 30s or longer, 60s or longer).Heating can also be assisted again facet tip 186, jeopardizes the situation of most advanced and sophisticated shape in the existence of impurity.
Most advanced and sophisticated 186 by the situation that applies heat and cause radioluminescence, by observation from most advanced and sophisticated 186 light of propagating along the longitudinal axis (for example, by inserting light such as the reflecting element of mirror and a guiding part to the detector such as the CCD camera), the longitudinal axis rough alignment of most advanced and sophisticated and ion optics 130 then.Most advanced and sophisticated 186 position and/or orientation can be changed by adjusting most advanced and sophisticated executor 208, so that guiding light passes ion optics 130 from most advanced and sophisticated 186.
After this rough alignment technique, microscopic system 200 is configured, in order in FIM or SFIM pattern, work, by reducing the background pressure in vaccum case 202 and 204, cooling tip 186 (for example, extremely about liquid nitrogen temperature), and via gas source 110 He gas atom stream is introduced near most advanced and sophisticated 186 districts.The image of the field emission pattern of the He ion from most advanced and sophisticated 186 is measured by the detector of suitable configurations, and according to this image, most advanced and sophisticated executor 208 is used to the longitudinal axis of alignment field emission pattern and ion optics 130, so that most advanced and sophisticated 186 field emission pattern is centered by the longitudinal axis.The current potential that puts on first lens 216 by change observes the field at tip 186 launch the modulation of the induction of pattern simultaneously, and test can center.If be detected the size of the field emission pattern that device observes owing to the current potential that puts on lens 216 changes, but the invariant position at the center of pattern, then most advanced and sophisticated 186 and the axis alignment of first lens 216.On the contrary, if the center response of most advanced and sophisticated 186 field emission pattern puts on the current potential of first lens 216 and changes, then most advanced and sophisticated 186 centered by the longitudinal axis of first lens 216.Can repeat repeatedly most advanced and sophisticated 186 orientation and the adjustment of position by most advanced and sophisticated executor 208, until most advanced and sophisticated 186 aim at well enough with the longitudinal axis of first lens 216.Typically, this test that centers does not have aperture 224 in place.
Can carry out fine alignment technique subsequently, pass aperture 224 in order to guarantee the He ion that the interaction by He gas atom and three atomic layers on most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 produces.The current potential (seeing following discussion) that puts on deflector 220 and 222 is adjusted so that pass He ion in the ion beam 192 in aperture 224 70% or more (for example 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 97% or more, 99% or more) only be produced with the interaction of one of three trimer atoms on most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit via the He gas atom.Simultaneously, put on He ion in the ion beam 192 that the adjustment of the current potential of deflector 220 and 222 guaranteed to avoid producing via He gas atom and other two trimer atomic interactions in aperture 224 50% or more (for example, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more) arrive the surface 181 of sample 180.As the result of this fine alignment technique, the He ion beam that passes aperture 224 and leave ion optics 130 comprises near main only ionizable He atom one of 3 trimer atoms on most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit.
Refer again to Figure 10, most advanced and sophisticated 186 with the situation of the axis alignment of first lens 216, and the He ion beam is aligned so that the part of ion beam 192 is passed aperture 224, microscopic system 200 can be worked in the He ion mode in the step 412 of technique 400.System 200 is used to during sharpening among the embodiment in the FIM pattern therein, and FIM detector and/or other FIM element are moved, and are exposed to ion beam 192 so that sample 180 can be positioned.Be applied in tip 186 with respect to extractor 190 for positive current potential, and He gas is introduced into vaccum case 202 by gas source 110.The He ion that the interaction of one of 3 trimer atoms on and most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit main by helium gas atoms produces is passed aperture 224 by ion optics 130 guiding, and is conducted to sample 180.
In certain embodiments, being applied to most advanced and sophisticated 186 current potential is 5kV or larger (for example, 10kV or larger, 15kV or larger, 20kV or larger).In certain embodiments, putting on most advanced and sophisticated 186 current potential is 35kV or less (for example, 30kV or less, 25kV or less).For example, in certain embodiments, put on the current potential at tip 186 from 5kV to 35kV (for example, from 10kV to 30kV, from 15kV to 25kV).
In certain embodiments, at the duration of work of microscopic system 200, the He atmospheric pressure is 10 -8Torr or larger (for example, 10 -7Torr or larger, 10 -6Torr or larger, 10 -5Torr or larger).In certain embodiments, the He atmospheric pressure in microscopic system 200 is 10 -1Torr or less by (for example, 10 -2Torr or less, 10 -3Torr or less, 10 -4Torr or less).For example, in certain embodiments, the He atmospheric pressure is from 10 in microscopic system 200 -7Torr to 10 -1Torr is (for example, from 10 -6Torr to 10 -2Torr is from 10 -5Torr to 10 -3Torr).
In order to verify the integrality at tip 186, by operation microscopic system 200 in FIM or SFIM pattern, can be monitored termly from a field emission pattern of most advanced and sophisticated 186, as discussed above.If keep perfect in tip 187 trimer structures, then most advanced and sophisticated 186 can continue to be used to provide ion beam to microscopic system 200.But under some environment, it is no longer perfect that most advanced and sophisticated 186 FIM or SFIM image can be presented on the tip 187 the trimer structure.In this situation, most advanced and sophisticated 186 can at first by field evaporation, so that sphering is most advanced and sophisticated and remove impaired trimer structure, and use again sharpening of above-mentioned technique original position (for example, not removing most advanced and sophisticated 186 from microscopic system 200) subsequently.
The monitoring of the field emission pattern from most advanced and sophisticated 186 can be according to such as the performance that reduces (ion current that for example reduces), the image aberration that observes and/or the standard of error, or other predetermined standard and automatically carrying out.In order to absorb most advanced and sophisticated 186 FIM image, sample 180 can be removed from its position, and for example the detector of the ccd detector of phosphor coupling can be placed on the previous position of sample 180.As an alternative, the flat sample with relatively high secondary electron productive rate can be travelled in the position substituting sample 180, and suitable detector can be positioned and configure, in order to survey the secondary electron that leaves sample owing to the interaction of He ion and sample.Aperture 224 can be removed (or major diameter opening 225 can be selected) so that the ion that is produced by He gas atom and most advanced and sophisticated 186 interaction is not hindered significantly.These operations can be carried out in automatic mode.
In order to absorb the SFIM image at tip 186, as described in for the FIM imaging, detector can be introduced into, and aperture 224 can be maintained in the appropriate location.Thereby aim at deflector 220 and 222 and can be used for crossing the emission of ions pattern acquisition of aperture 224 grid scanning most advanced and sophisticated 186 by the image at the tip 186 of pixel-wise.By electronic control system 170, the acquisition of one or more most advanced and sophisticated 186 images can be by automation, and electronic control system 170 can be controlled the layout in aperture, the motion of sample and detector, and be applied to tip 186 and the current potential of aiming at deflector 220 and 222.
With reference to Figure 13, above-mentioned alignment procedures is typically aimed at most advanced and sophisticated 186 the longitudinal axis 207 and the longitudinal axis 132 of ion optics 130 so that between the axle 207 and 132 on most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 apart from d less than 2mm (for example less than 1mm, less than 500 μ m, less than 200 μ m).In certain embodiments, the angle between the axle 207 and 132 on most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 be 2 ° or less (for example 1 ° or less, 0.5 ° or less, 0.2 ° or less).
Extractor 190 comprises opening 191.Usually, can be by the shape of expectation selective extraction device 190 and opening 191.Typically, these features are selected, effectively and reliably imported ion optics 130 in order to guarantee the He ion.For example, go out as shown in Figure 13, extractor 190 has the thickness t in the z orientation measurement e, at the width a of the opening of x orientation measurement, and be located in the z direction measure from most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 apart from e.In certain embodiments, t e100 μ m or longer (for example 500 μ m or longer, 1mm or longer, 2mm or longer), and/or t e10mm or shorter (for example 7mm or shorter, 5mm or shorter, 3mm or shorter).In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 and the distance between the extractor 190 are 10mm or shorter (for example 8mm or shorter, 6mm or shorter, 5mm or shorter, 4mm or shorter, 3mm or shorter, 2mm or shorter, 1mm or shorter).In certain embodiments, extractor 190 is located fartherly in+z direction than most advanced and sophisticated 186, as shown in Figure 13.In certain embodiments, extractor 190 is located fartherly in-z direction than most advanced and sophisticated 186, goes out as shown in Figure 13.In such embodiments, for example, most advanced and sophisticated 186 pass extractor 190 outstanding and along the z axle+the z direction is extended more fartherly than extractor 190.Although extractor 190 is shown as having concrete configuration in Figure 13, more at large, extractor 190 can be the design of any expectation.For example, in certain embodiments, opening 191 can have the curved side of any intended shape.
Extractor 190 can be setovered by plus or minus ground with respect to most advanced and sophisticated 186 usually.In certain embodiments, the current potential that puts on extractor 190 is with respect to most advanced and sophisticated 186-10kV or larger (for example-5kV or larger, 0kV or larger), and/or 20kV or less (for example 15kV or less, 10kV or less).
Optionally, inhibitor 188 can also be present near most advanced and sophisticated 186.Put on the current potential of inhibitor 188 by adjustment, inhibitor 188 can be used for for example changing near the Electric Field Distribution most advanced and sophisticated 186.With extractor 190, inhibitor 188 can be used for being controlled at the track of the most advanced and sophisticated 186 He ions that produce.Inhibitor 188 has the A/F k that measures in the x direction, the thickness t of measuring in the z direction s, and be positioned as apart from most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit the z direction measure apart from s.In certain embodiments, k is 3 μ m or longer (for example, 4 μ m or longer, 5 μ m or longer) and/or 8 μ m or shorter (for example 7 μ m or shorter, 6 μ m or shorter).In certain embodiments, t s500 μ m or longer (for example 1mm or longer, 2mm or longer), and/or 15mm or shorter (for example 10mm or shorter, 8mm or shorter, 6mm or shorter, 5mm or shorter, 4mm or shorter).In certain embodiments, s is 5mm or shorter (for example 4mm or shorter, 3mm or shorter, 2mm or shorter, 1mm or shorter).In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 13, inhibitor 188 ratios most advanced and sophisticated 188 further edge+z direction are positioned.In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated 18 are positioned in edge+z direction further than inhibitor 188, so that tip 186 extends through inhibitor 188 in+z direction.
Usually, microscopic system 200 can be configured, so that after passing through extractor 190, the energy of the ion in the ion beam 192 can be selected by expectation.Typically, by entrance opening 133 to ion optics 130, the average energy of the ion in the ion beam 192 is 5keV or larger (for example 10keV or larger, 20keV or larger, 30keV or larger) and/or 100keV or less (for example 90keV or less, 80keV or less, 60keV or less, 50keV or less, 40keV or less, 30keV or less).For example, in certain embodiments, after passing through entrance opening 133, the average energy of the ion in the ion beam 192 is from 5keV to 100keV (for example from 10keV to 90keV, from 20keV to 80keV).For example, survey among the embodiment of transmission by the ion of sample in expectation, can use higher ion energy (for example 50keV to 100keV).
In addition, in certain embodiments, the energy of the ion in the ion beam 192 can be changed and not change ion current.That is, be applied to most advanced and sophisticated 186 current potential and can be adjusted the ion beam current that does not significantly change in order to revise the average energy of ion beam 192 from ion beam 192.
C. ion optics
With reference to Figure 14, ion beam 192 120 enters ion optics 130 via entrance opening 133 from gas field ion source.Ion beam 192 is at first by first lens 216.The position of first lens 216 and current potential usually selected so that focused ion beam 192 to bridge position C, the position of some C be apart from the aperture 224 the z orientation measurement apart from p.Usually, first lens 216 be positioned as apart from entrance opening 133 the z direction measure apart from f.In certain embodiments, be 5mm or larger (for example, 10mm or larger, 15mm or larger) apart from f, and/or 30mm or less (for example, 25mm or less, 20mm or less).
Usually, first lens 216 can be setovered by plus or minus with respect to most advanced and sophisticated 186.In certain embodiments, the current potential that puts on first lens 216 be with respect to most advanced and sophisticated 186-30kV or larger (for example,-20kV or larger ,-10kV or larger), and/or 40kV or less (for example, 30kV or less, 20kV or less, 15kV or less, 10kV or less).
Usually, can be 1mm or larger (for example, 5mm or larger, 10mm or larger) apart from p, and/or 100mm or less (for example, 70mm or less, 50mm or less, 30mm or less, 20mm or less).The position that changes some C can change in the aperture size of the ion beam 192 of the x of 224 position and/or y direction, and this can optionally control the share by the ion in the ion beam 192 in aperture 224.Although in Figure 14, be illustrated as being positioned in-the z direction is distal to aperture 224, bridge position C can be positioned in certain embodiments+and the z direction is distal to aperture 224.
Aim at deflector 220 and 222 and be configured, so that the part of guiding ion beam 192 is by aperture 224 and the second lens 226.Various designs and/or device can be used for building this deflector.In certain embodiments, for example, deflector 220 and 222 can each four utmost point electrode naturally, the setting of being contacted of two four utmost point electrodes.
Deflector 220 and 222 can each comfortable x and y both direction deflection He ion beam 192 all.The current potential that puts on the electrode of deflector 220 and 222 can be adjusted, and passes through aperture 224 and the second lens 226 in order to guarantee the part of ion beam 192.In certain embodiments, the current potential that puts on deflector 220 and 222 is adjusted, in order to realize concrete alignment condition, and subsequently when microscopic system 200 work current potential keep static state.The aligning of the ion beam 192 by aperture 224 by example such as the suitable detector observation ion beam 192 that is configured and evaluated, so that imaging aperture 224.Deflector 220 and/or 222 can also be adjusted, so that this part of the ion beam 192 by aperture 224 and the axis alignment of the second lens 226.In order to assess the aligning by the ion beam 192 of the second lens 226, the current potential that puts on the second lens 226 can be changed (being commonly referred to swing) and observe the result at imaging detector.If, put on the result of the current potential of the second lens 226 as change, the image modification size of ion beam 192 and do not change the position, then ion beam 192 is aligned by the second lens 226.If the center of ion beam 192 changes as the result who changes current potential, then ion beam 192 is not aimed at the second lens 226.In this situation, the current potential that puts on deflector 222 and/or 220 can be further adjusted and repeat rocking test in repeatedly mode, until realize aiming at.
Usually, the current potential that puts on the various electrode members of aiming at deflector 220 and 222 can be selected by expectation, in order to produce the deflection with respect to the ion beam 192 of aperture 224 and both ad-hoc locations of the second lens 226.Each electrode in deflector 220 and 222 can for public external ground by or just or the negative ground biasing.Usually, the current potential that puts on any electrode can be with respect to public external ground 100V or less (for example 75V or less, 50V or less) and/or 10V or larger (for example, 25V or larger, 40V or larger).During operation, for example, the current potential that puts on any electrode in deflector 220 and 222 can be from 10V to 100V (for example, from 10V to 75V, from 10V to 50V) with respect to public external ground.
Aperture 224 is positioned with respect to ion beam 192, in order to allow the part ion in the ion beam 192 to pass through aperture 224.Typically, aperture 224 does not have the current potential that is applied in.In certain embodiments, the width w that measures in the x direction of the opening 225 in the aperture 224 is 1 μ m or larger (for example 2 μ m or larger, 5 μ m or larger, 10 μ m or larger, 15 μ m or larger, 20 μ m or larger, 25 μ m or larger, 30 μ m or larger), and/or 100 μ m or less (for example, 90 μ m or less, 80 μ m or less, 70 μ m or less, 60 μ m or less, 50 μ m or less).For example, in certain embodiments, w is from 1 μ m to 100 μ m (for example, from 5 μ m to 90 μ m, from 15 μ m to 50 μ m, from 20 μ m to 50 μ m).In certain embodiments, 1 μ m or larger (for example 2 μ m or larger, 5 μ m or larger, 10 μ m or larger, 15 μ m or larger, 20 μ m or larger, 25 μ m or larger, 30 μ m or larger) at the width of the aperture of y orientation measurement 224 split sheds 225, and/or 100 μ m or less (for example, 90 μ m or less, 80 μ m or less, 70 μ m or less, 60 μ m or less, 50 μ m or less).For example, in certain embodiments, w is from 1 μ m to 100 μ m (for example, from 5 μ m to 90 μ m, from 15 μ m to 50 μ m, from 20 μ m to 50 μ m).
Aperture 224 is located on the aperture support 234.According to the control signal that receives from electronic control system 170, aperture support 234 allows aperture 224 translation on the x-y plane.In certain embodiments, aperture support 234 can also allow aperture 224 longitudinal axis translation along ion optics 130 on the z direction.In addition, in certain embodiments, aperture support 234 can allow aperture 224 to tilt for the x-y plane.Inclination aperture 224 can be used for the longitudinal axis of alignment aperture 224 and the longitudinal axis 132 of ion optics 130.
In certain embodiments, aperture 224 can comprise a plurality of openings with different in width w.For example, Figure 15 is the vertical view (in the z-direction) that comprises the dish type opening 224a of a plurality of opening 225a-225g.Aperture 224a is configured, so as around with pivoting point 227 rotations of the center superposition of aperture 224a.The center of each opening 225a-225g is located in apart from pivoting point 227 same distance places.Thereby can select the aperture openings of specific dimensions by rotation aperture disc 224a, so that selecteed opening is located in the path of ion beam 192, and if subsequently expectation, translation aperture disc 224a correctly aims at ion beam 192 in order to guarantee opening.
Figure 16 is the clavate aperture 224b that comprises a plurality of opening 229a-229e that extend through aperture 224b.Aperture size can be selected by selecting the opening among the 224b of aperture.This selection is carried out in the direction that is parallel to arrow 221 by translation aperture 224b, in order to aim at one of opening 229a-229e and ion beam 192.
Typically, opening 225a-225g and 229a-229e have the diameter that can select by expectation.For example, in certain embodiments, the diameter of any described opening can be 5 μ m or larger (for example, 10 μ m or larger, 25 μ m or larger, 50 μ m or larger) and/or 200 μ m or less (for example, 150 μ m or less, 100 μ m or less).In certain embodiments, the diameter of opening 225a-225g and/or 229a-229e can be from 5 μ m to 200 μ m (for example, 5 μ m to 150 μ m, 5 μ m to 100 μ m).
In certain embodiments, the device outside the aperture can be used to allow ion in the ion beam 192 of a part only by ion optics 130 and impinge upon on the surface of sample 180.For example, two vertical slits can sequentially be placed along the flight path of ion beam.
Astigmatism corrector 218 is usually by its shape, be configured along the position in the path of ion beam 192 and the current potential that is applied in, in order to reduce or eliminate astigmatism in the ion beam 192.Although various devices can be used for structure astigmatism corrector 218, astigmatism corrector 218 is the ends of the earth electrode between aperture 224 and scan deflection device 219 and 221 typically.Typically, 8 electrodes of ends of the earth astigmatism corrector are divided into 2 groups of 4 electrodes, the voltage that the first controller is configured to adjust 4 electrodes (for example, first group of 4 electrodes, with respect to most advanced and sophisticated 186 positive biases) and second controller adjust other 4 electrodes voltage (for example, second group of 4 electrodes is with respect to most advanced and sophisticated 186 negative biass).Electrode from the first and second electrode groups is arranged in the mode that replaces, in order to form the part of the ends of the earth, adjacent part has the bias voltage of contrary sign here.The layout of electrode forms focusing along the delamination tip-field of the ion beam of the longitudinal axis propagation of the ends of the earth, and defocuses the ion beam from axle.
Usually, each electrode of the ends of the earth can be configured independently, and thereby astigmatism corrector 218 allow control for the sensitivity of ion beam 192.In certain embodiments, put on the current potential of any electrode of astigmatism corrector 218, with respect to public external ground, can be-30V or larger (for example,-20V or larger ,-10V or larger ,-5V or larger), and/or 30V or less (for example, 20V or less, 10V or less, 5V or less).
Except aiming at deflector 220 and 222, ion optics 130 also comprises scan deflection device 219 and 221. Scan deflection device 219 and 221 is typically between astigmatism corrector 218 and the second lens 226, although usually, ion optics 130 interscan deflectors 219 and other layout of 221 also are possible.
Scan deflection device 219 and 221 is configured, so that the surface of ion beam 192 scanned samples 180.Deflector 219 for example, can be configured, and with in x direction deflected ion beam 192, and deflector 221 can be configured, with in y direction deflected ion beam 192.The deflection of the combination that is produced by deflector 219 and 221 can be located the ad-hoc location of ion beam 192 on sample 180.
Typically, the current potential that puts on deflector 219 and 221 is adjusted, to produce the specific deflection of ion beam 192.The current potential that is applied in can systematically be changed, so that the sample 180 of the scanned part of scanning beam 192 grid.For example, in certain embodiments, the current potential that puts on deflector 221 increases in a stepwise manner at regular intervals, crosses sample 180 deflected ion beam 192 in the y direction with discrete step (for example, line by line).Simultaneously, the current potential that puts on deflector 219 is increased in a stepwise manner, crosses sample 180 deflected ion beam 192 in the x direction with discrete step (for example, by column).。The speed that putting on the current potential of deflector 221 increases can be selected, in case finish the scanning of crossing all row so that the stepping of the current potential of ion beam 192 by putting on deflector 219 increases, then ion beam 192 is deflected to new row in the y direction.For each row, the step mode that the identical current potential that increases progressively increases can put on deflector 219, with in the x direction with the inswept ion beam 192 of discrete step.
Usually, scan deflection device 219 and/or 221 can be formed by a plurality of electrodes.For example, in certain embodiments, scan deflection device 219 and/or 221 can comprise the pair of parallel plate electrode separately.Electrode in the deflector 219 can be oriented, with the direction deflected ion beam 192 in the deflection that is orthogonal to the ion beam 192 that is produced by deflector 221.
In certain embodiments, scan deflection device 219 and/or 221 can be more complicated design.For example, scan deflection device 219 and/or 221 can comprise four utmost point electrodes and/or ends of the earth electrode.These electrodes can be configured respectively, in order to be provided in the x-y plane on single direction, or in the x-y plane more than the deflection of the ion beam 192 on the direction.
Each electrode member in the scan deflection device 219 and 221 can be with respect to public external ground or just or negative ground biasing.Usually, the voltage that puts on each electrode can be-150V or larger (for example ,-100V or larger ,-50V or larger ,-20V or larger) and/or 150V or less (for example, 100V or less, 50V or less, 20V or less).During operation, for example, the voltage that puts on each electrode in deflector 219 and 221 can be from-150V to 150V (for example, from-100V to 100V, from-50V to 50V, from-20V to 20V).
Usually, the position of the second lens 226 and current potential are selected, so that the assisted focused ion beam 192 of the second lens is to the surface 181 of sample 180.The current potential that puts on the second lens 226 can be with respect to public external ground or for just or for negative usually.In certain embodiments, the current potential that puts on the second lens 226 be with respect to public external ground-50kV or larger (for example ,-40kV or larger ,-30kV or larger), and/or 40kV or less (for example, 30kV or less, 20kV or less).The second lens 226 and 224 intervals, aperture the z direction measure apart from u.In certain embodiments, u be 5cm or larger (for example, 10cm or larger, 15cm or larger), and/or 50cm or less (for example, 45cm or less, 40cm or less, 35cm or less, 30cm or less, 25cm or less, 20cm or less).
The second lens 226 and the distance h (be commonly referred to operating distance) of sample 180 intervals along the measurement of z axle.In certain embodiments, h can be 2mm or larger (for example, 5mm or larger, 10mm or larger, 15mm or larger, 20mm or larger) and/or 200mm or less (for example, 175mm or less, 150mm or less, 125mm or less, 100mm or less, 75mm or less, 65mm or less, 55mm or less, 45mm or less).In certain embodiments, h is from 2mm to 200mm (for example, from 5mm to 175mm, from 10mm to 150mm, from 15mm to 125mm, 20mm to 100mm).Typically, put on the current potential of the second lens 226 by change, h can be adjusted, and with the focussing plane of adjustment lens 226, and translation sample 180 (by sample manipulations device 140) moves in the new focussing plane of lens 226.The relatively large distance h that microscopic system 200 allows provides many advantages.For example, the uneven sample that has protrusion of surface can use microscopic system research.In addition, sample can also be with respect to the main shaft of ion beam 192 with wide-angle tilt.For example, in certain embodiments, angle between the normal on the surface 181 of sample 180 and the main shaft of ion beam 192 be 5 ° or larger (for example, 10 ° or larger, 20 ° or larger, 30 ° or larger, 40 ° or larger, 50 ° or larger, 60 ° or larger) and/or 85 ° or less (for example, 80 ° or less, 75 ° or less, 70 ° or less, 65 ° or less).In certain embodiments, the angle between the main shaft of the normal on the surface 181 of sample 180 and ion beam 192 is (for example, from 10 ° to 80 °, from 20 ° to 70 °, from 30 ° to 70 °, from 40 ° to 60 °) from 5 ° to 85 °.In addition, relatively large distance h also allows range detector and other device to be located near the incidence zone that approaches very much the ion beam 192 on the surface 181, and can allow to survey the particle that leaves sample with relatively large-scale solid angle.Typically, the detection of the signal of the detection of the stronger signal of this permission and number of different types (for example, using dissimilar detector).
In certain embodiments, the second lens 226 be shaped as have 10 ° or larger semi-cone angle the right corner cone (for example, 15 ° or larger, 20 ° or larger, 25 ° or larger) and/or 50 ° or less (for example, 45 ° or less, 40 ° or less, 35 ° or less).In certain embodiments, the semi-cone angle of the second lens 226 is (for example, from 15 ° to 45 °, from 20 ° to 40 °) from 10 ° to 50 °.The semi-cone angle of relatively little lens 226 provides many advantages, comprise sample 180 for the inclination angle of ion beam 192 in a big way, and near the free space of the larger volume the incident beam spot on detector and other device surface 181 that can be positioned therein.
As discussed above, typically, the He ion that is basically only produced by the interaction by one of trimer atom on the summit 187 of He atom and most advanced and sophisticated 186 passes through aperture 224.But, in certain embodiments, ion optics 130 (for example first lens 216 and/or aim at deflector 220,222 and/or aperture 224) in device can be set up so that a large amount of parts of the He ion that produces by He atom and two trimer atomic interactions are passed through aperture 224.This can be for example by selecting rightly to put on first lens 216 and/or deflector 220,222 current potential, and/or the size by changing aperture 224 (for example, as respectively shown in Figure 15 and 16, by selecting different hole openings at hole wheel or rod) realize.In certain embodiments, device in the ion optics 130 (for example, first lens 216 and/or aim at deflector 220,222 and/or aperture 224) can be set up so that the He ion of quite a few that produces via He gas atom and all 3 trimer atomic interactions passes through aperture 224.This can be for example by selecting rightly to put on first lens 216 and/or deflector 220,222 current potential, and/or the size by changing aperture 224 (for example, as respectively shown in Figure 15 and 16, by selecting different aperture openings at aperture wheel or rod) realize.
Optionally, one or more supplemantary electrode (for example, lens, deflector and/or other element) can be positioned along the path of ion optics 130 intermediate ion bundles 192.Additional electrode for example can be positioned after the second lens 226, maybe can be introduced between the existing element.Additional element can be with respect to most advanced and sophisticated 186 and by or just or the negative ground biasing, in order to for example increase or reduce the ion energy in the ion beam 192 in the ion optics 130 and/or change the function of the track of ion.For example, one or more accelerating electrodes can be located near the sample 180, in order to change the ion incidence energy on sample 180 in the ion beam 192.
As another example, ion optics 130 can comprise (with respect to public external ground) post bushing pipe of negative bias, so that the ion in the increase ion beam 192 is at the energy on the surface 181 of sample 180.This pipe can be biased to respect to public external ground-50kV or larger (for example ,-25kV or larger ,-15kV or larger ,-10kV or larger) and/or-1kV or less (for example ,-3kV or less ,-5kV or less).Usually, this pipe can be positioned at along any position of the axle 132 of ion optics 130, for example, and between aperture 224 and the second lens 226.Can realize some advantage by speeding-up ion when ion during by ion optics 130, for example comprise, reduce the interactional time between the similar charged ion, this can help to reduce dispersing of ion beam 192.
In certain embodiments, by biasing sample 180, the energy of the ion in the ion beam 192 on the surface 181 of sample 180 can (for example be increased or be reduced, if expectation reduces the energy of the ion in the ion beam 192, then normal incidence configuration, if or expectation increases the energy of the ion in the ion beam 192, then negative ground configuration).Larger incidence angle at ion beam 192, the cylinder asymmetry of the electric field that is produced by the sample 180 that is biased can produce prism class effect, wherein the high-octane ion of low-energy ion ratio is deflected larger amount at x and y direction in the ion beam 192, causes the spot size of ion beam 192 on the surface 181 of sample 180 to increase and other potential consequence of not expecting.In certain embodiments, thereby sample 180 is biased to change the energy of the ion in the ion beam 192, and the angle between ion beam 192 and surface 181 the normal less than 6 ° (for example, less than 5 °, less than 4 °, less than 3 °, less than 1 °).
Although described some embodiment of ion optics, also can use other embodiment of ion optics.As example, some electrode type (for example ends of the earth electrode) has been described, one or more Different electrodes type (for example four utmost point electrodes) can be used for realizing identical effect.More at large, various ion-optic system can be used for microscopic system 200.In certain embodiments, for example, ion optics 130 only comprises single lens outside deflector, aperture and other ion optical element.In certain embodiments, ion optics 130 comprises the first and second lens, has the aperture between the first and second lens.
As another example, in certain embodiments, ion optics comprises the aperture between first lens, the second lens and the first and second lens, there is not electrode, and ion optics is designed, so that first lens can reduce (for example dispersing of ion beam, so that ion beam is aimed at substantially with the longitudinal axis of ion-optic system), the part of ion beam can be blocked by the aperture in the aperture, and the second lens can help ion beam is focused to relative speckle size on the surface of sample.In such embodiments, arrive ion in the ion beam of sample surfaces and can be mainly only produce (for example as mentioned above) with the interaction of a trimeric atom by the He atom.In certain embodiments, the ion in the ion beam of the arrival sample surfaces of almost equal quantity produces via the interaction of each atom of He atom and trimer atom.
As other example, in certain embodiments, ion optics comprises aperture between first lens, the second lens, the first and second lens, does not have electrode and ion optics to be designed, so that first lens can be to the centre focus ion beam of aperture split shed, the aperture can allow the divergence of ion beam that is focused and pass through the aperture, and the second lens can help ion beam is focused to relative speckle size on the surface of sample.In such embodiments, the ion beam that arrives sample surfaces can comprise the ion of the almost equal quantity that each interaction by gas atom and trimeric 3 atoms produces.If most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit more than 3 atoms (for example comprises, 5 or more atom, 7 or more atom, 9 or more atoms), then ion beam can comprise the ion of the almost equal quantity that the interaction via gas atom and each atom on most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit produces.
As another example, in certain embodiments, ion optics comprises aperture between first lens, the second lens, the first and second lens, does not have electrode and ion optics to be designed, so that first lens can reduce dispersing of ion beam and hang down the bundle of dispersing to the aperture guiding, the aperture can allow ion in all ion beams basically by the aperture, and the second lens can help ion beam is focused to relative speckle size on the surface of sample.In such embodiments, the ion beam that arrives the surface of sample can comprise the ion of the almost equal quantity that the interaction by each of 3 atoms in gas atom and the trimer produces.If more than 3 atoms (for example comprising of most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit, 5 or more atom, 7 or more atom, 9 or more atoms), then ion beam can comprise the ion of the almost equal quantity that the interaction via gas atom and each atom on most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit produces.
As another example, in certain embodiments, ion optics comprises aperture between first lens, the second lens, the first and second lens, does not have electrode and ion optics to be designed, so that first lens can be to the aperture focused ion beam partly, the part ion (but still allowing the relatively large part of the ion in the ion beam to pass through the aperture) from the ion beam that it passes through can be blocked in the aperture, and the second lens can help ion beam is focused to relative speckle size on the surface of sample.In such embodiments, the ion beam that arrives the surface of sample can comprise the ion of the almost equal quantity that the interaction by each of 3 atoms in gas atom and the trimer produces.If more than 3 atoms (for example comprising of most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit, 5 or more atom, 7 or more atom, 9 or more atoms), then ion beam can comprise the ion of the almost equal quantity that the interaction via gas atom and each atom on most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit produces.
D. tip-tilt and translation mechanism
Most advanced and sophisticated executor 208 is configured to allow the translation of tip 186 in the x-y plane, and tip 186 is with respect to the inclination of the axle 132 of ion optics 130.Figure 17 is the sectional view of the part of microscopic system 200, and microscopic system 200 comprises the embodiment of tip 186, supporting component 520 and most advanced and sophisticated executor.Most advanced and sophisticated executor 208 comprises axle 502, vault 504, shoulder 510 and translation device 514.Translation device 514 is connected to axle 520, and axle 502 forms required size, in order to be fixed in the shoulder 510 by opening 516.Axle 502 also is connected to base 508, and base 508 is connected to again assembly 520.Shoulder 510 is positioned at fixing position with respect to vault 504 by the stiction of surface between 512 and 513, and translation device 514 is positioned at fixing position with respect to shoulder 510 by the stiction between the surface 518 and 519.
Most advanced and sophisticated executor 208 provides the translation of tip 186 in the x-y plane.For translation tip 206, gases at high pressure are introduced into entrance 503.The gases at high pressure that are introduced into entrance 503 can be the gas of room air for example.Typically, gas can be introduced into 50 pound per square inches (psi) or larger pressure (for example, 75psi or larger, 100psi or larger, 125psi or large).As the result who introduces gases at high pressure, power is left on the z direction of shoulder 510 and is applied in translation device 514.The power that applies has reduced the frictional force (but not being reduced to zero) between the surface 518 and 519, and allows translation device 514 to relocate with respect to shoulder 510 by the cross force that applies in the x-y plane.When translation device 514 is relocated, most advanced and sophisticated 186 translations in the x-y plane.When most advanced and sophisticated 186 during at its reposition, the providing of gases at high pressure is closed and by using one or more vacuum pumps that the inside of most advanced and sophisticated executor 208 is vacuumized to rebulid the strong stiction between the surface 518 and 519.Because this builds strong frictional force again, most advanced and sophisticated 186 are securely fixed in suitable position.
Most advanced and sophisticated executor 208 also provides most advanced and sophisticated 186 inclinations for ion optics 130.For beveled tip 186, gases at high pressure are introduced into entrance 505.The gases at high pressure that are introduced into entrance 505 can be the gas of room air for example.Typically, gas can be introduced into 50 pound per square inches (psi) or larger pressure (for example, 75psi or larger, 100psi or larger, 125psi or large).As the result who introduces gases at high pressure, power leave vault 504-the z direction is applied in shoulder 510.The power that is applied in has reduced the frictional force (but not being reduced to zero) between the surface 512 and 513.Shoulder 510 can be relocated for vault 504 by applying cross force subsequently, to take on 510 by arrow 506 indicated direction translations.Shoulder 510 translation is corresponding to the relative motion along the curved surface of vault 504.Because this motion, the angle between the axle 132 and 207 (inclinations angle corresponding to most advanced and sophisticated 186) changes.When the adjustment of the inclination when most advanced and sophisticated 186 was finished, the supply of gases at high pressure was closed and vacuumizes by the inside that makes most advanced and sophisticated executor 208, and the strong static frictional force between the surface 512 and 513 is rebulid.Because this builds strong frictional force again, most advanced and sophisticated 186 are securely fixed in suitable position.
In certain embodiments, go out as shown in Figure 17, most advanced and sophisticated executor 208 is configured, so that the center of the radius of curvature of vault 504 overlaps with the position on the summit at tip 186.As a result, be tilted when most advanced and sophisticated 186, so that when changing angle between the axle 132 and 207, most advanced and sophisticated 186 translation does not occur in the x-y plane.As a result, most advanced and sophisticated executor 208 can be used to aim at the track of the ion that the interaction via one of gas atom and most advanced and sophisticated atom produces and the longitudinal axis of first lens 216, and does not cause most advanced and sophisticated 186 translations for the axle of first lens 216.
In certain embodiments, most advanced and sophisticated executor 208 can be configured, in order to allow rotatablely moving around additional shaft.For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 17, thereby when gases at high pressure be introduced into entrance 503 reduce the surface between 518 and 519 frictional force and allow translation device 514 in the x-y plane during translation, by applying suitable moment of torsion for translation device 514, translation device 514 can also be around axle 207 rotations.This rotation can be independent of, or makes an addition to the tilt adjustments of most advanced and sophisticated 186 translation and most advanced and sophisticated 186 and carry out.
E. sample stage
Refer again to Fig. 5, microscopic system 200 comprises the sample manipulations device 140 that supports and locate sample 180.In response to the control signal from electronic control system 170, sample manipulations device 140 can be at each x, y and z direction translation sample 180.In certain embodiments, sample manipulations device 140 can also responsive control signals and in the x-y plane rotary sample 180.In addition, in certain embodiments, sample manipulations device 140 can tilt sample 180 outside the x-y plane in response to suitable control signal.Each these degrees of freedom can be individually adjusted, in order to realize that sample 180 is with respect to the suitable orientation of ion beam 192.
Describe in more detail such as institute below, in certain embodiments, by applying relatively little current potential for executor 140, sample manipulations device 140 can be with respect to public external ground or just or the negative ground biasing.For example, in certain embodiments, (for example 10V or larger, 20V or larger, 30V or larger, 40V or larger, 50V or larger) can be applied in executor 140 with respect to the 5V of public external ground or larger positive potential biasing, in order to auxiliaryly avoid charged He ion to adhere to the surface 181 of sample 180.In certain embodiments, (for example setover with respect to public external ground-200V or larger negative potential,-150V or larger ,-100V or larger ,-50V or larger ,-40V or larger ,-30V or larger ,-20V or larger ,-10V or larger ,-5V or larger) can be applied in executor 140, in order to auxiliary for example accelerate secondary electron (leaving the surface 181 of sample 180 via the interaction of ion and sample 180) and leave sample, guarantee that the detector that secondary electron can be configured suitably surveys.Usually, the current potential that puts on executor 140 can be selected on demand according to open-assembly time of the concrete material of studying, He ion current and sample.
F. detector
Detector 150 and 160 is schematically described in Fig. 5, detector 150 is positioned to survey the particle on the surface 181 (the wherein surface of ion beam collision) from sample 180, and detector 160 is positioned, in order to survey the particle from the surface 183 of sample 180.Usually, various detector can be used in microscopic system 200 in order to survey different particles, and microscopic system 200 can typically comprise the detector of any desired amt.The configuration of range detector can be selected according to measured particle and measuring condition.In certain embodiments, the spectrum resolution detector can be used.Such detector can be surveyed the particle of different-energy and/or wavelength, and resolves particle according to energy and/or the wavelength of the particle that respectively is detected.In certain embodiments, the spectrum resolution detector comprises and can guide particle to the device portions in the different district of detector according to energy and/or the wavelength of particle.
The layout of some typical detector and detector is described below.
(i) Everhart-Thornley detector
Everhart-Thornley (ET) detector can be used for surveying secondary electron, ion and/or neutral particle.Figure 18 shows the schematic diagram of ET detector 600, and ET detector 600 comprises particle selection device 601, transition material 602, support 604, photon detector 606 and voltage source 607 and 608.
Particle selection device 601 is formed by electric conducting material.In certain embodiments, for example, particle selection device 601 can be metallic grid or net, and it has the metal filled factor less than about 30% (for example, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%).Because what grid was main is open space, so the particle that collides at grid can not pass through relatively not interruptedly.
In certain embodiments, particle selection device 601 is formed by becket or pipe.For example, particle selection device 601 can be that shape is ring or the pipe of cylinder substantially, has to allow particle by the inside opening of ring or pipe.Ring or pipe can be formed by high-conductive metal, for example copper or aluminium.
More at large, particle selection device 601 can be formed by any open-electrode structure of the passage that particle passes through that comprises.Particle selection device 601 can be formed by one or more electrodes, and the current potential that puts on one or more electrodes can be selected by expectation according to the type of measured particle usually.
The material that transition material 602 can form photon by with the interaction of charged particle (for example, particle, electronics) time forms.Typical material comprises phosphor material and/or scintillator material (for example, crystalline material, for example yttrium-aluminium-garnet (YAG) and yttrium aluminate or phosphate (YAP)).Support 604 by for being formed by the relatively transparent material of transition material 602 formed photons.
During operation, the voltage that voltage source 607 applies relatively little size for particle selection device 601 (being formed by electric conducting material) (for example, 500V or less, for example from 100V to 500V), and voltage source 608 applies the voltage (for example 5kV or larger, 10kV or larger) of relatively large size to transition material 602.The ET detector is used among the embodiment of measurement from the electronics (for example, secondary electron) of sample 180 therein, and the symbol that puts on the voltage of particle selection device 601 and transition material 602 is positive with respect to sample 180.The ET detector be used for to be measured among the embodiment from the ion (for example, secondary ion, scattered ion(s)) of sample 180 therein, and the symbol of voltage that puts on particle selection device 601 and transition material 602 is negative with respect to sample 180.In certain embodiments, sample 180 can also be biased (with respect to public external ground), will be sent to from the particle of sample 180 detector 600 in order to assist.For example, when the ET detector was used for from sample 180 measurement secondary electron, sample can be with respect to public external ground by negative bias.Apply negative potential bias to executor 140 can be particularly useful, for example, during the secondary electron that in surveying high aspect ratio (for example dark) hole in sample or through hole, produces.Can assist so that electronics accelerates for outside hole or the through hole and leave sample, so that the detection of electronics is more easy with respect to the biasing of the negative potential of public external ground.When lacking negative bias, many secondary electrons can be along the hole or the point of through-hole wall and reenter sample, escapes never hole or through hole and is detected.
Sample 180 can be by positive bias, for example, and when the ET detector is used for measuring particle from sample.The size of the current potential of the biasing sample that applies can be 5V or larger (for example, 10V or larger, 15V or larger, 20V or larger, 30V or larger, 50V or larger, 100V or larger).
Charged particle 610 (for example, electronics or ion) from sample 180 is attracted to particle selection device 601, by particle selection device 601, and is accelerated to transition material 602.Charged particle 610 collides with transition material 602 subsequently, produces photon 612.Photon 612 is by supporting 604 and surveyed by photon detector 606.
Although with respect to the work of measuring charged particle and described the ET detector, the ET detector can also be used for surveying neutral particle, because usually impinge upon particle on the transition material 602 and need not to be charged in order to produce photon.Particularly, impinging upon the subatom from sample 180 on the transition material 602 can produce photon and surveyed by photon detector 606.Photon detector 606 can be, for example photomultiplier (PMT), diode, diode array or CCD camera.
The ET detector can be positioned any position with respect to sample 180, in order to survey neutrality or charged particle.Typically, for example, the ET detector is located in the second lens 226 adjacent to ion optics 130.Optionally, the ET detector can also be positioned, so that it is to sample 180 downward-sloping slightly (for example, with in Fig. 5 for the similar configuration of the description of detector 150).
In certain embodiments, the ET detector can be located near the surface 183 of sample 180.Such configuration can expect, for example, when seek to measure from the surface 183 occur from the secondary electron of sample 180 time (after for example, being transmitted by sample 180).In such embodiments, the ET detector can have similar in appearance to the configuration of the configuration of the detector 160 in Fig. 5.
(ii) photon detector
For the photon that the interaction of surveying by ion and sample 180 produces, for example the standard photon detector of PMT can be used.If the luminous flux that sends from sample 180 is enough large, then can use the lower photon detector of sensitivity, for example diode, diode array and CCD camera.
In certain embodiments, photon detector can also comprise the various optical elements that can be configured, for example, so that specific light signal and other light signal that isolation is paid close attention to.For example, in certain embodiments, photon detector can comprise for example optical element of filter, in order to select specific wavestrip the photon signal that sends from sample 180, this can provide the information about the material composition of sample 180.Filter can, for example, block the photon of not expecting wavelength (for example, by absorbing the photon of not expecting wavelength, the photon of the wavelength of not expecting by reflection, the photon of the wavelength of not expecting by deflection).In certain embodiments, optical element can provide frequency spectrum (for example to resolve by dispersing different wavelength on the space, the spectrum that measurement is produced by sample 180), (for example, such as one or more grating diffration elements, and/or such as the refracting element of one or more prisms, and/or the one or more wavelength of photon that provides is resolved the spectrometer system of surveying).In certain embodiments, photon detector can comprise the polarization manipulation element such as ripple plate and/or polarizer.These polarization manipulation elements can be configured, so that the photon that allows only to have selecteed polarization state arrives PMT, for example, permission selects to survey (for example, for the auxiliary crystal orientation information of determining sample 180) from the polarization of the light signal that sample 180 sends.In certain embodiments, photon detector can also comprise the optical element of for example mirror, lens, beam splitter and be used for redirecting and handling other element of incident photon (for example, in order to increase the solid angle of the photon that is detected).
Usually, photon detector can be positioned, so as with the angle and distance detection of photons of any expectation of sample 180.For example, in certain embodiments, photon detector can be positioned, in order to survey the photon that sends from 181 (ion beam 192 is by the surfaces of the sample 180 of incident), surface, or from surface 183 (with ion beam 192 by the surface of the surperficial relative sample 180 of incident) photon that sends.Optionally, a plurality of photon detectors can be used and configure, so that from the surface 181 (surface of ion beam strikes) of sample 180, and 183 (with the surface of the opposite side of ion beam strikes) and/or other probing surface photons.
For some samples, photon is scattered at specific direction according to the selective rule of the two-phonon process that occurs in sample 180, and resolves from the angle of the photon productive rate of sample 180 and to measure and can provide, for example, and about the material composition information of sample 180.
(iii) micro-channel plate detector
In certain embodiments, micro-channel plate detector can be used for amplifying the stream from secondary electron, neutral atom or the ion of sample 180.Microchannel plate is typically formed by the material of for example vitreous silica, and generally includes the passage of a large amount of minor diameters of arranging with array format.Particle enters independent passage and collides with conduit wall, produces free electron.Typically, a plurality of free electrons when the collision of particle (neutral atom, ion or electronics) and conduit wall, have been produced.As a result, leave microchannel plate corresponding to the cascade electronic signal of the amplification of inputting particle signal.
Microchannel plate base detector (it can comprise one or more microchannel plates) can be configured, to survey ion, secondary electron and/or the neutral atom from sample 180.The neutral particle that forms from sample 180, and/or ion (for example secondary ion and atom, scattered ion(s) and a subatom) leaves the surface 181 (surface of ion beam strikes) of sample 180 usually.Thereby, configure to such an extent that measurement is usually located at similar in appearance to the position of the position of the detector 150 described in Fig. 1 and 5 from the neutral particle of sample 180 and/or the microchannel plate base detector of ion.But in certain embodiments, neutral particle and/or ion (for example ion of transmission) can be studied.In such embodiments, microchannel plate base detector can be arranged in similar in appearance to the position in the position of the detector 160 of Fig. 1 and 5.Secondary electron can or be detected from the surface 181 (surface of ion beam strikes) of sample 180 or from the surface 183 (surface of the offside of ion beam strikes) of sample 180, and is configured to such an extent that survey microchannel plate base detector from the secondary electron of sample 180 and be positioned at the position similar to the position of detector 150 described in Fig. 1 and 5 and/or 160.
Microchannel plate amplifies the input particle signal and converted input signal is the output electronic signal.For visualization output electronic signal, microchannel plate base detector can also comprise transition material, screen, photon detector (seeing top description).
In certain embodiments, microchannel plate is directly fixed on the element of ion optics 130.Figure 19 shows the sectional view of the micro-channel plate detector 620 that directly is installed on the second lens 226.The second lens 226 have cone shape, have smooth lower surface 622.Detector 620 directly is installed on surface 622.When sample 180 is exposed to ion beam 192, can be surveyed by micro-channel plate detector 620 from ion, secondary electron and/or the neutral atom (jointly by arrow 624 indications) of sample 180.Detector 620 records and the proportional electric current of the particle flux that is detected, it can be transferred into electronic control system 170.
(iv) change-over panel
In certain embodiments, change-over panel can be used to survey from sample 180 ion (for example, scattered ion(s), secondary ion) or from the neutral particle of sample 180 (for example, once neutral He atom).Typically, change-over panel can be formed by thin foil material, when by incident photon or atomic collision, has high secondary electron productive rate.The example of such material is platinum.The secondary electron productive rate produces the abundance of the secondary electron that easily is detected, for example, and by the suitable electron detector that is configured, for example, such as detector 150 and/or 160 (Fig. 1 and 5).
(v) channeltron detector
The channeltron detector also can be used for surveying the particle of for example electronics, ion and the neutral atom that leave sample 180.The channeltron detector is worked by amplifying by amplifying particle signal with the many internal impacts in conjunction with the described similar mode of micro-channel plate detector.By measuring the particle signal by the amplification of channeltron detector output, are possible (for example, using electronic control system 170) from the relatively measurement of weak secondary electron, ion or neutral atom flux of sample 180.When the secondary electron measured from sample 180, the channeltron detector can be positioned detector 150 and/or the 160 similar positions described in Fig. 1 and 5.Typically, for the measurement from ion and/or the neutral particle of sample 180, the channeltron probe position is in the position similar to the position of the position of detector 150 described in Fig. 1 and 5 and/or 160.
(vi) phosphor detector
The phosphor base detector that comprises the thin layer that is deposited on the phosphor material on the transparent substrates top, and for example photon detector of CCD camera, PMT or one or more diodes can be used for surveying electronics, ion and/or neutral particle from sample 180.The particle hits phosphor layer causes the emission of the photon of being surveyed by photon detector from fluorophor.Phosphor base detector can be disposed in the position similar to the position of detector 150 described in Fig. 1 and 5 and/or 160, depends on the type (seeing above-mentioned discussion) of measured particle.
(vii) solid state detector
Solid state detector can be used for surveying secondary electron, ion and/or the neutral atom from sample 180.Solid state detector can be by the material of for example silicon, or the transducer that the silicon materials that mix form is built.When the incoming particle impact microphone, in sensor material, produce electron-hole pair, the electric current that generation can be surveyed by electronic control system 170.The quantity of the electron-hole pair that is produced by incoming particle, and thereby the size of the correspondence of the electric current that produces, depend in part on the energy of particle.Thereby solid state detector can be particularly useful for the energy measurement of particle, and when the high energy particle surveyed from sample 180 (for example, the He ion of scattering and neutral He atom), this is particularly favourable.
(viii) scintillator detector
Similar in appearance to phosphor base detector, scintillator base detector comprises that response is produced the scintillator material of photon by incoming particle (for example electronics, ion or neutral atom) bump.Suitable scintillator material comprises, for example YAG and YAP.Photon productive rate in the scintillator base detector depends on the energy of incoming particle.As a result, scintillator detector can be particularly useful for the energy measurement of particle, and when the high energy particle (for example, the He ion of scattering and neutral He atom) surveyed from sample 180, this can be particularly favourable.
(ix) energy-probe of ion
Various detector and detection method can be implemented, in order to measure the energy (for example, the He ion of scattering) from the ion of sample 180.Static prism detector, wherein electricity and/or magnetic field are used to the deflection incident ion, and wherein amount of deflection depends on the energy of ion, can be used for the space and separate the ion with different-energy.The magnetic prism detector also can be used for according to the energy of ion and the space isolating ions.Above-mentioned any suitable detector (for example, microchannel plate, channeltron, and other) can be used for subsequently surveying the ion that is deflected.
Four utmost point detectors also can be used to analyze the energy from the ion of sample 180.In four utmost point detectors, the ion that selecteed quality and energy are guaranteed to have in four radio frequency (RP) fields in extremely four extremely in along straight, the track propagation that is not deflected.Ion with different quality and/or energy is propagated along crooked track in extremely four.The energy of ion can be determined in the position that is deflected of ion in four utmost point analyzers.
In certain embodiments, by placing positively biased particle selection device (for example, the silk screen of electric conducting material or grid, or cylinder type metal pipe or ring) along the flight path of ion and before detector, and can determine ion energy.The size of current potential that puts on particle selection device 601 initially the time very high (for example, guarantee to avoid from the ion of sample 180 value by it), and when using suitable detector detect ion (seeing above-mentioned discussion), the size of current potential can be reduced.Can be used to determine the information relevant with ion energy as the power on stream of ion of arrival detector of function of biased size of putting of particle selection device.
(x) energy-probe of electronics
Various detector and detection method can be implemented, in order to measure the energy (for example, secondary electron) from the electronics of sample 180.The prism detector can be used for the space and separate the electronics with different-energy, and in the prism detector, electricity and/or magnetic field are used to the deflection incident electron, and wherein amount of deflection depends on the energy of electronics.The magnetic prism detector also can be used for the space and separate the electronics with different-energy.Above-mentioned any suitable detector then can be used for surveying the electronics that is deflected.
In certain embodiments, can determine electron energy by placing the particle selection device (for example, the silk screen of electric conducting material or grid, or cylinder type metal pipe or ring) of negative bias along the flight path of electronics and before detector.The size of the current potential of particle selection device 601 initially the time very high (for example, guarantee to avoid from the electronics of sample 180 value by it), and when using suitable detector to survey electronics (seeing above-mentioned discussion), the size of current potential can be reduced.Can be used to determine the information of electron energy as the power on stream of electronics of arrival detector of function of biased size of putting of particle selection device.
(xi) flight time detector
Above disclosed detector can also be configured, in order to measure the information of the flight time of secondary electron, ion and neutral atom.Survey in order to carry out the flight time, ion beam 192 is in pulse mode work.For example, by promptly changing the current potential that puts on one or two deflectors 220 and 222, ion beam 192 can be by chopping.For example by increasing these current potentials, ion beam 192 can be from its common route turning ion optics 130, so that ion beam 192 is blocked by aperture 224 temporarily.If deflector 220 and current potential short time before again being increased of 222 are recovered its normal value subsequently, then the pulse of He ion can be transferred into sample 180.
Simultaneously, detector 150 and 160 clock signals that can be synchronized with from electronic control system 170, electronic control system 170 changed based on the time of the current potential that puts on deflector 220 and/or 222.As a result, the He ion pulse sends and can accurately be measured from the time interval between the detection of the particle of sample 180.From the Given information about propagation time of the He ion pulse in the ion optics 130, the flight time of the particle that is detected between sample 180 and detector 150 and/or 160 can be determined.
(xii) angular dependence (-dance) is measured
Except the relative abundance and energy of measurement from the particle of sample 180, the angular dependence (-dance) scattered information can be used top disclosed detector and obtain.Typically, in order to obtain angular dependence (-dance) information, detector is fixed in the support (for example, runing rest) that allows detector to move in the gamut of the solid angle around the sample 180.In the given orientation with respect to sample 180 corresponding to specific solid angle, abundance and/or the energy measurement of record particle.Detector sequentially relocates and repeats to measure in different solid angles, in order to determine the angular dependence (-dance) of measured amount.In certain embodiments, before for example the limiting aperture of pin hole can be placed on detector in the path of the particle that is scattered, so that further angular range from the measurement of the particle of sample 180 appears in restriction.
G. running parameter
Ion beam 192 can have relative speckle size on the surface 181 of sample 180.For example, in certain embodiments, the spot size of the ion beam 192 on the surface 181 of sample 180 can have 10nm or less size (for example, 9nm or less, 8nm or less, 7nm or less, 6nm or less, 5nm or less, 4nm or less, 3nm or less, 2nm or less, 1nm or less).In certain embodiments, the spot size of ion beam 192 can have 0.05nm or larger size (for example, 0.1nm or larger, 0.2nm or larger, 0.25nm or larger, 0.5nm or larger, 0.75nm or larger, 1nm or larger, 2nm or larger, 3nm or larger) on the surface 181 of sample 180.In certain embodiments, the spot size of ion beam 192 has size from 0.05 to 10nm (for example, from 0.1nm to 10nm, 0.2nm to 10nm, 0.25nm to 3nm, 0.25nm to 1nm, 0.1nm to 0.5nm, 0.1nm to 0.2nm) on the surface 181.As used in this, spot size is following determines with reference to figure 20A-20C.Form and have from the island 1700 of 50nm to 2000nm size by gold and be disposed on the carbon surface 1710.For example, the vapour deposition by gold on carbon surface forms Jin Dao.Be suitable for the measurement sample that comprises the Jin Dao that is deposited on the carbon that parsing described herein is measured, can on market, obtain from for example Structure Probe Inc. (West Chester, PA).Ion microscope work, so that its moving iron bundle 192 part of inswept Jin Dao linearly, and this part of the carbon surface on one side of golden island (arrow 1730).The intensity of secondary electron is as the function of the position of ion beam measured (Figure 20 C). Asymptote 1740 and 1750 is calculated (or drafting), average total Abundances corresponding to carbon and gold, and vertical line 1760 and 1770 is calculated (or drafting), corresponds respectively to 25% and 75% poor position of abundance between total abundance asymptote 1740 and 1750.The spot size of ion microscope 200 is the distances between line 1760 and 1770.
Usually, the stream of the ion beam 192 on the surface 181 of sample 180 be 1nA or less (for example, 100pA or less, 50pA or less), and/or 0.1fA or larger (for example, 1fA or larger, 10fA or larger, 50fA or larger, 100fA or larger, 1pA or larger, 10pA or larger).For example, in certain embodiments, the stream of the ion beam 192 at 181 places, surface of sample 180 is from 0.1fA to 1nA (for example, from 10fA to 100pA, from 100fA to 50pA).Can expect to use relatively low line during in certain embodiments, as decent product.For example, in some biology and/or materia medica application, for imaging in sample, use low stream possibility even more important (for example, in order to reduce to damage the possibility of sample).In such embodiments, a stream can be used to prepare the gas field ion microscope (for example, 10fA or larger stream) of use, and homogeneous turbulence can not be used for imaging sample (for example, less than the stream of 1fA, for example 0.1fA).
Usually, ion beam 192 has at the surface of sample 180 181 5eV of place or less energy spread (for example, 4eV or less, 3eV or less, 2eV or less, 1eV or less, 0.5eV or less).In certain embodiments, ion beam 192 has at the surface of sample 180 181 0.1eV of place or larger energy spread (for example, 0.2eV or larger, 0.3eV or larger, 0.4eV or larger).For example, ion beam 192 can have at 181 places, surface of sample 180 from the energy spread (for example, from 0.1eV to 3eV, from 0.1eV to 1eV) of 0.1eV to 5eV.
Ion beam 192 can have relatively high brightness at 181 places, surface of sample 180.For example, ion beam 192 can have 1 * 10 on the surface 181 of sample 180 9A/cm 2The brightness of sr (for example, 1 * 10 10A/cm 2Sr or larger, 1 * 10 11A/cm 2Sr or larger).In certain embodiments, can increase brightness by increasing adjacent to most advanced and sophisticated 186 gas pressure and/or reducing most advanced and sophisticated 186 temperature.As said, the following measurement of the brightness of ion beam.Determined at x and y both direction in the zone at the interval of the FWHM of the distribution of ion beam 192 intermediate ion tracks between extractor 190 and first lens 216-at the relative little and ion trajectory of the clean electric field in this zone close to straight line.The interior ion trajectory of altogether 100 ion trajectories from ion beam 192 of FWHM width that drops on x and y both direction distributes and selected at random.Each 100 ion trajectories are close to straight line, and quilt is throwed back tip 187.At the specified point z along the z axle tTrack spatial dimension by be parallel to the x-y plane and by the some z tZ tIn the plane, structure surround oriented the passback track and the plane Z that broadcast tThe circle of minimum diameter in crosspoint assess.The diameter of a circle of minimum diameter is d sTypically, for the some z that gets over close to tip 187 t, d sLess and for more close to the some z of sample 180 t, d sLarger.At specific some z t=Z0, d sMinimum value d0.The spatial dimension that namely is parallel to track in the plane on x-y plane is minimum.At a Z 0The diameter of a circle d of minimum diameter 0The virtual source size that is called as microscopic system 200.Then, measure the dispersing and line of FWHM district intermediate ion bundle 192 of the ion beam 192 between extractor 190 and the first lens 216, as discussed above.At last, brightness is calculated as line divided by the product of the three-dimensional angle of divergence of virtual source size and ion beam 192.
Ion beam 192 can have the relatively high brightness that reduces on the surface 181 of sample 180.For example, ion beam 192 can have 5 * 10 on the surface 181 of sample 180 8A/m 2SrV or the larger brightness that reduces (for example, 1 * 10 9A/m 2SrV or larger, 1 * 10 10A/m 2SrV or larger).As alleged at this, the brightness that reduces of ion beam is in the brightness of the measured position of line, the ion beam average energy divided by the ion in the ion beam.
Ion beam 192 can have relatively low etendue at the far-end 193 of extractor 190.For example, ion beam 192 can have 5 * 10 at the far-end 193 of extractor 190 -21Cm 2Sr or less etendue (for example, 1 * 10 -22Cm 2Sr or less, 1 * 10 -23Cm 2Sr or less, 1 * 10 -23Cm 2Sr or less, 1 * 10 -24Cm 2Sr or less).As said, the etendue of ion beam is calculated as the mathematical product of inverse and the line of brightness.
Ion beam 192 can have the relatively low etendue that reduces at the far-end 193 of extractor 190.For example, ion beam 192 can have 1 * 10 at the far-end 193 of extractor 190 -16Cm sr or the less etendue that reduces (for example, 1 * 10 -17Cm 2Sr or less, 1 * 10 -18Cm 2Sr or less, 1 * 10 -19Cm 2Sr or less).The etendue that reduces of ion beam is the product at the average energy charge ratio (energy-to-charge) of the etendue of the measured position of line, ion beam and ion beam intermediate ion.
Ion beam 192 can have relatively low convergence of corner with respect to the surface 181 of sample 180.For example, in certain embodiments, the half-angle of the convergence of ion beam 192 can be 5mrad or less (for example, 1mrad or less, 0.5mrad or less, 0.1mrad or less), and/or 0.05mrad or larger.As said, the divergence half-angle of ion beam is following to be determined.Be included in the sample of the Jin Dao on the carbon substrate top, as described above, be installed in the ion microscope 200 and in the translation of z direction, so that the position of the focus of ion beam 192 is positioned at, be positioned as close to along the point of the maximum height of the diameter of Jin Dao.Ion beam 192 subsequently along the diameter of Jin Dao by the size s of the spot of the focusing of rectilinear translation and ion beam fMeasured, as described above.Sample subsequently in+z direction by translation, the sub-optics 130 of distance leaves s z=1 μ m, and ion beam 192 along the identical diameter of Jin Dao by linear translation so that measure ion beam 192 defocus spot size s dConvergent angle η can be defined as with the trigonometry method from the spot size that focuses on and defocus and the measurement of translation distance subsequently,
η = 2 sin - 1 ( s d - s f 2 s z )
The divergence half-angle of ion microscope 200 is η/2.
Ion microscope 200 can be high reliability.For example, in certain embodiments, He ion source (most advanced and sophisticated 186, extractor 190 and optionally inhibitor 188) can interact with gas atom constantly, in order to (for example produce ion beam in a week or longer time cycle, 2 all or longer, one month or longer, two months or longer), remove most advanced and sophisticated 186 from system.In certain embodiments, during the He ion source produces the time cycle of ion beam with the gas atom interaction constantly, in the rheology of the ion beam 192 on the surface 181 of sample 180 10% or less (for example, 5% or less, 1% or less) per minute.
As another example, in certain embodiments, gas field ion source (most advanced and sophisticated 186, extractor 190 and inhibitor 188 optionally) can interact with gas atom constantly, in order to (for example produce ion beam in a week or longer time cycle, 2 all or longer, one month or longer, two months or longer), total break period be 10 hours or shorter (for example, 5 hours or shorter, 2 hours or shorter, 1 hour or shorter).In such embodiments, gas field ion source can interact with gas atom in order to produce constantly ion beam (corresponding to zero hour total outage time) in the whole time cycle, but this is optional.For example, during the time cycle, can exist the gas field ion microscope not interact with gas atom and produce the time of ion beam.Such time cycle is corresponding to break period.In this time cycle, can occur once such break period or more than once (for example, 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times, 6 times, 7 times, 8 times, 9 times, 10 times).Interruption because for example can be, planned maintenance, unexpected maintenance, and/or the shutdown between the changing shifts (for example, shutting down all night).During this time cycle, the summation of break period is total outage time.For example, if 3 interruptions were arranged during the time cycle, each 1 hour, then total outage time was 3 hours.As another example, interrupt for 1 time and be 3 little durations if during the time cycle, only have, then total outage time is 3 hours.As another example, if 2 interruptions were arranged during the time cycle, the time of interrupting for the first time is that 1 hour and time of interrupting for the second time are 2 hours, and then total outage time is 3 hours.In certain embodiments, for those times of during the time cycle, working as the long ion source of gas and gas atom interaction generation ion beam, in the rheology of the surface of sample 180 181 ion beams 192 10% or less (for example, 5% or less, 1% or less) per minute.
Ion microscope 200 can have relatively good resolution.For example, in certain embodiments, the resolution of ion microscope 200 can be 10nm or less (for example, 9nm or less, 8nm or less, 7nm or less, 6nm or less, 5nm or less, 4nm or less, 3nm or less, 2nm or less, 1nm or less).In certain embodiments, the resolution of ion microscope 200 can be 0.05nm or larger (for example, 0.1nm or larger, 0.2nm or larger, 0.25nm or larger, 0.5nm or larger, 0.75nm or larger, 1nm or larger, 2nm or larger, 3nm or larger).In certain embodiments, the resolution of ion microscope 200 can be from 0.05nm to 10nm (for example, from 0.1nm to 10nm, from 0.2nm to 10nm, from 0.25nm to 3nm, 0.25nm to 1nm, 0.1nm to 0.5nm, 0.1nm to 0.2nm).As used in this, the resolution of ion beam refers to the size of the minimal characteristic that can be measured reliably from the image that uses ion microscope to obtain.The size of feature is measured reliably, if 10 images from the feature that under condition of similarity, obtains, it can be determined in 10% or less error of the actual size of feature, and has the standard deviation less than 5% measured size less than the actual size of feature.
Ion microscope 200 can be used to the image of picked-up good quality in the relatively short time cycle.For example, ion microscope 200 can have 0.25 or larger quality factor (for example, 0.5 or larger, 0.75 or larger, 1 or larger, 1.5 or larger, 2 or larger).As said, quality factor are following to be determined.One smooth sample (its half formed by silicon (Si) and second half is formed by copper (Cu), have the border for the straight line that crosses sample between the material) is located so that the border is parallel to the y axle and is oriented.Sample is that 512 pixels are taken advantage of the x-y array of 512 pixels and pursued pixel ground imaging by the surface of dividing again sample.The residence time of each pixel is 100ns during the measurement.Be measured as the function of position of the lip-deep ion beam of sample from total abundance of the secondary electron of sample.For the image pixel corresponding to the Si in the sample, determined mean pixel intensity G 1, and from the standard deviation S D of Si pixel intensity distribution 1For the image pixel corresponding to the Cu in the sample, determined mean pixel intensity G 2, and from the standard deviation S D of Cu pixel intensity distribution 2Calculating establishes an equation under the quality factor basis:
G 1 - G 2 SD 1 · SD 2
When being exposed to ion beam 192, the surface 181 of sample 180 can experience relatively little damage.For example, according to damage test, the surface 181 of sample 180 can have 25nm or less value (for example, 20nm or less, 15nm or less, 10nm or less, 5nm or less).As said, damage test is following to carry out.Spot size when the ion beam of the ion beam current of the sample that uses 10pA and 10nm or less sample, during by the scanned sample of pixel ground grid surperficial, the atom level planar silicon of 4 squares of μ m visual fields (99.99% purity) sample is imaged 120 seconds with ion beam.For the purpose of grid scanning, the visual field of 4 squares of μ m is broken down into the pel array that 512 pixels are taken advantage of 512 pixels.The ultimate range of the imaging moiety that is etched into silicon sample that the value of damage test causes corresponding to damage test.
Ion microscope 200 can have the relatively large depth of focus.For example, in certain embodiments, the depth of focus of ion microscope 200 can be 5nm or larger (for example, 10nm or larger, 100nm or larger, 1 μ m or larger), and/or 200 μ m or less (for example, 100 μ m or less, 10 μ m or less), in some embodiment values, the depth of focus of ion microscope 200 can be from 200 μ m to 5nm (for example, from 500 μ m to 5nm, from 1mm to 5nm).As used in this, the depth of focus of ion beam is measured as follows.The sample (such as what before discuss in conjunction with the measurement of He ion beam spot spot size) that is included in the Jin Dao that forms on the carbon substrate is inserted into the He ion microscope, and carries out as mentioned above the measurement of He ion beam spot spot size.Repeatedly adjusting along the z shaft position of sample is determined so that produce the position of the sample of minimum He ion beam spot spot size.This position along the z axle is called as z fThe He ion beam is at z fSpot size be called as ss fSample subsequently edge-z direction with respect to z fWith incremental translational.After incremental translational continuously, the measurement of carrying out the spot size of He ion beam (is being used for determining z fSample on same position).When measured He ion beam spot spot size is 2ss fThe time, the translation of sample is stopped.This position along the sample of z axle is called as z uThen, sample edge+z direction is with respect to z uWith incremental translational, and by a z fAfter incremental translational continuously, the measurement of carrying out the spot size of He ion beam (is being used for determining z fSample on same position).When measured He ion beam spot spot size is 2ss fThe time, the translation of sample is stopped.This position along the sample of z axle is called as z lThe depth of focus d of He ion microscope fBy d f=| z l-z u| calculate.
In certain embodiments, the gas field ion microscope (for example as disclosed in this, the He ion microscope) can be used to distinguish element in the sample that has very the atomic weight (Z value) that approaches, example such as secondary electron productive rate, the scattered ion(s) abundance, and/or angle is resolved and the detection of the scattered ion(s) of energy resolved.For example, in certain embodiments, the gas field ion microscope can be used for distinguishing (Z value) element of difference 1 only that has atomic weight.
In certain embodiments, the gas field ion microscope (for example as disclosed in this, the He ion microscope) can be for the element of distinguishing the sample with the quality that approaches very much, for example, use the secondary electron productive rate, the scattered ion(s) abundance, and/or angle is resolved and the detection of the scattered ion(s) of energy resolved.In certain embodiments, the gas field ion microscope can be used for distinguishing and have difference 1 atomic mass unit only or less mass unit the element of the quality of (for example, 0.9 atomic mass unit or less, 0.8 atomic mass unit or less, 0.7 atomic mass unit or less, 0.6 atomic mass unit or less, 0.5 atomic mass unit or less, 0.4 atomic mass unit or less, 0.3 atomic mass unit or less, 0.2 atomic mass unit or less, 0.1 atomic mass unit or less).In certain embodiments, sample can have the farmland that is formed by the material with different average qualities (for example alloy).In such embodiments, the gas field ion microscope can, for example, be used to distinguish and have difference 1 atomic mass unit only or less mass unit the farmland of material of the quality of (for example, 0.9 atomic mass unit or less, 0.8 atomic mass unit or less, 0.7 atomic mass unit or less, 0.6 atomic mass unit or less, 0.5 atomic mass unit or less, 0.4 atomic mass unit or less, 0.3 atomic mass unit or less, 0.2 atomic mass unit or less, 0.1 atomic mass unit or less).
H. selectional feature
(i) efficient gas uses
In certain embodiments, can increase the utilization ratio of the interior He gas of microscopic system 200 for the transmission of most advanced and sophisticated 206 more concentrated He gas.Typically, not ionizable He gas atom can enter ion optics 130, and this can increase the width of the Energy distribution of the ion in the ion beam 192.In addition, low-energy not ionizable He gas atom can be participated in the charge exchange interaction with high-energy He ion, and this also can increase the width of the Energy distribution of the ion in the ion beam 192.
Thereby, in certain embodiments, air delivery system can be designed as in more scopodromic mode the tip 186 of gas (for example He gas) to gas field ion source 120 is provided, and remove untapped gas (for example, not ionizable He gas) in more efficiently mode from system.For example, the schematic diagram of part that comprises the gas field ion microscope of gas source 110 and vacuum pump 734 during Figure 21.Gas source 110 comprises length q and diameter n, ends at the dispatch tube 730 that transmits nozzle 736, and vacuum pump 734 includes oral area 732.Nozzle 736 be positioned distance most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 apart from g, and inlet portion 732 be positioned distance most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 apart from l.
In certain embodiments, g can be 10mm or less (for example, 9mm or less, 8mm or less, 7mm or less).Typically, g is 3mm or larger (for example, 4mm or larger, 5mm or larger, 6mm or larger).For example, g can be from 3mm value 10mm (for example, from 4mm to 9mm, from 5mm to 8mm).
In certain embodiments, l can be 100mm or less (for example, 90mm or less, 80mm or less, 70mm or less, 60mm or less, 50mm or less).Typically, l is 10mm or larger (for example, 20mm or larger, 30mm or larger, 40mm or larger).For example, l can be from 10mm to 100mm (for example, from 30mm to 100mm, from 40mm to 80mm).
In certain embodiments, the local pressure at the position He gas on most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187 is 10 -5Torr or larger (for example, 10 -4Torr or larger, 10 -3Torr or larger, 10 -2Torr or larger, 10 -1Torr or larger, 1Torr or larger).Simultaneously, with respect to the system that adopts He gas background to introduce, the integral pressure of the He gas in the microscopic system can be reduced.For example, the whole He pressure in the microscopic system 200 can be 10 -4Torr or less by (for example, 10 -5Torr or less, 10 -6Torr or less, 10 -7Torr or less, 10 -8Torr or less).
In certain embodiments, selected apart from the area of section of l and inlet portion 732, so that vacuum pump 734 is captured the interior not ionizable He atom of specific solid angle of microscopic system 200.For example, for the He atom that is positioned most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187, by the solid angle of entrance 732 subtends be 5 ° or larger (for example, 10 ° or larger, 15 ° or larger, 20 ° or larger, 3 ° ° or larger, 40 ° or larger).
Usually, the length q of dispatch tube 703 can be selected with the ratio of the diameter n of pipe 730, in order to control the distribution of the track of the He gas atom that is transferred into tip 186.For example, in certain embodiments, ratio q/n ratio can be 3 or larger (for example, 4 or larger, 5 or larger, 6 or larger) and/or 10 or less (for example, 9 or less, 8 or less, 7 or less).In certain embodiments, the q/n ratio can be (for example, between 3 and 9, between 4 and 9, between 4 and 8, between 5 and 8,5 and 7 between) between 3 and 10.
In certain embodiments, air delivery system can comprise more than a dispatch tube and nozzle.For example, in certain embodiments, air delivery system can comprise 2 or more gas dispatch tube (for example, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more).Each of a plurality of gas dispatch tubes can be positioned in order to transmit He gas to most advanced and sophisticated 186 in the mode of relative orientation.As the result who uses a plurality of gas dispatch tubes, can further be increased in the local pressure of He gas of the position on most advanced and sophisticated 186 summit 187.One or more vacuum pumps can be used to remove not ionizable He gas from microscopic system 200.
In certain embodiments, gas dispatch tube 730 can be introduced into other device of gas.For example, in certain embodiments, for the gas in extractor 190 and/or the inhibitor 188 transmits, gas dispatch tube 730 can be formed by one or more paths (for example, 2 or more path, 4 or more path, 6 or more path).In certain embodiments, be used for the one or more path that gas transmits (for example, 2 or more path, 4 or more path, 6 or more path) can be arranged at and support in most advanced and sophisticated 186 the pillar (for example, pillar 522a/b and 522).For example, in certain embodiments, extractor 190 can comprise 4 paths using for the gas transmission at tip 186.Path can equally be separated and radially be arranged along the periphery of extractor 190, so that the opening of each path is directly in the face of most advanced and sophisticated 186.The length over diameter of each path is more identical or different than being.
Can realize many advantages by other elements of the gas dispatch tube being introduced gas microscope 200.For example, use and to place to such an extent that be used for the metal tube 730 near most advanced and sophisticated 186 that gas transmits and can disturb near most advanced and sophisticated 186 electric fields.The gas dispatch tube is introduced other elements of microscopic system and can be eliminated such interference.As another example, near most advanced and sophisticated 186 space region are typically installed crowded with the electrode that operates microscopic system 200 and other.By other element with gas dispatch tube 730 drawing-in systems, can reduce near crowding most advanced and sophisticated 186.
In certain embodiments, the He gas that transmits via dispatch tube 730 can be by pre-cooled so that when entering microscopic system 200 its close to most advanced and sophisticated 186 working temperature.For example, the part of dispatch tube 730 can be placed with the supply container of the cooling agent (for example liquid nitrogen) that is used for cooling tip 186 and contact.As the result of this thermo-contact, by managing being cooled to and the chamber tip 186 roughly the same temperature before that are introduced into location most advanced and sophisticated 186 of the 730 He gas that transmit.
(ii) surface charge neutralization
Usually, when the He ion incidence was to the surface of sample, secondary electron left sample.Many secondary electrons leave sample, cause the surface to have clean positive charge.The lip-deep excessive positive charge of sample can produce many effects of not expecting.In certain embodiments, the material of sample can be damaged by positive charge.For example, some material is charge sensitive, and can react tempestuously (for example, blast) in the presence of excessive just (or negative) electric charge.
In certain embodiments, the charged on the surface of sample can limit the secondary electron of sample is left in the detector detection owing to ion beam and sample interaction ability.For example, the positive charge of sample surfaces and the attraction between the secondary electron can decelerating electrons, avoid electronics to arrive detector.
In certain embodiments, the charged of sample surfaces can cause coarse ion beam grid scanning.The deflection of the ion beam of the incident that the electric field that is produced by the positive charge on the surface of sample causes and slow down and can reduce the energy of incident ion, and change its track in the mode that is difficult to estimate.
If it is enough large that the lip-deep clean positive charge of sample becomes, then the electrostatic mirrors of He ion can be played in the surface of sample, arrives at the He ion before the surface of sample, and deflection He ion leaves from the surface of sample.
Electron stream to the flood gun on the surface of sample can be transmitted and the surface charge effect can be used to offset.Figure 22 shows and comprises and configure to such an extent that transmit electron beam 842 to the part of the gas field ion microscope of the flood gun 840 on the surface 181 of sample 180, when He ion beam 192 is incident on the surface 181.The electron stream of surface on 181 can, usually controlled so that the surface charge effect by electron beam 842 balances to the degree of wishing.
Although Figure 22 has described ion beam 192 and electron beam 842 impinges upon on the surface 181 of sample 180 simultaneously, also can use other method.For example, before exposed surface 181 to He ion beams 192, flood gun 840 can be configured, in order to transmit electron beam 842 to sample 180, thereby produces charge layer 846 (Figure 23) in the surperficial inferior segment of sample 180.Layer 846 has the mean depth ms of surface under 181, and layer 846 has at the thickness r perpendicular to the orientation measurement on surface 181.Usually, degree of depth m and thickness r, and the density of the electronics of layer in 846 can be by the energy of the electronics in the electron beam 842, and the electronics in the electron beam 842 is with respect to the incidence angle on surface 181, and the total electron dose that is sent to sample 180 is controlled.
In certain embodiments, in the time of on being incident on surface 181, the average energy of the electronics in the electron beam 842 is adjustable.For example, the average energy of electronics can be 500eV or larger (for example, 1keV or larger, 2keV or larger), and/or 20keV or less (for example, 15keV or less, 10keV or less).For example, in the time of on being incident on surface 181, the average energy of the electronics in the electron beam 842 can be from 500eV to 20keV (for example, from 1keV to 15keV, from 2keV to 10keV).
Electronics in the electron beam 842 with respect to surface 181 incidence angle δ corresponding to the angle between the normal 848 on the backbone mark 850 of electron beam 842 and surface 181.Usually, δ be 0 ° or larger (for example, 10 ° or larger, 20 ° or larger and/or 80 ° or less (for example, 70 ° or less, 60 ° or less).For example, δ can be (for example, from 0 ° to 10 °, from 40 ° to 60 °) from 0 ° to 70 °.
In certain embodiments, the total stream that is sent to the electronics of sample 180 be 10pA or larger (for example, 100pA or larger, 1nA or larger, 10nA or larger), and/or 100 μ A or less (for example, 10 μ A or less, 1 μ A or less, 500nA or less, 100nA or less).For example, the total stream that is sent to the electronics of sample 180 can be from 10pA to 1 μ A (for example, from 100pA to 100nA, from 1nA to 10nA).
In certain embodiments, m is 10nm or larger (for example, 25nm or larger, 50nm or larger, 75nm or larger, 100nm or larger), and/or 500nm or less (for example, 400nm or less, 300nm or less, 200nm).For example, m can be from 10nm to 500nm (for example, from 25nm to 500nm, from 50nm to 500nm, from 75nm to 400nm, from 100nm to 400nm).
In certain embodiments, a plurality of flood guns can be used.For example, in certain embodiments, different flood guns can be used to the different part on surface 181 is exposed to electronics.In certain embodiments, each flood gun can be used to the identical part on surface 181 is exposed to electronics.Optionally, different flood guns can be in different time services.For example, one or more flood guns can be used to before surface 181 is exposed to the He ion surface 181 (for example is exposed to electronics, in order to form the lower charge layer in surface), and one or more different flood guns can be used to when surperficial 181 also are exposed to the He ion surface 181 is exposed to electronics.In certain embodiments, all flood guns can be used to before surface 181 is exposed to the He ion surface 181 (for example is exposed to electronics, in order to form the lower charge layer in surface), and all flood gun can be used for when surperficial 181 also are exposed to the He ion surface 181 being exposed to electronics in certain embodiments.Other combination also can be used.
Although described the embodiment that wherein uses flood gun can realize surface charge neutralization, thereby the secondary electron that the neutralization of surface charge can also be launched with collection with collector electrode and the clean positive charge that its surface that is returned to sample reduces the surface realized.With reference to Figure 24, collector electrode 852 is connected to sample 180 via conductor 854.When sample 180 was exposed to He ion beam 192, the secondary electron of launching from the surface 181 of sample 180 (by arrow 856 representatives) incided on the collector electrode 852.Thereby electronics 856 is transferred back to the positive charge that surface 181 has reduced surface 181 via conductor 854 subsequently.Other collector electrode 852 can be connected to sample 180 in order to further surface charge neutralization is provided.
In certain embodiments, can use the combination of one or more collector electrodes and one or more flood gun.For example, one or more flood guns can be used for before surface 181 is exposed to the He ion surface 181 of sample 180 (for example is exposed to electronics, in order to form the lower charge layer in surface), and one or more collector electrodes can be used to when surface 181 is exposed to the He ion in and surperficial 181 electric charge.Other combination also is possible.
In certain embodiments, flood gun 840 can be configured, so that the electron beam 842 that transmits low-down energy is to sample 180.For example, the electronics in the bundle 842 can have about 50eV or less average energy.Low-energy electronics has low (landing) energy that lands, and this has limited the amount that can accumulate in the negative electrical charge on the surface 181.For example, if the mean electron energy in the electron beam 842 is 50eV, in case sample 180 charge to respect to publicly-current potential of 50eV, then the electronics from flood gun 840 no longer lands on the surface of sample.As a result, by adjusting the energy from the low-energy electron of flood gun 840, the maximum negative electrical charge that gathers can be controlled on the surface 181 of sample 180.The method can be used to the imaging non-conducting material, and does not have at the top of non-conducting material deposits conductive material layer in order to avoid the charged of non-conducting material.The example of the method is illustrated in Figure 25.Ion beam 192 is incident upon on the surface 181 of sample 180, and sample 180 is the dielectric materials (for example, sample 180 is not metal) with relatively low conductivity.Sample 180 is supported by sample manipulations device 140, and sample manipulations device 140 is biased to the current potential with respect to the public external ground-600V of microscopic system 200.The current potential that puts on executor 140 produces electric field on the surface 181 of sample 180.Flood gun 840 is configured, and is sent near the surface 181 the collision ion beam 192 in order to will comprise the electron beam of the electronics of the average energy with 500eV.At first, since caused surperficial 181 the electric field of bias voltage that puts on executor 140 cause following the usual practice such as the track of 843a and 843b and deflection-electronics does not land on surface 181 from the electronics of flood gun 840.But, along with since the incident positive charge build-up of He ion on surface 181, sample 180 charged that becomes has reduced by the electric field strength that is experienced from flood gun 840.When the electric charge on the surface 181 of sample 180 gather to the effective bias voltage on the surface reach with respect to publicly-during the point of 500V, can land on the surface 181 and the positive charge on it of neutralizing from the electronics of flood gun 840, follow for example track of 843c.As a result, put on the bias voltage of executor 140 and the energy of the electronics that transmitted by flood gun 840 by control, the positive charge build-up on sample 180 can be controlled.Sample 180, non-conducting material can thereby be imaged and not have gathering of surface charge, otherwise because the voltage-contrast effect that surface charge causes, and the gathering of surface charge can cause the image comparison do not expected.The image of non-conductive and semi-conducting material can be obtained and the layer that need not deposits conductive material on sample as charge dissipation layer.
In certain embodiments, flood gun 840 can be configured, in order to transmit electronics to the sample 180 with negative landing energy, that is, when sample surfaces did not have positive charge to exist, electronics did not land on surface 181.When because incident He ion samples 180 when obtaining surface charge, begin to land on surface 181 from the electronics of flood gun 840, in and positive charge.As a result, the surface 181 of sample 180 remains on almost not charged state.
In certain embodiments, the conversion surface can be used to produce secondary electron, the positive charge on this surface 181 of accumulating in sample 180 of can being used to subsequently neutralize.For example, the conversion surface that is formed by the material with high secondary charges productive rate (for example, platinum) can be located in close to sample 180.High energy He ion and/or neutral atom leave sample 180, can clash into the conversion surface, produce secondary electron.The secondary electron that produces is owing to the positive surface charge of gathering at sample 180 experiences attraction.As a result, secondary electron lands on sample surfaces, in and positive charge and reducing because the caused electric field of surface charge.As a result, when having the gathering of larger positive surface charge, secondary electron is attracted to the surface of sample 180 more consumingly.This provides the Self-adjusting Mechanism that reduces surface charge.
In certain embodiments, change-over panel can directly be installed on the element of ion optics 130, so that the secondary electron of the surface charge of sampling 180 neutralization.For example, in Figure 26, change-over panel 845 is attached to the surface of the second lens 226.Electronics 842 from flood gun 840 is directed to incident on change-over panel, and change-over panel is formed by the material with high secondary electron productive rate.He ion beam 192 be incident on the surface 181 of sample 180 and, along with the past of time, positive charge build-up on surface 181 ion beam 192 by the district of incident in.The secondary electron 847 that produces from change-over panel 845 is attracted to the surface region with excessive positive charge and lands in these districts, and excessive positive charge neutralizes.In case excessive surface charge is eliminated, then more secondary electron no longer lands on surface 181.As a result, surface 181 can be maintained at the quasi-neutrality state.
Usually, flood gun 840 can be configured or work continuously or off and on.Particularly, during discontinuous operation, flood gun 840 can open and close with the speed of expectation.For example, in certain embodiments, flood gun 840 can be opened and closed, so that with the charging neutrality of pixel exposure speed sampling 180.Ion beam 192 can be with the surface of the discrete scanned sample 180 of step grid, so that the continuous part on exposed sample surface.After each several part is exposed, flood gun 840 surface charge in the district that is exposed that can be used to neutralize.This is corresponding to the charging neutrality with pixel exposure speed.Alternatively, or interpolation ground, flood gun 840 can with line scan rate (for example be used for, after the whole line of the discrete parts of sample 180 is exposed to ion beam 192), and/or neutralize with frame rate (for example, after the whole two dimension district of the discrete parts of sample 180 is exposed to ion beam 192).
In certain embodiments, flood gun 840 can be used to improve the easiness from the detection of the secondary electron of sample 180.For example, flood gun 840 can be used to charge layer (for example charge layer 846) is embedded in the tagma of sample 180.The negative electrical charge layer that is embedded into causes the electric field on the surface 181 of sample 180.Because the secondary electron that leaves sample 180 that the interaction of sample 180 and incident ion bundle 192 produces is owing to the electric field that is produced by charge layer 846 accelerates to leave sample 180, so that the detection of the secondary electron by the detector that configures suitably becomes relatively more easy.
In Figure 27 A and 27B, schematically show the example of the use of the layer that is embedded into that uses negative electrical charge.In Figure 27 A, ion beam 192 is incident on the surface 181 of sample 180.A plurality of secondary electrons 2012 are created within several nanometers of beginning of sample 180.At first, many secondary electrons are escaped as free electron 2014, and the detector that free electron 2014 can be configured is suitably surveyed.But along with the past of time, in the incident He Implantation sample 180, form sample 180 interior charged layers 2010.Along with the increase at layer 2010 interior clean positive charge, secondary electron 2012 attracts to layer 2010 with being increased, and secondary electron less and less 201 is as free electron 2014 escape samples 180.As a result, the imaging of the sample 180 of the detection by secondary electron can become more and more difficult.
This solution of problem scheme has been shown in Figure 27 B.In the embodiment shown in Figure 27 B, flood gun 840 (not shown) are used to embed layer 2016 (for example electronics) of negative electrical charge in sample 180.The layer 846 of the layer of the negative electrical charge that is embedded in Figure 23.Because layer 2016, the secondary electron 2021 that produces in sample 180 is accelerated and leaves sample 180, the increase of the quantity of the secondary electron that produces 2014 of the sample 180 that causes escaping, and thereby improved the secondary electron signal that is detected from sample.In fact, layer 2016 electrostatic mirrors as secondary electron have improved its detectivity.
Usually, flood gun 840 can be used to implanting electronics before the analytic sample in sample, and/or flood gun 840 can be used to inject electronics in sample when the imaging sample.In certain embodiments, sample can be exposed to the electronics from flood gun 840 with interval (for example, the interval of rule).This can, for example, the charge level that auxiliary maintenance is relatively consistent.For example, sample can (for example, 100ns) be exposed to electronics from flood gun 840 corresponding to time cycle of every pixel residence time.
(iii) vibration uncoupling
Because vacuum pump, various moving component and the caused mechanical oscillation of background sound disturbance can affect some performance parameter (for example, image resolution ratio, in ion beam spot spot size, the stability of sample 180) of gas field ion microscope system 200.In certain embodiments, sample manipulations device 140 can be configured, so that the parts of decoupling zero sample 180 and other system 200 reduce the impact of exterior mechanical disturbance thus.Figure 28 shows the vibration uncoupling sample manipulations device 140 that comprises the guide needle 906 that is supported by actuator 908, and pin 906 and actuator 908 lay respectively in the platform 904.Supporting disk 902 is located in the top of platform 904, and the friction spider 900 of support sample 180 is placed on dish 902 tops.
For mobile example 180 in the x-y plane, actuator 908 receives suitable signal and starts guide needle 906 from electronic control system 170.In response to the signal from actuator 908, guide needle 906 is touched sample 180 and/or spider 900, causes the translation in the x-y plane.
The width j of guide needle 906 on its summit typically is selected as being slightly smaller than the diameter b in the hole 910 in the spider 900.For example, j can be 1mm, and b can be 1.1mm.In addition, spider 900 and dish 902 are selected so that coil 902 and spider 900 between stiction large, but can be overcome by the power that puts on sample 180 by actuator 908 by guide needle 906.Guide needle 906 is formed by the mechanical compliant materials that can be out of shape under the stress that is applied in order to reduce to transmit for the vibration of sample 180, but described material is rigid enough to for sample 180 transmission by actuator 908 applied forces.
As the result of these system parameterss, the mechanical oscillation that are coupled into platform 904 can be partially absorbed and be directed to pin 906 and consume, so that the vibration of spider 900 is very little or do not have.In addition, if guide pin 906 does not apply force to spider 900, then guide pin 906 preferentially slides against spider 900 limits, rather than causes the vibration of spider 900.
In certain embodiments, guide pin 906 can have the shape of basic square-section.When spider 900 in x and/or y direction by guide pin 906 during translation, rectangular cross sectional shape can assist the rotation of guaranteeing sample 180 and/or spider 900 not occur.If sample manipulations device 140 (for example tilts with respect to the axle 132 of ion optics 130, so that ion beam 192 is incident on the sample 180 with non-perpendicular angle), then be used to form spider 900 and/or coil 902 material and can be selected, so that between these elements, there is higher stiction.Alternatively, or additionally, in certain embodiments, spider 900 and dish 902 can be by magnetic couplings, in order to increase the stiction between these elements.Magnetic Field Coupling can carefully be implemented, in order to guarantee that magnetic field is localized and not disturbed specimen 180 or knock-on ion bundle 192.
When pin 906 did not activated, guide pin 906 can fully be broken away from spider 900.For example, guide pin 906 applies power for spider 900, causes spider 900 and sample 180 in the x-y plane after the translation, and the little recoil of pin 906 can cause by electronic control system 170, and this has introduced the space between guide pin 906 and the spider 900.As a result, guide pin 906 breaks away from spider 900 fully, and has avoided passing through the coupling for the mechanical oscillation of spider 900 of pin 906.
Figure 29 has described the sample clamping assembly 1510 of microscopic system.Use and help that sample clamping assembly 1510 has reduced bearing reduce the low-frequency mechanical vibrations of duration of work in sample.Assembly 1510 comprises the body 1511 with the opening 1512 that inserts sample.Body 1511 is connected to arm 1518 by adjustable connector 1522.Arm 1518 uses clamp 1520 to support sample stage 1514.Sample stage 1514 comprises the surface dish 1516 with hole 1524.
Assembly 1510 can be connected to ion microscope, so that the hole 1524 on the most advanced and sophisticated 186 directed sample stages 1514.Body 1511 can be formed by the suitable rigid material of for example hardened steel, stainless steel, phosphor bronze and titanium.Body 1511 can be sized and shape, in order to adapt to the concrete needs of using.For example, size and dimension that can selective body 1511 is used for microscopic system disclosed herein.During operation, sample can be introduced into assembly 1510 by opening 1512.
Sample stage 1514 supports along adjustable connector 1522 by the arm 1518 that is connected to body 1511.Capable of regulating connector 1522 allows moving both vertically of arm 1518.Arm 1518 and sample stage 1514 can move in the vertical direction and be locked in specific position.Connector 1522 can be by pneumatic or vacuum control, so that arm 1518 and platform 1514 can be locked in the upright position of expectation.Connector 1522 can optionally comprise the connector of other type.
Sample stage 1514 uses clamp 1520 to be connected to arm 1518.Arm 1518 can have the axle that extends internally, so that the clamp 1520 of sample stage 1514 can the fastening axle.Clamp 1520 can be by pneumatic or vacuumizing, so that platform 1514 is tilted.Clamp 1520 can be controlled, so that platform 1514 is tilted to the position of expectation.In certain embodiments, arrive after the position of expectation, clamp 1520 can be tightened up, so that sample stage 1514 is locked in the obliquity of expectation.
Sample stage 1514 also comprises the surface dish 1516 with opening 1524.Sample can be placed on the dish 1516 and the sample position control system can be introduced into so that the sample on the plane of displacement disc 1516 by opening 1524.In certain embodiments, dish 1516 can be around its central rotation so that by expectation rotation and the mobile lip-deep sample that is positioned at dish.Dish 1516 can be formed by suitable rigid material, comprises pottery, glass and polymer.
Figure 30 has described the sample clamping assembly of microscopic system.The sample clamping assembly of Figure 30 has the lip-deep spider 1600 that is positioned over dish 1516 similar in appearance to the sample clamping assembly of Figure 29.Spider 1600 can have the pillar that allows on its top that is located in opening 1524.Optionally, spider 1600 can have the opening on the part on surface.Spider 1600 can be formed by suitable rigid material, comprises pottery, glass and polymer.
At the duration of work of microscopic system 200, sample 180 can move, tilt in the z direction, translation in the x-y plane, and rotation.If sample 180 is tilted and inclination angle (for example, the angle between the normal to a surface of ion beam 192 and sample 180) is relatively large, the sample that then is tilted may be on the whole visual field of microscopic system 200 out-focus.The image of the sample that obtains under these conditions as a result, can be for focus alignment and at center and fuzzy perpendicular to the district outside the sloping shaft.
These can be compensated by change the focal length of lens 226 when with ion beam 192 scanned samples 180 surperficial.In order to carry out this correction, sample manipulations device 140 can transmit the tilt angle information of sample 180 to electronic control system 170.As an alternative, tilt angle information can manually be inputted by user interface by system manipulation person.Electronic control system 170 per sample 180 orientation is determined one group of voltage correction, in order to be applied to the second lens 226, thereby dynamically changes the focal length of lens 226 when the sample 180 of ion-beam scanning being crossed inclination surperficial.
In addition, the lateral dimension of the sample of inclination is because the projection of the sample of inclination on plane surface and owing to the difference for the distance of optics 130 is twisted.For example, the lateral dimension of the sample surfaces of inclination can represent shorter than its actual value, because sample 180 is with respect to the orientation of ion beam 192.Another example is the trapezoidal distortion distortion of image.Effect is that rectangular characteristic is twisted, so that the image of rectangle is showed trapezoidal distortion in shape at it.
These can be by when with ion beam 192 scanned samples 180 surperficial, adjustment scan deflection device 219 and 221 scan amplitude and compensated.In order to carry out this correction, electronic control system 170 can obtain the information about the inclination angle of sample 180 in the same manner as described above.Electronic control system 170 per sample 180 inclination determines to put on the adjustment of the scan amplitude of scan deflection device 219 and 221, adapt to the deflection of ion beam with box lunch during with the sample 180 of ion beam 192 scanned inclinations surperficial, in order to obtain the unwrung image on the surface of the sample 180 that tilts.As an alternative, these two twisted effects can be corrected by the digital manipulation of image of distortion.
(iv) reduce the existence of neutral particle and double-electric ion in the ion beam
As discussed above, neutral particle (for example, He atom) can be used as the neutral atom of unionization enters microscopic system 200 from gas field ion source 120 ion optics 130.Such neutral particle can affect the performance of microscopic system negatively.Thereby in certain embodiments, expectation reduces the existence of the neutral particle in the ion beam 192.Double-electric He ion (He 2+) also can be produced in gas field ion source 120, perhaps by near the He atom dual ionization most advanced and sophisticated 186, perhaps by the collision between the He ion.The focus characteristics of double-electric He ion is different from the electro-ionic focus characteristics of single lotus, and the double-electric ion that exists in ion beam 192 can cause spot size larger on the sample 180 and other effect of not expecting.
A method that reduces the quantity of the neutral particle in the ion beam 192 relates to and reduces the probability that neutral particle enters ion beam.Such method can relate to, and for example, uses the directed gas for most advanced and sophisticated 186 to transmit (seeing top discussion) in order to reduce the overall existence of not ionizable He gas atom in microscopic system 200.
The other method that reduces the quantity of the neutral particle in the ion beam 192 relates to removes neutral particle from ion beam after neutral particle is present in the ion beam 192.The method can relate to the electrostatic lens element comes deflect ions, space isolating ions and neutral particle in ion optics 130.For example, Figure 31 shows deflector 220 wherein and is biased from the longitudinal axis 132 of ion optics 130, and the ion optics 130 that is arranged of additional deflector 223 wherein.He ion beam 192 comprises He ion 192a and He atom 192b.In order to separate He ion 192a and He atom 192b, the current potential that puts on deflector 223 is adjusted, in order to cause the deflection of He ion 192a in the x direction.He atom 192b is not affected by deflector 223, and thereby is not deflected.He atom 192b is intercepted by gatherer 1016 subsequently, and gatherer 1016 avoids He atom 192b to pass hole 224.The current potential that puts on deflector 220 and 222 is also adjusted, so that the track of He ion 192a aims at again with the longitudinal axis 132, and the part of He ion 192a is passed hole 224 and is incident on as ion beam 192 on the surface 181 of sample 180.
Other technology also can be used for removing neutral particle from ion beam.Typically, such technology relates to the ion that makes in electricity consumption and/or the magnetic core logical circuit deflection ion beam, and not deflection neutral particle.In certain embodiments, electricity and the combination in magnetic field can be used, so that the energy correlation space separation of the ion that compensation causes from the ion deflecting ion optics 130.In addition, various asymmetric ion column geometries (for example, curved ion post) can be used to separate He atom and ion.
For example, in Figure 32, the configuration of the curved post of ion optics 130 can be used to separate He atom, single charged He ion and double-electric He ion.Ion beam 192 enters optics 130, propagates along the direction that the axle 132 with respect to ion optics 130 tilts.Ion beam 192 comprises neutral He atom, He +Ion and He 2+Ion.Current potential is applied in deflector 223, the He in the deflected ion beam 192 +Ion, so that by after the deflector 223, He +Ion is propagated along axle 132, as ion beam 192a.But neutral atom is not deflected when passing deflector 223.Neutral atom thereby and He +Separate in the ion space, and the beam of neutral atoms 192b that is intercepted by gatherer 1016b is provided.He 2+Ion ratio He +The degree of ion deflecting is larger, and single and double-electric ion are separated in the space, and He is provided 2+The ion beam 192c of ion.He 2+Ion beam 192c is intercepted by gatherer 1016c.As a result, the ion beam 192a that occurs from ion optics 130 only comprises He basically +Ion.
Figure 33 shows and separates He atom, He +Ion and He 2+Another embodiment of the ion-optic system of ion.Ion-optic system shown in Figure 33 comprises for mutually isolating He atom, He +Ion and He 2+Ion, and for the particle beams do not contribute the electricity of prism class effect and magnetic field without the sequence of disperseing.Ion-optic system comprises the series of 3 deflector 223a, 223b and 223c, and the series of 3 deflector 223a, 223b and 223c is configured, so that deflection and guiding He +Ion passes ion optics 130, so that basically only comprise He +The ion beam 192a of ion occurs from ion optics 130.Beam of neutral atoms 192b is not deflected and the position after each deflector is intercepted by gatherer 1016b.Double-electric He ion ratio He +Ion deflecting gets larger, and a plurality of He 2+Bundle 192c is intercepted by gatherer 1016c.As a result, He atom, He +Ion and He 2+Ion is separated on the space mutually, and He +Ion is directed to sample 180, and as ion beam 192, and the Shu Chengfen that does not expect is blocked in ion optics 130.
In certain embodiments, the use in magnetic field can cause having identical charges, but separates corresponding to the space of the track of the ion of the different isotopic ion beam 192 of the gas of being introduced by gas source 110.For some gas of for example He, these gases have the isotope (for example, greater than 90% relative abundance) of dominant Lock-in, because the separation effect in magnetic field is typically little.But for having 2 or the isotope of more Lock-ins and lack dominant isotopic other gas, such effect can be larger.As a result, in certain embodiments, isotope-separation apparatus (for example, being used for avoiding the isotope do not expected to pass the stopping of length of ion optics 130) can be used.In certain embodiments, the gatherer 1016 that is used to block neutral atom or double-electric ion also can be used for blocking the isotope that ion beam 192 is not expected.
The type of particle
The interaction of ion beam and sample can cause that dissimilar particle leaves the surface by various interactions as described below.Such particle comprises secondary electron, auger electrons, scattered ion(s), neutral particle, x-ray photon, IR photon, optical photon, UV photon, secondary ion and a secondary neutral particle.The particle of one or more types can be detected and analyze, in order to determine the one or more dissimilar information about sample.Voltage-contrast information, the magnetic information of sample and the optical information of sample of surperficial inferior segment that comprises voltage-contrast information, the sample of crystallization information, the sample surfaces of material composition information, the sample in (sub-surface) district under the surface of material composition information, sample on surface of pattern information, sample on the surface of sample about the information of such type of sample.As used in this, the surface of term sample refers to until the volume of 5nm or the less degree of depth.
A. secondary electron
Secondary electron as said, is to send and have a electronics less than the energy of 50eV from the sample nucleic.Usually, secondary electron sends with a plurality of angles and energy range from sample surfaces.But, the information of paying close attention to the most normally total abundance of secondary electron (with energy resolved secondary electron information, or angle parsing secondary electron information is compared) because explain as following, total abundance of secondary electron can provide the information about sample surfaces just.
Secondary electron can use the one or more suitable detectors that can survey electronics (seeing the discussion of above-mentioned type about detector) and be detected.If use a plurality of detectors, then all detectors can all be the detectors of same type, perhaps can use dissimilar detector, and usually can be configured by expectation.Detector can be configured, in order to survey the surface 181 (surface of ion beam strikes) of leaving sample 180, the secondary electron on the surface 183 of sample 180 (surface on the offside of ion beam strikes) or both (seeing top discussion about detector configuration).
The secondary electron signal that is detected can be used to form the image of sample.Usually, ion beam is scanned by grid on the visual field on the surface of sample, and the secondary electron signal in each grating step (corresponding to the independent pixel in the image) is measured by one or more detectors.Usually, each detector remains on the fixing position with respect to sample, when ion beam is scanned by grid on the visual field on the surface of sample.In certain embodiments, however one or more detectors can move with respect to sample.For example, if simple detector is used, then can produce the Angular correlation information of sample with respect to the sample mobile detector.
In certain embodiments, the total abundance of detection secondary electron can provide the pattern information about sample.The total abundance of the secondary electron of given position from the teeth outwards depends on usually in this gradient with respect to the surface of ion beam.Usually, higher with respect to total abundance of the gradient larger part on the surface of ion beam (that is the incidence angle larger part of the ion beam of, measuring from surface normal) secondary electron.Thereby, as the change of the total abundance of secondary electron of the function of the position of ion beam on the sample surfaces, can be relevant with the change of surperficial gradient, the information about the pattern on the surface of sample is provided.
In certain embodiments, total abundance of detection secondary electron can produce the material composition information (for example, element information, chemical environment information) about sample.In such embodiments, information relates generally to the surface of sample.Usually, each element in given chemical environment or material have a specific intrinsic secondary electron productive rate.As a result, total abundance of the secondary electron of given position depends on the material that exists in this position usually from the teeth outwards.Therefore, as the change of total abundance of the secondary electron of the function of the position of the lip-deep ion beam of sample, can be relevant with surperficial existing element and/or the material at sample, the material composition information on sampling surface.In certain embodiments, the concrete material in the sample can be identified according to the quantitative measurment from the secondary electron productive rate of sample.For example, when being exposed to the He ion beam under controlled condition, for example the material of Al, Si, Ti, Fe, Ni, Pt and Au has known secondary electron productive rate.Ion microscope (for example, gas field particle microscope) can be calibrated according to the known secondary electron productive rate for various materials, in order to identify existence and the relative abundance of the various different materials in the studied sample.The secondary electron productive rate of various materials for example, has been shown in Table I.In He ion beam vertical incidence, and measure this productive rate under the mean ion energy of 21keV.Under non-perpendicular incidence angle, for example, typically adjusted corresponding to the multiplication factor at the incident tangent of an angle of the lip-deep ion beam of sample at the productive rate shown in the Table I.Other experiment condition is described in the example of described correspondence below.
Table I
Material Z M(amu) The productive rate of secondary electron
Aluminium
13 27.0 4.31
Silicon 14 28.1 2.38
Titanium 22 47.9 3.65
Iron 26 55.8 3.55
Nickel 28 58.7 4.14
Copper 29 63.4 3.23
Indium 49 114.8 4.69
Tungsten 74 183.8 2.69
Rhenium 75 186.2 2.61
Platinum 78 195.1 7.85
Gold 79 197.0 4.17
Plumbous 82 207.2 4.57
In certain embodiments, total abundance of surveying secondary electron can produce voltage-contrast information, and this can provide again about the conductive characteristic of the element on the surface of sample and/or material and/or the information of current potential.Usually the electrical characteristics that depend on the material that exists on the surface of sample in total abundance of the secondary electron of the lip-deep given position of sample.Usually, when being exposed to ion beam, along with the past of time, the lower material of conductivity is along with the time trends towards becoming charged in the past, and when being exposed to ion beam, along with the past of time, the higher material of conductivity is along with the trend that becomes in the past charged of time is lower.Thereby, for example, for the past of the lower material of conductivity along with the time, the total abundance of the secondary electron of the given position of sample surfaces trends towards reducing (because more surface charge cause less secondary electron escape sample), and trends towards experiencing less reducing (because less surface charge) for the higher material of conductivity along with the total abundance of secondary electron of the given position of the past sample surfaces of time.As a result, can be relevant with the conductivity of the material of this position as the change of total abundance of the secondary electron of the function of the ion beam location of sample surfaces, the voltage-contrast information on sampling surface.
The lower voltage-contrast effect in surface can be provided by the He ion in the surperficial inferior segment that embeds sample that becomes.As describing in conjunction with Figure 27 A and 27B, the lower He ion in surface can be avoided the secondary electron escape sample surfaces that produces in sample.Thereby, charged under the surface of the sample that the contrast of the secondary electron of sample can cause owing to the He ion by incident.
The information that is provided by these technology can be used to the ion beam test of semiconductor article.For example, voltage-contrast is measured and can be used for determining, because the existence of the electrical connection between the following part or do not exist, whether the part of electronic installation and/or circuit is in different current potentials when being exposed to ion beam, and thereby described device and/or circuit whether correctly work.
In certain embodiments, survey the crystallization information that total abundance of secondary electron can sampling.(for example, being parallel to one of unit vector of describing lattice aims at) can be aimed at according to ion beam and changed to total abundance of secondary electron whether with the crystal structure of sample.If ion beam is aimed at the crystal structure of sample, then the ion in the ion beam can run through the given distance that enters in the sample and the probability (being commonly referred to tunnelling) with the sample atoms collision is relative not high usually, causes total abundance of lower secondary electron.If on the other hand, ion beam is not aimed at crystal structure, then the ion in the ion beam can run through the given distance that enters in the sample and the probability with the sample atoms collision is relative not low usually, causes total abundance of higher secondary electron.Thereby, can be with the crystallization information of the material of this position and relevant as the change of total abundance of the secondary electron of the function of sample surfaces ion beam location.For example, can have the district of sample surfaces, wherein total abundance of secondary electron is basic identical.Such district can for example have identical crystal orientation, and the size in district (for example can provide crystallite dimension and/or crystalline size information, in the Polycrystalline of the domain that comprises many orientations), and/or can provide the information about the strain regions of sample (being amorphous or crystallization), because for the size of the total abundance of secondary electron of the material of given chemical analysis (for example, elementary composition, material composition) can depend on the strain of material.
In certain embodiments, survey the magnetic information that the abundance of secondary electron can sampling.Total abundance of secondary electron can depend on the size adjacent to the magnetic field of sample surfaces.In certain embodiments, for example, adjacent to the magnetic field of sample surfaces owing to the magnetic domain in the sample that produces local magnetic field at sample surfaces changes.In certain embodiments, apply magnetostatic field by the external magnetic field source, and sample in magnetic domain produce local magnetic field at sample surfaces, cause the variation of the external magnetic field that applies.In arbitrary situation, the variation of the local magnetic field of sample surfaces can, for example, change from the track of the secondary electron of sample emission.The change of secondary electron track can be corresponding to the increase of the total abundance of secondary electron, when the track of secondary electron is changed so that more secondary electron when being directed to detector, perhaps the change of secondary electron track can be corresponding to the reducing of the total abundance of secondary electron, when the track of secondary electron is changed so that more secondary electron is directed to when leaving detector.
For some samples, come across contrast in the secondary electron image of sample and can be because above-mentioned two or more mechanism.In other words, the secondary electron image of some sample can comprise part because the pattern in the sample surfaces changes, the material composition in the sample surfaces changes, the voltage-contrast in the sample surfaces changes, the crystallization in the sample surfaces changes and/or sample surfaces in the caused contrast of magnetic variationization.Thereby, advantageously in conjunction with from measuring the information that the total abundance of secondary electron obtains and the information that obtains from the particle of measuring other type is passable, so that qualitative and/or isolate quantitatively the contribution of these one or more mechanism.The below is discussed in more detail this possibility.
The secondary electron imaging technique can be applied to various dissimilar samples.The example of such material is semiconductor article, and the wafer of composition for example, wafer can comprise, for example, is insulated a plurality of electric conductors that the matrix of material centers on.The secondary electron imaging technique can be used to the defective in the recognition device, for example incomplete electrical connection between the conductor, and/or the electrical short between the circuit element.More at large, the secondary electron imaging technique can be used to the ion beam Test Application of various semiconductor articles.Optionally, the method can similarly be used for the purpose that mask is repaired.
Another example that can use the sample classification of secondary electron imaging technique is metal and alloy.For example, the image that comprises the sample of the composite material of alloy for example can be used for determining the surface distributed of each material of sample.The another example that can use the sample classification of secondary electron imaging technique is the read/write structure for data storing.Can use other additional example of material type of secondary electron imaging technique is biomaterial and biopharmaceutical material.
With coming the imaging sample that many advantages with respect to the secondary electron imaging by other technology (for example SEM) can be provided by being exposed to secondary electron that the He ion beam produces.For example, the spot size of the He ion beam on the sample is can be recently little from the spot size of the electron beam of SEM.As the result than the speckle size, the district that is exposed to the sample of He ion beam is more carefully controlled than the district that is exposed among the SEM.
In addition, usually because He ion ratio electronics is heavy, thus scattering events in the sample unlike disperseing easily to disperse the He ion the electronics by scattering.As a result, the lip-deep He ion that is incident on sample with compare than the electronics among the SEM, can be in less interaction volume and the interaction of sample.As a result, the secondary electron that (for example He ion microscope) surveyed in the gas field ion microscope is compared with the secondary electron among the SEM with similar spot size, can come from less zone.As a result, compared with the secondary electron that in SEM, produces by the secondary electron that the He ion beam produces, can be corresponding to inquire after (for example, have less material behavior laterally average) of the more localization of sample surfaces.
In addition, the He ion source also provides the degree of depth of the focus larger than electron source.The result, the image of the sample that the use ion microscope obtains (for example, the gas field ion microscope) compares with the comparable image that secondary electron from SEM obtains, can illustrate along the sample perpendicular to greater part orientation measurement, that focus on of sample surfaces.
The He ion beam can also sampling the more sensitive contrast mechanism of secondary electron image, because with when causing that with the interaction of sample secondary electron leaves sample surfaces owing to electron beam, compare the larger scope for the secondary electron productive rate of different materials that when the interaction owing to ion beam and sample causes that secondary electron leaves sample, can obtain.Typically, for example, for incident beam, change such as the secondary electron productive rate from 0.5 to 2.5 of the versatile material of semiconductor and metal.But, can from 0.5 to 8 change for the productive rate of the secondary electron of the identical material that is exposed to the He ion beam.Thereby, use gas field ion microscope (for example He ion microscope) to compare with comparable SEM system, can carry out more accurately the identification of different materials from secondary electron image.
B. auger electrons
As said, auger electrons is the electronics of following generation.Thereby the electronics in the shell of intratomic is removed and forms the room, is accompanied by energy discharge by filling the room from diatomic electronics of higher shell subsequently.This energy is released by another electronics that is called auger electrons.Usually, auger electrons is launched with angle and the energy of a scope from the surface of sample.But the information of paying close attention to the most is the energy of auger electrons (resolving auger electrons information with angle compares) normally, because explain as following, the energy of auger electrons can provide the information about sample surfaces just.Auger electrons can use one or more can being detected with the suitable detector discussion of the type of detector (above seeing about) that the energy resolved mode is surveyed electronics.If use a plurality of detectors, all detectors can be the detectors of same type, perhaps can use dissimilar detector, and can be usually by the expectation configuration.Detector can be configured, in order to survey the surface 181 (surface of ion beam strikes) of leaving sample 180, the auger electrons on the surface 183 of sample 180 (surface on the offside of ion beam strikes) or both (seeing top configuration about detector).In order to improve the signal to noise ratio of the auger electrons that is detected, the detector of the solid angle that can collect relatively large auger electrons is used in expectation.Additionally or alternatively, adjacent to the surface of sample and the electron collection optics (for example, electrostatic lenses) of electronic guidance detector can be able to be used effective solid angle of the detection that increases auger electrons (for example, for).
Usually, survey the material composition information (for example, element information, chemical environment information) that auger electrons can produce sample.In such embodiments, information is relevant to the surface of sample with preponderating.Usually, for each element or the material in given chemical environment, the auger electrons that is sent by element or material has specific energy and maybe can be with.As a result, the energy of given position auger electrons depends on the material that exists in this position usually from the teeth outwards.Thereby as the change of the energy of the auger electrons of the function of the position of ion beam on the sample surfaces, the element that can exist with sample surfaces and/or the change of material are relevant, the material composition information on sampling surface.
The auger electrons imaging technique can be applied to the sample of various classification.The example of the classification of such material is semiconductor article, and the wafer of composition for example, this wafer for example can comprise a plurality of electric conductors that the matrix by insulating material centers on.Optionally, the method can similarly be used to the purpose that mask is repaired.Another example that can use the sample classification of auger electrons imaging technique is metal and alloy.For example, the image that comprises the sample of the composite material of alloy for example can be used for determining the surface distributed of each material of sample.The another example that can use the auger electrons imaging technique is the read/write structure for data storing.Can use other additional example of material type of auger electrons imaging technique is biomaterial and biopharmaceutical material.
Come the imaging sample with respect to the auger electrons imaging by other technology (for example SEM) with the auger electrons that leaves the surface owing to the interaction of sample and He ion beam, many advantages can be provided.For example, the spot size of the He ion beam on the sample is can be recently little from the spot size of the electron beam of SEM.Because than the speckle size, the district that is exposed to the sample of He ion beam is more carefully controlled than the district that exposes among the SEM.
In addition, usually because He ion ratio electronics is heavy, thus scattering events in the sample unlike disperse electronics by scattering easy dispersion He ion.As a result, the lip-deep He ion that is incident on sample can interact with sample in less interaction volume than the electronics in SEM.As a result, the auger electrons that (for example He ion microscope) surveyed in the gas field ion microscope can come from than the auger electrons from the SEM with similar spot size less district.As a result, left the auger electrons on surface by the reciprocation of sample and He ion beam and compare with the auger electrons that in SEM, produces, can be corresponding to inquire after (for example, the having the laterally average of less material behavior) of the more localization of sample surfaces.
In addition, the He ion source also provides the degree of depth of the focus larger than electron source.The result, the image of the sample that the use ion microscope obtains (for example, the gas field ion microscope) compares with the comparable image that auger electrons from SEM obtains, can illustrate along the sample perpendicular to greater part orientation measurement, that focus on of sample surfaces.
Survey for auger electrons, compare with electron beam, another advantage of using ion beam is that auger electrons is detected at the baseline of back scattered electron when using electron beam, and uses ion beam, and back scattered electron does not exist.As a result, when the auger electrons collected relatively in a small amount, can obtain the signal to noise ratio of the auger electrons of relatively high detection, this can reduce when the use ion beam to obtain the time quantum that the auger electron of relative good quality spends from sample.
C. scattered ion(s)
As said, scattered ion(s) is produced when interacting from the ion of ion beam (for example, the He ion) and sample, and is scattered from sample and stays simultaneously ion (for example, He ion).Because scattered ion(s) can move to from the surperficial inferior segment of sample the surperficial of sample and very low from the probability of sample emission, so the information on the common sampling of scattered ion(s) surface.Such as following more detailed description, when surveying scattered ion(s), the concrete layout of detector depends on the type of the information that expectation obtains usually.
In certain embodiments, the pattern information of sample surfaces can obtain by the scattered ion(s) of surveying.Figure 34 A has described to survey scattered ion(s) from the not same district on surface usually, so that the embodiment of the method for the pattern information of definite sample surfaces.Particularly, Figure 34 A shows sample 7010, and this sample 7010 has the district 7012,7014 and 7016 that has respectively surface 7013,7015 and 7017.Scattering pattern 7020,7030 and 7040 represents respectively from the angle of the ion of surface 7013,7015 and 7017 scatterings and distributes, when ion beam is vertically incident thereon.As shown in Figure 34 A, each scattering pattern 7020,7030 and 7040 is that longitudinal cosine type distributes.Figure 34 B has described to come from the pattern effect and the relative intensity 7042 of the scattered ion(s) surveyed respectively by detector 7041 and 7050 and 7052 distribution (being respectively dash line and dotted line).Thereby, for example, suppose that sample 7010 is formed by same material on its whole surface, can be used for determining the pattern of sample 7010 from detector 7041 and relative total abundance distribution of 7050.As an alternative, the pattern of supposing sample 7010 is known, then be attributable simply to can from total abundance of the scattered ion(s) surveyed, being removed for the contribution (relative intensity 7042 and 7052) of total abundance of scattered ion(s) of detection of pattern, in order to determine the contribution for total abundance of the scattered ion(s) of surveying owing to other effect (for example, changing the material on the surface of crossing sample 7010).Although detector can be with respect to the surface by expectation location,, in certain embodiments, at the shown detector system of Figure 34 A, pattern information obtains from the He ion in large angle of scattering scattering.For example, in certain embodiments, from the pattern information exchange of scattered ion(s) cross with respect to 60 ° in the direction of ion beam or larger (for example, 65 ° or larger, 70 ° or larger, 75 ° or larger) angle survey scattered ion(s) and be determined.Although Figure 34 A has described the use of two detectors, in certain embodiments, single detector is used (for example, detector 7041 or detector 7050).As an alternative, in certain embodiments, (for example 3,4,5,6,7,8) individual detector can be used more than 2.Usually, when a plurality of detectors were used to survey scattered ion(s), detector was mutual equidistant separately for its solid angle with respect to the surface of sample.Can allow to survey surface characteristics with respect to two orthogonal directions of the nominal plane of sample surfaces with respect to the use more than 2 detectors (for example, 4 detectors) of the symmetrical location of sample surfaces.
Figure 35 A-35I has described to survey scattered ion(s) so that the various embodiment of the method for the pattern information of definite sample surfaces from the different district on surface usually.Particularly, Figure 35 A, 35D and 35G show respectively sample 8050, and this sample 8050 has the district 8052,8054,8056 and 8058 that has respectively surface 8053,8055,8057 and 8061.As shown in Figure 35 A, 35D and the 35G, surface 8055 and 8059 tilts with respect to surface 8053,8057 and 8061. Scattering pattern 8070,8090 and 80110 representatives distribute from the angle of the ion of surface 8053,8057 and 8061 scatterings respectively, when ion beam vertical incidence thereon the time.As shown in Figure 35 A, 35D and the 35G, each scattering pattern 8070,8090 and 80110 is that longitudinal cosine type distributes.Scattering pattern 8080 and 80100 representatives distribute from the angle of the ion of surface 8055 and 8059 scatterings, when ion beam is vertical with 8058 with respect to district 8054.As shown in Figure 35 A, 35D and the 35G, because ion beam is not normally incident on the surface 8055 and 8059, not that longitudinal cosine type distributes so the angle of scattering pattern 8080 and 80110 distributes.
Figure 35 B and 35C have described when half ball detector (can the angle resolve scattered ion(s), frequency spectrum is resolved scattered ion(s), or both) 80120 is used to survey scattered ion(s), the relative abundance of the gross production rate of scattered ion(s) and the scattered ion(s) that is detected.As shown in Figure 35 C, there is shadow effect in the relative abundance of the ion that when using detector 80120, is detected.Thereby, for example, suppose that sample 8050 is formed by same material on its whole surface, can be used to determine the pattern of sample 8050 from the relative abundance distribution of detector 80120.As an alternative, suppose the pattern of known sample 8050, the contribution for total abundance (relative abundance among Figure 35 D) that then is attributable simply to the scattered ion(s) that is detected of pattern can be removed from total abundance of the scattered ion(s) that is detected, in order to determine the contribution (for example, changing the material on the surface of crossing sample 8050) for total abundance of the scattered ion(s) that is detected owing to other effect.
Figure 35 E and 35F have described when the roof detector 80130 that has relative little acceptance angle for scattered ion(s) is used to survey scattered ion(s), the relative abundance of the gross production rate of scattered ion(s) and the scattered ion(s) that is detected.As shown in Figure 35 F, because enter the scattering productive rate of acceptance angle of detector 80,130 8054 and 8056 significantly less in the district (although, higher in these districts such as the gross production rate at the scattered ion(s) shown in Figure 35 E), the relative abundance of scattered ion(s) reduces in district 8054 and 8056.Thereby, for example, suppose that sample 8050 is formed by same material on its whole surface, then can be used to determine the pattern of sample 8050 from the relative abundance distribution of detector 80130.As an alternative, suppose the pattern of known sample 8050, then be attributable simply to can from total abundance of the scattered ion(s) that is detected, removing for the contribution (relative abundance among Figure 35 D) of total abundance of the scattered ion(s) that is detected of pattern, in order to determine the contribution (for example, changing the material on the surface of crossing sample 8050) for total abundance of the scattered ion(s) that is detected owing to other effect.
Figure 35 H and 35I have described when the roof detector 80140 that has relative large acceptance angle for scattered ion(s) is used to survey the ion that is detected, the relative abundance of the gross production rate of scattered ion(s) and the scattered ion(s) that is detected.As shown in Figure 35 I, by selecting the suitable acceptance angle of detector 80140, the relative abundance of the scattered ion(s) that is detected is basic identical on sample.Effect outside the change of total abundance of the scattered ion(s) that is detected will change owing to surface topography (for example, changing the material on the surface of crossing sample 8050).
In certain embodiments, the detection of scattered ion(s) can be used to determine the material composition information of sample surfaces.A kind of such method relates to total abundance of measuring scattered ion(s).Total abundance of scattered ion(s) can use single detector (for example half ball detector) to survey, this detector is configured to survey the scattered ion(s) on the surface 181 (surface of ion beam strikes) of leaving sample 180, perhaps survey with a plurality of detectors, described a plurality of detectors are configured to survey the scattered ion(s) on the surface 181 (ion beam is with the surface on the surface of an angle and energy range bump sample) of leaving sample 180.Usually, the probability of scattering of He ion (and thereby total abundance of the He ion of scattering, suppose that for example the pattern in the sample surfaces changes not from the impact of other factors) with square become the roughly direct ratio of He ion from the atomic number (Z value) of the surface atom of its scattering.Thereby, for example, when attempting to distinguish copper (atomic number 29) line in the semiconductor article and silicon (atomic number 14), be from total abundance of the scattered ion(s) of the silicon atom on the surface of semiconductor article about 4 times from total abundance of the He ion of the scattering of the copper atom on the surface of semiconductor article.As another example, when attempting to distinguish tungsten (atomic number 74) bolt in the semiconductor article and silicon (atomic number 14), be from the total abundance that is scattered the He ion of the silicon atom on the surface of semiconductor article about 25 times from total abundance of the He ion of the scattering of the tungsten atom on the surface of semiconductor article.As another example, when attempting to distinguish gold (atomic number 79) district in the semiconductor article and silicon (atomic number 14), be from total abundance of the scattered ion(s) of the silicon atom on the surface of semiconductor article about 25 times from total abundance of the He ion of the scattering of the gold atom on the surface of semiconductor article.As other example, when attempting to distinguish indium (atomic number 49) in the semiconductor article and silicon (atomic number 14), be from total abundance of the scattered ion(s) of the silicon atom on the surface of semiconductor article about 10 times from total abundance of the He ion of the scattering of the phosphide atom on the surface of semiconductor article.
Determine that by the He ion (can survey with total abundance and be combined with or substitute total abundance detection use) of detection scattering the other method of the material composition information of sample surfaces relates to the He ion with energy resolved and angle analysis mode measurement scattering.For example, go out as shown in Figure 36, the second lens 226 focus to He ion beam 192 on the surface 181 of sample 180.He ion 1102 is surveyed from surperficial 181 scatterings and by detector 1100.Detector 1100 is designed, so that for each the angle ε in the acceptance angle of detector 1100, knows angle and the energy of the He ion of the scattering that respectively is detected.Angle and the energy of the He ion by measuring scattering, according to following relationship can the calculation method for scattering scattering the quality of atom on surface of He ion:
E s Ei = 1 - 2 M He M a ( M He + M a ) 2 ( 1 - cos θ s )
E wherein sThe energy of the He ion of scattering, E iThe projectile energy of He ion, M HeThe quality of He ion, θ sAngle of scattering, and M aIt is the quality of the atom of scattering He ion.
Detector 1100 can, for example, be energy resolved phosphor base detector, energy resolved scintillator base detector, solid state detector, energy resolved static prism base detector, static prism, energy resolved ET detector or energy resolved microchannel.Usually, expectation detector 1100 has significant acceptance angle.In certain embodiments, detector is (for example, the annular detector) fixed.In certain embodiments, the scope that detector 1100 can an inswept solid angle.Although described the system of the He ion of the scattering that the detection energy resolved that comprises single detector and angle resolve, such system can comprise many (for example, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8) individual detector.Often, use a plurality of detectors to expect, because it can allow the larger acceptance angle of the scattering He ion surveyed.
In certain embodiments, survey the crystallization information that total abundance of the He ion of scattering can sampling.Whether total abundance of the He ion of scattering can aim at the crystal structure of sample according to ion beam and change.If ion beam is aimed at the crystal structure of sample, then the ion in the ion beam can penetrate the given distance in the sample and do not collide the probability of (being commonly referred to tunnelling) with sample atoms relative high usually, causes total abundance of the He ion of lower scattering.If on the other hand, ion beam is not aimed at crystal structure, then the ion in the ion beam can penetrate the given distance in the sample and the probability with the sample atoms collision is relative not low usually, causes total abundance of the He ion of higher scattering.Thereby, can be relevant with the crystallization information at the material of this position as the change of total abundance of the He ion of the scattering of the function of sample surfaces ion beam location.For example, can have the district of sample surfaces, wherein total abundance of the He ion of scattering is basic identical.Such district is passable, for example, has identical crystal orientation, and the size in district (for example can provide crystallite dimension and/or crystalline size information, in the Polycrystalline of the domain that comprises many orientations), and/or the information about the strain regions of sample (being amorphous or crystalline state) can be provided, because for given chemical analysis (for example, the size of the total abundance of He ion of the scattering of material elementary composition, material composition) can depend on the strain of material.
Alternatively or additionally, the pattern that the crystallization information of sample surfaces can be exposed to by the district with the surface ion beam (and not grid ion beam) and measure subsequently the He ion of scattering (for example, obtains similar in appearance to the Kikuchi pattern that obtains owing to the back scattered electron from the sample surfaces that is exposed to electron beam.The pattern of the He ion of scattering can be analyzed, in order to determine, for example, is exposed to orientation, spacing of lattice and/or the crystal type (for example, body-centered cubic, face-centered cubic) of material of the sample surfaces position of ion beam.
The scattered ion(s) imaging technique can be used for various dissimilar samples.The example of such material is semiconductor article, and patterned wafer for example, this wafer can comprise, for example, is insulated a plurality of electric conductors that the matrix of material centers on.The scattered ion(s) imaging technique can be used to the defective in the recognition device, for example incomplete electrical connection between the conductor, and/or the electrical short between the circuit element.Optionally, the method can similarly be used for the purpose that mask is repaired.Another example that can use the sample classification of scattered ion(s) imaging technique is metal and alloy.For example, the image that comprises the sample of the composite material of alloy for example can be used for determining the surface distributed of each material of sample.The another example that can use the scattered ion(s) imaging technique is the read/write structure for data storing.Can use the additional example of classification of the material of scattered ion(s) imaging technique is biomaterial and biopharmaceutical material.
Usually, when sample surfaces was exposed to the electron beam of employed type in traditional SEM, scattered ion(s) did not form, and thereby not crystallization information or the material composition information that can obtain of the He ion by the scattering surveyed can obtain with such SEM.This is that gas described herein field microscope (for example, He ion microscope) is with respect to the remarkable advantage of traditional SEM.
The measurement of the scattered ion(s) of use gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, He ion microscope) can provide many advantages with respect to traditional Rutherford backscattering measurement mechanism.The lip-deep spot size of the sample that the He ion of incident can be focused can be significantly less than the spot size (typical spot size is 100 μ m to 1mm or larger) of traditional Rutherford backscattering measurement mechanism, and the material composition information on the surface of permission sample is than the more accurately localization that realizes with traditional Rutherford backscatter device.In addition, gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, the He ion microscope) allows by the scanned sample surfaces of pixel ground grid, and Rutherford backscattering measurement mechanism does not have this ability.This can reduce with in the material composition information of the sample surfaces of each position on surface relevant cost and/or complexity.
D. neutral particle
As said, neutral particle is the neutral particle that interacts and produce when leaving sample from the not charged neutral particle (for example, not charged He atom) of ion (for example, the He ion) conduct of ion beam when ion beam and sample.With the contrast of the He Ion Phase of scattering, He atom is the probe of the surperficial inferior segment of relatively sensitive sample.As used in this, the surface inferior segment be 5nm or darker sample under the sample surfaces the district (for example, 50nm or darker under 25nm or darker, the sample surfaces under 10nm or darker, the sample surfaces under the sample surfaces), with 1000nm under the sample surfaces or more shallow (for example, under the sample surfaces under 500nm or more shallow, the sample surfaces under 250nm or more shallow, the sample surfaces 100nm or more shallow).Usually, the investigation depth of ion beam increases along with the increase of ion energy.Thereby, for information under the darker surface of determining sample, can use the ion beam of higher-energy.By a plurality of He atomic diagram pictures with different ion beam energy (investigation depth) picked-up sample, can obtain the depth distribution of material composition information.In certain embodiments, the X ray chromatography is built (tomographicreconstruction) algorithm and/or technology again and can be applied to depth-related information and build in order to carry out the X ray chromatography of the structure of sample again.
Usually, can use based on the material composition information of the detection of a He atom that total abundance is surveyed, energy resolved/angle is resolved, or both survey, use as the described detector arrangement of corresponding technology of above-mentioned He ion with respect to scattering, and use as above-mentioned for scattering the described identical mathematical relationship of He ion and determine.But typically, the detector that is used for a He atom can be surveyed neutral species.The example of such detector comprises microchannel plate, channeltron and scintillator/PMT detector.
A neutral particle (for example, He atom) technology can be used for various dissimilar samples.The example of the material of type is semiconductor article like this, and patterned wafer for example, wafer can comprise, for example, is insulated a plurality of electric conductors that the matrix of material centers on.Neutral particle technology can be used to the defective in the recognition device, for example incomplete electrical connection between the conductor, and/or the electrical short between the circuit element.Optionally, the method can similarly be used for the purpose that mask is repaired.Another example that can use the sample classification of a neutral particle imaging technique is metal and alloy.For example, the image that comprises the sample of the composite material of alloy for example can be used for determining the surface distributed of each material of sample.The another example that can use a neutral particle imaging technique is the read/write structure for data storing.Can use other additional example of material type of a neutral particle imaging technique is biomaterial and biopharmaceutical material.
Usually, when sample surfaces is exposed to the electron beam of employed type in traditional SEM, one time neutral particle does not form, and thereby not crystallization information or the material composition information that can obtain of the He ion by the scattering surveyed can obtain with such SEM.This is that gas described herein field microscope (for example, He ion microscope) is with respect to the remarkable advantage of traditional SEM.
E. photon
The typical photon of paying close attention to comprises x-ray photon, UV photon, light photon and IR photon.As said, the IR photon is to have greater than 700nm to 100, and the photon of the wavelength of 000nm is (for example, from 1.2 * 10 -5KeV to 1.7 * 10 -3KeV), light photon be have from greater than the photon of the wavelength of 400nm to 700nm (for example, from 1.8 * 10 -3KeV to 3 * 10 -3KeV), the UV photon is that photon (for example, from 3.1 * 10-3keV to 125eV) and the x-ray photon that has greater than the wavelength of 10nm to 400nm is the photon (for example, from 125eV to 125keV) that has from the wavelength of 0.01nm to 10nm.Usually, such photon is launched with an angle and energy/wavelength scope from sample surfaces.But the information of paying close attention to the most is wavelength and/or the energy (resolving photon information with angle compares) of photon normally, because, to explain as following, the wavelength of photon and/or energy can provide the information about sample surfaces just.Photon can use one or more can the parsing or the suitable detector of energy resolved mode detection of photons and be detected (seeing the discussion about type photodetector) with wavelength.If a plurality of detectors are used, then detector can all be the detector of same type, perhaps can use dissimilar detector, and usually can be by the expectation configuration.Detector can be configured, in order to survey the surface 181 (surface of ion beam strikes) leave sample 180, the surface 183 of sample 180 (surface from the offside of ion beam collision) or boths' discussion of detector configuration (above the seeing about) photon.In order to improve the signal to noise ratio of the photon that is detected, can expect to use the detector of the photon that can collect relatively large solid angle.Additionally or alternatively, system can comprise the one or more optical element (for example, one or more lens, one or more mirror) (for example increasing effective solid angle of the detection of the photon that is detected) adjacent to the surface of sample and the detector that photon guiding can be able to be used.
Usually, the energy of detection of photons and/or wavelength can produce the material composition information (for example, element information, chemical environment information) of sample.In such embodiments, information relates generally to the surface of sample.Usually, for each element or the material in given chemical environment, the photon that is sent by element or material has specific energy/can be with and wavelength/wavestrip.Energy and the wavelength of the photon that sends from the given position on surface as a result, depend on usually at the existing material in this position.Thereby the energy of photon or the change of wavelength be as the function of the position of ion beam on sample surfaces, and the element that can exist with the surface of sample and/or the change of material are relevant, the material composition information on the surface of sampling.
Alternatively or additionally, detection of photons can obtain the material composition information of sample by determining the going the time of swashing of specimen material.This can be implemented, and for example, so that the short time so that sample is exposed to ion beam, is measured the time that detection of photons spends subsequently, this is relevant to the going the time of swashing of specimen material of emission photon by making ion beam pulses.Usually, each element in given chemical environment or material have and specifically go to swash the time.
The crystallization information of sample can be used in conjunction with the photon detection of polarizer obtained, because the polarization of photon can depend on the crystal orientation of material in the sample.Thereby, by using polarizer, can be determined by the polarization of the photon of sample emission, the information relevant with the crystal orientation of sample is provided.
Usually, the information that is included in the photon that is detected will mainly be the information on the surface of sample.But, because photon can be from the surperficial inferior segment escape of sample, so the photon that is detected can comprise the information of the surperficial inferior segment that is relevant to sample.Thereby the photon that is detected can be used to determine the optical characteristics of sample.For example, by the energy of the intrafascicular ion of steer ions, and thereby its investigation depth, and determine corresponding impact for the intensity of the photon that is detected, can study sample for the transparency of photon.Intensity as the photon that is detected of ion energy (investigation depth) function can produce about the information of sample for the transparency of photon.
The photon imaging technology can be used for various dissimilar samples.The example of such material is semiconductor article, and the wafer of composition for example, this wafer can comprise, for example, is insulated a plurality of electric conductors that the matrix of material centers on.The photon imaging technology can be used to the defective in the recognition device, for example incomplete electrical connection between the conductor, and/or the electrical short between the circuit element.Optionally, the method can similarly be used for the purpose that mask is repaired.Another example that can use the sample classification of photon imaging technology is metal and alloy.For example, the image that comprises the sample of the composite material of alloy for example can be used for determining the surface distributed of each material of sample.The another example that can use the photon imaging technology is the read/write structure for data storing.Can use other additional example of material type of photon imaging technology is biomaterial and biopharmaceutical material.
With coming the imaging sample with respect to the photon imaging (for example SEM) by other technology by being exposed to the photon that the He ion beam produces, can provide many advantages.For example, the spot size of the He ion beam on the sample is can be recently little from the spot size of the electron beam of SEM.Because than the speckle size, the district that is exposed to the sample of He ion beam is more carefully controlled than the district that is exposed among the SEM.
In addition, usually because He ion ratio electronics is heavy, thus scattering events in the sample unlike disperse electronics by scattering easy dispersion He ion.As a result, the lip-deep He ion that is incident on sample can interact with sample in less interaction volume than the electronics in SEM.As a result, the photon that (for example He ion microscope) surveyed in the gas field ion microscope can come from than the photon among the SEM with similar spot size less district.As a result, the photon that is produced by the interaction of sample and He ion beam can be corresponding to inquire after (for example, the having the less laterally average of material behavior) of the more localization of sample surfaces than the photon that produces in SEM.
In addition, the He ion source also provides the larger depth of focus than electron source.The result, (for example use ion microscope, the image of the sample that the gas field ion microscope) obtains is compared with the image that can contrast that the photon from SEM obtains, and the edge can be shown perpendicular to the larger part of sample orientation measurement, that focus on of sample surfaces.
F. secondary ion
As said, secondary ion is when the interact ion of when removing monatomic or polyatom nucleic from sample formed state-of-charge of ion beam and sample.Interaction between incident ion bundle and the sample can produce secondary ion.Typically, when service quality during greater than the inert gas ion (Ar ion, Ne ion, Kr ion, Xe ion) of He, the method is more effective.
The calculating of the quality by the particle that is detected, from the detection of the secondary ion of sample can sampling material composition information.Usually, this information is corresponding to the material of sample surfaces.In certain embodiments, the quality of secondary ion (after the ionization) is determined, and uses flight time and quality to resolve the combination of detector (for example four utmost point quality frequency spectrographs).The detection of such secondary ion can followingly be carried out.Put on the current potential of the ion optical element in the ion optics by change, ion beam is in pulse mode work.The pulse of incoming particle is incident upon on the surface of sample.Determine that the current potential of switching ion optical element also is used as the reference clock signal (seeing top discussion about detector) of detector with the clock signal of the speed of opening and closing ion beam, in this mode, the flight time of secondary ion from sample to detector can be determined accurately.
According to the flight time of the secondary ion that is detected, its distance that moves (for example, the distance between detector and the sample) and its energy, the quality of particle can be calculated, and the type of chemical species (for example, atom) can be identified.This information is used for determining the material composition information of sample.
The secondary ion imaging technique can be applied to various dissimilar samples.The example of such material is semiconductor article, and the wafer of composition for example, this wafer can comprise, for example, is insulated a plurality of electric conductors that the matrix of material centers on.The secondary ion imaging technique can be used to the defective in the recognition device, for example incomplete electrical connection between the conductor, and/or the electrical short between the circuit element.Optionally, the method can similarly be used for the purpose that mask is repaired.Another example that can use the sample classification of secondary ion imaging technique is metal and alloy.For example, the image that comprises the sample of the composite material of alloy for example can be used for determining the surface distributed of each material of sample.The another example that can use the secondary ion imaging technique is the read/write structure for data storing.Can use other additional example of material type of secondary ion imaging technique is biomaterial and biopharmaceutical material.
When sample surfaces was exposed in the electron beam of employed type among traditional SEM, secondary ion did not produce usually, and thereby the information of the secondary ion that uses such SEM to pass the to be detected material composition that can obtain.This is that gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, He ion microscope) is with respect to the significant advantage of traditional SEM.
G. secondary neutral particle
The secondary neutral particle is when the interact neutral particle of the not charged state that produces with or polyatom nucleic monatomic from the sample removal of ion beam and sample.Interaction between incident ion bundle and the sample can produce the secondary neutral particle.Typically, when service quality during greater than the inert gas ion (Ar ion, Ne ion, Kr ion, Xe ion) of He, the method is more effective.Usually, can be from the information of secondary neutral particle acquisition in order to assess, before surveying, particle is ionized (for example, bringing out ionization by laser induced ionization, electronics).
The calculating of the quality by the particle that is detected, from the detection of the secondary neutral particle (after the ionization) of sample can sampling material composition information.Usually, this information is corresponding to the material of sample surfaces.In certain embodiments, use flight time and quality to resolve the combination of detector (for example four utmost point quality frequency spectrographs), determine the quality (after the ionization) of secondary neutral particle.Such neutral particle (after the ionization) is surveyed and can followingly be carried out.Put on the current potential of the ion optical element in the ion optics by change, ion beam is in pulse mode work.The pulse of incoming particle is incident upon on the surface of sample.(for example determine the conversion ionization apparatus, laser, electron beam) and/or the clock signal of the speed of the current potential of ion optical element also be used as the reference clock signal discussion of detector (above seeing about) of detector, in this mode, the flight time (ionization after) of secondary neutral particle from sample to detector can be determined accurately.
According to the flight time of the secondary ion that is detected, its distance that moves (for example, the distance between detector and the sample), and its energy can be calculated the quality of particle, and can identify the type (for example atom) of chemical species.This information is used for determining the material composition information of sample.
Secondary neutral particle imaging technique can be applied to various dissimilar samples.The example of such material is semiconductor article, and the wafer of composition for example, this wafer can comprise, for example, is insulated a plurality of electric conductors that the matrix of material centers on.Secondary neutral particle imaging technique can be used to the defective in the recognition device, for example incomplete electrical connection between the conductor, and/or the electrical short between the circuit element.Optionally, the method can similarly be used for the purpose that mask is repaired.Another example that can use the sample classification of secondary neutral particle imaging technique is metal and alloy.For example, the image that comprises the sample of the composite material of alloy for example can be used for determining the surface distributed of each material of sample.The another example that can use secondary neutral particle imaging technique is the read/write structure for data storing.Can use other additional example of material type of secondary neutral particle imaging technique is biomaterial and biopharmaceutical material.
When sample surfaces was exposed in the electron beam of employed type among traditional SEM, the secondary neutral particle did not produce usually, and thereby the information of the secondary neutral particle that uses such SEM to pass the to be detected material composition that can obtain.This is that gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, He ion microscope) is with respect to the significant advantage of traditional SEM.
The typical case uses
A. semiconductor manufacturing
(i) general introduction
The semiconductor manufacturing typically relates to preparation and comprises and be sequentially deposited and process in order to form the article of multilayer of the material of integrated electronic circuit, integrated circuit component and/or different microelectronic device.Such article typically comprise relative to each other accurately (for example locates, usually on the magnitude of several nanometers) various features (for example, the circuit line that is formed by electric conducting material, the district of filling trap with non-conducting material, being formed by electricity semiconductor-on-insulator material).The position of given feature, size (length, width, the degree of depth), composition (chemical analysis) and relevant characteristic (conductivity, crystal orientation, magnetic characteristic) can have for the performance of article important impact.For example, in some instances, if these one or more parameters outside appropriate scope the time, article can be underproof, because article cannot be by expectation work.The result, usually have very good control for each step during being desirably in the semiconductor manufacturing, and advantageously have each step in manufacturing process can monitor semiconductor article manufacturing instrument in case research in position, size, composition and the correlation properties of each one or more feature of stage of semiconductor fabrication process.As used in this, the term semiconductor article refers to the integrated electronic circuit, integrated circuit component, microelectronic device or the article that form during the technique of manufacturing integration electronic circuit, integrated circuit component, microelectronic device.In certain embodiments, semiconductor article can be flat-panel monitor or a photronic part.
The district of semiconductor article can be formed by dissimilar material (conduction, non-conductive, electricity semiconductor).Typical electric conducting material comprises metal, for example aluminium, chromium, nickel, tantalum, titanium, tungsten and comprise the alloy (for example Al-zn-mg-cu alloy) of these one or more metals.Typical electrically non-conductive material comprises boride, carbide, nitride, oxide, phosphide, silicide, the sulfide (for example, nickle silicide, boron monoxide, tantalum germanium, tantalum nitride, tantalum silicide, tantalum nitride silicon and titanium nitride) of one or more metals.Typical electricity semi-conducting material comprises silicon, germanium and GaAs.Optionally, the electricity semi-conducting material can be doped (p mixes, n mixes) in order to improve the conductivity of material.
As mentioned above, usually, the manufacturing of semiconductor article relates to the multilayer that sequentially deposits and process material.Typical step (for example comprises the imaging article in the deposition of given material layer/processing, the position that the feature of definite expectation that will be formed should be positioned), the material (for example, electric conducting material, electricity semi-conducting material, electrically non-conductive material) that deposition is suitable and etching are so that unnecessary material is removed in some position from article.Often, photoresist, polymer photoresist for example is deposited/is exposed to suitable radiation/optionally etched so that position and the size of the given feature of auxiliary control.Typically, photoresist is removed in one or more subsequent process steps, and usually, final semiconductor article does not desirably comprise the photoresist of perceived amount.
Gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, He ion microscope) can be used to study the semiconductor article of various steps in the manufacturing process (for example, each step).Particularly, by surveying and analyze one type particle or the particle of number of different types (seeing top discussion), gas field ion microscope (for example, He ion microscope) can be used to the pattern information on the surface of definite semiconductor article, the material composition information on the surface of semiconductor article, the material composition information of the surperficial inferior segment of semiconductor article, the crystallization information of semiconductor article, the voltage-contrast information on the surface of semiconductor article, the voltage-contrast information of the surperficial inferior segment of sample, the magnetic information of semiconductor article, and/or the optical information of semiconductor article.
Use ion microscope described herein or ion beam that various advantage can be provided, this can reduce time, cost and/or the complexity relevant with the manufacturing of semiconductor article usually.The typical advantage relevant with using ion microscope described herein or ion beam comprise relatively high resolution, relatively speckle size, the relatively few sample of not expecting damage, the relatively few deposition of material of not expecting and/or injection, relatively high-quality imaging within the relatively short time, relatively high output.
Be discussed below the example of some technique in the semiconductor manufacturing.
(ii) maskless lithography
Semiconductor article typically uses the photoetching process preparation, photoetching process relate to place photoresist layer (for example, the polymer photoresist, for example polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or epoxy radicals photoresist, allyl diglycol carbonate, or photosensitive glass) on the surface, the described material of composition, so that some district of photoresist is (and some districts are not against corrosion for etchant) against corrosion for etchant, the district non-against corrosion of etching material, (for example deposit suitable material, one or more electric conducting materials, one or more non-conducting materials, one or more semi-conducting materials), and the district of not expecting of optionally removing material.Typically, pattern step relates to the radiation pattern that photoresist is exposed to suitable wavelength, so that some districts of photoresist are against corrosion and other district of photoresist is not against corrosion.By forming mask images on photoresist or cover some district of photoresist with mask, and the capped district by the mask exposure photoresist, and form radiation pattern at photoresist.
But, not to use mask in order to before being exposed to radiation, cover the district of photoresist, by gas atom described herein and gas field ion source (for example can use, the He ion source) ion beam that interaction produces, so that irradiation comes the composition photoresist, thereby produce district against corrosion and the district not against corrosion of expectation.This can be implemented, for example, by making the scanned photoresist of ion beam grid, so that the district of the expectation of material is exposed to ion (for example, open ion beam by the district that is exposed to radiation at the expectation photoresist and by not expecting that the district that photoresist is exposed to radiation closes ion beam).As a result, semiconductor article can be with the maskless process manufacturing.
Use the ion beam that produces by the interaction of gas atom and gas field ion source (for example, He ion source) disclosed herein that one or more following advantages can be provided.As described, can carry out technique and do not use mask, this can reduce time, cost and/or the complexity relevant with the manufacturing of semiconductor article.The degree of depth of the relatively large focus of ion beam can allow the relatively thick photo anti-corrosion agent material of composition (for example, 2 μ m or thicker, 5 μ m or thicker, 10 μ m or thicker and/or 20 μ m or thinner).The relatively dark penetration depth of the ion that can realize with ion beam is the relatively thick photo anti-corrosion agent material of aid in treatment further, and auxiliaryly processes the more photo anti-corrosion agent material of standard thickness with good quality.In addition, ion beam has higher resolution with respect to what common employing electron beam was realized, allows the feature with higher accurate manufacturing technique smaller szie.In addition, the ion beam composition of photoresist can be faster than the electron beam composition of photoresist.
(iii) combination of the ion beam of ion microscope and focusing
Focused ion beam (FIB) is used during the manufacturing of semiconductor article usually, so as to obtain for detection of sample.Gallium (Ga) ion is generally used for FIB.Can for a variety of causes uses FIB, for example pass through the cross section imaging of semiconductor article, circuit editor, preparation and the mask repair of the semiconductor article sample of the accident analysis of semiconductor article, transmission electron microscope (TEM).Optionally, FIB can be used to deposit one or more material (for example, as the ion source in the chemical vapor deposition method) on sample.Typically, FIB is used to remove material from semiconductor article by sputter.For example, in certain embodiments, FIB is used to by the semiconductor article section in order to expose the cross section of article, for the follow-up imaging of using ion microscope.In certain embodiments, FIB is used to sputter away material in order to form groove or path article from article.This technology can be used to, and for example, exposes the part of subsurface article of article.Ion microscope can be used to deposit new material subsequently, or etches away the existing material that exposes by FIB, uses gas assistant chemical technology.In certain embodiments, FIB can also be used as optionally sputter tool, in order to remove the part of semiconductor article, for example part of the electric conducting material on the article.In certain embodiments, FIB is used to cut away the part of sample, so that described part can be subsequently analyzed (for example, using TEM).
Usually be desirably in and accurately locate FIB on the sample.Gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, He ion microscope) can be used to this purpose.For example, crossbeam (cross-beam) instrument with FIB instrument and gas field ion microscope can be used, so that the position of FIB can be determined and mobile example not with the gas field ion microscope.Adopt such instrument, gas field ion source can be used to the imaging sample and the information that can be used for accurately locating by expectation FIB is provided.Such layout is with respect to using SEM to determine that the position of FIB can provide many advantages.For example, the use of SEM can cause the magnetic field adjacent to sample surfaces, and the isotope separation that this can cause the Ga ion causes on the sample position more than a FIB.In many situations, this problem causes FIB and SEM to be contacted using rather than use simultaneously.But on the contrary, the gas field ion microscope can be worked under such magnetic field not having, and has eliminated thus the complexity relevant with the isotope separation of Ga ion, also allows FIB and gas field ion microscope to use simultaneously simultaneously.This can expect, for example, when the sample (for example, be used for TEM and detect) for the preparation of subsequent detection, can expect that wherein the thickness of sample satisfies relatively strict tolerance.The additional advantage of using gas field ion microscope (for example He ion microscope) is to have long operating distance than what SEM typically adopted, and still keeps extraordinary resolution, because ion beam has the virtual source size less than electron beam.This can alleviate some spatial limitation that can exist for the instrument in conjunction with FIB instrument and SEM.The another advantage of gas field ion microscope described herein is subsurface information that can obtain sample, and this can improve the ability of accurate location FIB, and SEM cannot provide information under such surface usually.
(iv) gas assistant chemical
The gas assistant chemical is generally used for adding material and/or removing material from given layer to given layer during the semiconductor manufacturing.For example, the gas assistant chemical can be used for the semiconductor circuit editor, to repair the circuit that damages or make improperly in semiconductor article.The gas assistant chemical can also be used for mask to be repaired, and wherein material may be added to mask or is removed from mask, in order to repair by the defective of using or incorrect manufacturing causes.
Described technique is usually directed to electronics and active gases are interacted, in order to form the reacting gas that can participate in subsequently at the chemistry on the surface of semiconductor article, thereby adds material to the surface, from remove materials, or both.Typically, the secondary electron of electron production for being caused by the interaction of Ga ion beam and sample, and/or electron production be the secondary electron that the interaction by electron beam (for example, by SEM generation) and sample causes.Optionally, suitable pumping system can be used for removing the volatile products of not expecting of surface chemistry.
Can be used for comprising Cl from the example of the active gases of remove materials 2, O 2, I 2, XeF 2, F 2, CF 4And H 2O.For example, in certain embodiments, by electronics and Cl 2And/or O 2Interaction, and allow the chemical species etched surfaces district of gained, can be by at least part of removal by the surface region that chromium, chromium oxide, chromium nitride and/or nitrogen chromium oxide form.As another example, in certain embodiments, by electronics and XeF 2, F 2And/or CF 4Interaction, and allow the chemical species etched surfaces district of gained, can be by at least part of removal by the surface region that tantalum nitride forms.As another example, in certain embodiments, by electronics and H 2O and/or O 2Interaction, and allow the chemical species etched surfaces district of gained and the surface region that can be formed by carbonaceous material by at least part of removal.
Can being used for from the teeth outwards, the example of the active gases of deposition materials is WF 6(in order to deposit W, for example W bolt).
The ion beam that produces by the interaction of gas atom and gas field ion source (for example, He ion source) described herein can be used to carry out the gas assistant chemical.In such technique, for example, can be electronics for assistant chemical because the secondary electron of sample is left in the interaction of ion beam and sample.Use such ion beam with respect to using the Ga ion beam that several advantages can be provided.For example, use the He ion beam can reduce the Implantation that (for example, eliminating) do not expected, and the injection of the Ga that does not expect is the common problem when using the Ga ion beam.As another example, gas field ion bundle (for example, the He ion beam) can provide the resolution of improvement with respect to Ga ion beam and/or incident beam (for example, the incident beam that produces by SEM), this can allow the use of more accurate and/or the chemistry that can control.This can, for example, (for example reduce, elimination) interaction of the ion of not expecting and some part of sample (for example, can occur restrainting the afterbody that distribution has the zone of not expecting that extends to sample for the Ga ion beam, the injection of Ga can have problems for the performance of semiconductor article there).
(v) sputter
In the manufacturing process of semiconductor article, remove material during can being desirably in some step.Ion beam can be used for this purpose, and wherein ion beam is from the sample sputter material.Particularly, the ion beam that produces by the interaction in gas atom and gas field ion source described herein can be used for sputtered samples.Although the He gas ion can be used, typically the preferred heavier ion (for example, Ne gas ion, Ar gas ion, Kr gas ion, Xe gas ion) of use is in order to remove material.During the removal of material, ion beam is focused in the district that wants the residing sample of removed material.
The advantage of using ion beam to remove material is to remove material in relatively controlled and/or accurate mode.Additional advantage is can realize sputter and the injection of the ion do not expected (for example, often cause when using the Ga ion sputtering, wherein Ga to inject be the common side effect of not expecting of sputter).
(vi) detection in space
During the manufacturing of semiconductor article, the space in some feature or the layer can be become by unfavorable pattern, and in certain embodiments, the space is the characteristic of effect characteristics and/or whole device (for example, electricity, machinery) undesirably.In certain embodiments, follow-up processing step can be opened the space, and the space can, for example, fill with liquid and/or gas ingredients.This can cause the corrosion of following structure, the particle defects of wafer surface around and/or residue defective.
For example, from WF 6During the deposition W bolt, the TiNx protective layer is generally used for protecting adjacent dielectric material (for example, the silex glass of doped with boron and phosphorus) to avoid corrosion (for example, coming from the HF that discharges during W forms).TiN xInterruption in the layer can cause significant space to form.As another example, material (for example, the dielectric material) deposition in the groove (for example, the groove of relatively high aspect ratio) can cause the formation of bottleneck and space subsequently to form.As other example, the space forms during the dielectric filling that can appear at fleet plough groove isolation structure.As another example, the space can form during the formation of the conductor wire (for example, copper cash) of material, and this can cause reducing undesirably conductivity.In some situations, such space can cause expectation conduction part to lack conduction.
By utilizing the ability of information under its surface that the sample of semiconductor article for example is provided, gas field ion microscope as the described herein (for example, He ion microscope) can be used to study the space and form.This characteristic can be used during semiconductor article is made, in order to determine existence and/or the position in space.This is the advantage that is better than using the uniqueness of electron beam, because electron beam does not provide the information under this type of the sample surfaces usually.
(vii) overlapping mobile aim at (overlay shift registration)
The overlapping mobile feature in the different layers of the feature of given layer and semiconductor article that typically refers to semiconductor article of aiming at is aimed at.As mentioned above, the formation of semiconductor article is usually directed to the correct formation of many layers.Typically, semiconductor article comprises far more than 20 layers.Often, each layer can comprise a plurality of different features, and each feature is desirably with hi-Fix, so that semiconductor article can correctly work.For example, semiconductor article can comprise the side direction feature, conductor wire for example, and conductor wire interconnects in different layers and by path.Usually, expect so that the feature in the semiconductor article is aimed at mutually, with in 100nm (for example, 75nm, 50nm, 25nm, 15nm, 10nm, 9nm, 8nm, 7nm, 6nm, 5nm, 4nm, 3nm, 2nm, 1nm).The single misalignment of the feature that these are many can cause the invalid of whole semiconductor article.
The common use test structure of overlapping mobile aligning uses optical technology to carry out, and this test structure can be the structure (significantly greater than the microelectronic circuit characteristic size) of μ m size.Like this, because its die space amount that occupies, the optic test structure typically cannot be placed in the tube core on the wafer.Test structure can be placed on, and for example, near the edge of wafer, but they still occupy the space of the preciousness on the wafer surface.The optic test structure also is expensive, because it is only for the purpose of aiming at and manufactured.The use of the optic test structure of be used for aiming at last, is for determining that with it precision at the aligning of the feature of different layers has limitation.
Gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, the He ion microscope) about the ability of the various types of information of sample (for example provides with relatively high precision, pattern information, the material composition information on surface, the material composition information of surface inferior segment, crystallization information, the voltage-contrast information on surface, the voltage-contrast information of surface inferior segment, magnetic information, and optical information) allow microscope advantageously during the manufacturing of semiconductor article, to be used, in order to auxiliaryly guarantee that feature in the device correctly locates with high accuracy and have a correct size in device.Particularly, the He ion microscope can allow circuit feature in the multilayer to aim at than the higher resolution that typically can use the optic test structure to realize.In addition, can carry out overlapping mobile the aligning, and (for example do not use the special-purpose test structure of making, the optic test structure), because, for example, gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, He ion microscope) can imaging subsurface feature of the sample of semiconductor article for example.Thereby, can avoid the space that is wasted on the occupied wafer of the test structure (for example, the optic test structure) made by special use, and can avoid and the cost and/or the complexity that comprise that such test structure is relevant.
(vii) critical size metering
The critical size metering refers to can have for the performance of device the measurement of the linear dimension of the feature in the crucial semiconductor article that affects.The example of such feature can comprise line (for example, electric conducting material line, electricity semi-conducting material line, electrically non-conductive material line).Semiconductor article can comprise one or more features with size of 20nm or less (for example, 10nm or less, 5nm or less, 4nm or less, 3nm or less, 2nm or less, 1nm or less).In certain embodiments, the size of feature is repeatedly measured, in order to the statistical information about characteristic size is provided.Critical size is measured and is often related to, and for example, for example the length of the pattern features on the wafer determines.Wafer (comprise a plurality of tube cores, each tube core forms semiconductor article) can from make line by random select for detection of, perhaps all wafers on the production line can be detected.Image-forming instrument can be used for measuring selecteed critical size with relatively high through-rate.If measured critical size does not drop within the receivable restriction, then wafer can be abandoned.Have critical size outside the receivable restriction if derive from a plurality of samples of specific manufacturing machine, then this machine can be stopped use, or its running parameter can be changed.
He ion microscope disclosed herein system can be used for the measurement of critical size.Particularly, the He ion beam can be scanned by grid in the district of wafer, and the gained image of wafer can be used for determining critical size.Measure for critical size, with respect to SEM or other detection system, He ion microscope system can provide many advantages.He ion microscope image is the edge blurry phenomenon less than the SEM image shows that can contrast (usually, too much signal, the saturation point of proximity detector is owing to the productive rate with raising that the approaching shape characteristic that is parallel to the slope of bundle causes) usually.The edge blurry phenomenon that has reduced is with respect to the interactional volume of electronics with the surface, the result of the less interaction volume between He ion and the sample surfaces.
In addition, the He ion ratio of the incident incident beam that can contrast can be focused onto more speckle size.Less bundle spot size is combined with less interactional volume, causes having the image of the sample of the resolution more superior than the image that produces with SEM, and the critical size of more accurate sample is definite.
The depth of focus of He ion beam is compared relative large with SEM.As a result, when using ion beam, compare with electron beam, the resolution of the sample characteristic of varying depth is more consistent.Thereby, use ion beam that the information of the various sample degree of depth can be provided with the better and more consistent lateral resolution that can provide than the use electron beam.For example, use ion beam can realize distributing than the better critical size that uses electron beam to realize.
In addition, among at least part of embodiment according to the secondary electron acquired information, compare the relative high secondary electron productive rate that is provided by ion beam with electron beam therein, can cause for the relatively high signal to noise ratio to constant current.This can allow again to obtain sample within the relatively short time cycle enough information has increased the throughput to constant current.
The He ion of use scattering can be determined the imaging of the sample of critical size.This provides the advantage of high-resolution apart from the extra material information outside determining.
Between the operating period of the ion microscope system that critical size is measured, flood gun can be used for avoiding excessive charged (the seeing top discussion) of sample surfaces.Alternatively or additionally, can use low-down He ion current (for example, 100fA or less).Except reducing surface charge and maintenance eyefidelity, the use of low ion current has reduced the damage for the ion beam introducing of some photo anti-corrosion agent material.
In certain embodiments, be selected for sample wafer that critical size measures can at first need to be cut into slices (sectional dimension of for example, measuring sample).For this purpose, heavier gas for example Ne and Ar can be used in the ion microscope and can be used for cutting the ion beam of wearing sample in order to form.As an alternative, Ga base FIB can be used to the sample of cutting into slices.Then, microscopic system can remove these gases and He can be introduced into, and carries out with the He ion beam so that critical size is measured, and avoids the sample during measuring to damage.
(viii) line edge roughness and line width roughness
Line edge roughness typically refers to the roughness at edge of the line of the material in the semiconductor article, and line width roughness typically refers to the roughness of width of the line of the material in the semiconductor article.Expectation is understood these and be worth to determine whether to exist actual or potential problem in given semiconductor article.For example, if having the edge that mutually bulges by the adjacent line that forms of material of conduction, then line can be in contact with one another and causes short circuit.It is 5nm or less (for example, 4nm or less, 3nm or less, 2nm or less, 1nm or less, 0.9nm or less, 0.8nm or less, 0.7nm or less, 0.6nm or less, 0.5nm or less) that line edge roughness and/or line width roughness are understood in expectation.In certain embodiments, line edge roughness and/or line border width are repeatedly measured, in order to the statistical information about the size of feature is provided.In addition, for the manufacturing tolerance of the parameter of for example line edge roughness can be controlled in 5nm or less in (for example, 4nm or less in, 3nm or less in, 2nm or less in, 1nm or less in, 0.5nm or in less, 0.1nm or in less, 0.05nm or less in, 0.01nm or less in).
When definite line edge roughness and line width roughness, wafer can from make line by random select for detection of, perhaps all wafers on the production line can be detected.Image-forming instrument can be with relatively high through-rate slotted line edge roughness and line width roughness.If line edge roughness and line width roughness do not drop within the restriction that can receive, then wafer can be abandoned.Have line edge roughness and line width roughness outside receivable restriction if derive from a plurality of samples of specific manufacturing machine, then this machine can be stopped use, or its running parameter can be changed.
Gas field ion microscope disclosed herein (for example, He ion microscope) can be used for the metering of line edge roughness and line width roughness.Particularly, the He ion beam can be scanned by grid along the length of feature, and the information of gained can be used to relatively high determine precision line edge roughness and line width roughness.
For the measurement of line edge roughness and line width roughness, with respect to SEM and other detection system, He ion microscope system can provide many advantages.The SEM image that He ion microscope image ratio can contrast is usually showed less edge blurry phenomenon (usually, too much signal, the saturation point of proximity detector is owing to having the productive rate of the raising that the approaching shape characteristic that is parallel to the slope of bundle causes).The edge blurry phenomenon that has reduced is with respect to electronics and the interactional He ion on surface and the result of the less interaction volume between the sample surfaces.
In addition, the He ion ratio of the incident incident beam that can contrast can be focused in speckle size more.Less bundle spot size is combined with less interaction volume, causes having the image of the sample of the resolution more more superior than the image that produces with SEM, and the determining more accurately of the roughness of the line edge roughness of sample and live width.
The depth of focus of He ion beam is relatively larger than SEM.As a result, when using ion beam, compare with electron beam, the resolution of the sample characteristic of different depth is more consistent.Thereby, use ion beam that the information of the various sample degree of depth can be provided with the better and more consistent lateral resolution that can provide than the use electron beam.For example, use ion beam can realize distributing than the better live width of using electron beam to realize.
In addition, among at least part of embodiment according to the secondary electron acquired information, compare with electron beam therein, by the relatively high secondary electron productive rate that ion beam provides, can cause for the relatively high signal to noise ratio to constant current.This can, allow again within the relatively short time to obtain the enough information of sample, increased the throughput to constant current.
Can use the He ion of scattering to carry out the imaging of the sample of determining of critical size.This also provides the additional advantage of material information except the high-resolution distance is determined.
Use the ion microscope system to be used for during line edge roughness and the line width roughness measurement, flood gun can be used for avoiding excessive charged (the seeing above-mentioned discussion) of sample surfaces.Alternatively or additionally, can use low-down He ion beam current (for example 100fA or less).Except reducing surface charge and keep the eyefidelity, the use of low ion current has reduced the damage that the ion beam for some anticorrosive additive material causes.
In certain embodiments, be selected for sample wafer that line edge roughness and line width roughness measure can at first need to be cut into slices (sectional dimension of for example, measuring sample).For this purpose, heavier gas for example Ne and Ar can interact to produce with gas field ion source and can be used for cutting the ion beam of wearing sample.Then, microscopic system can remove these gases and He can be introduced into, and carries out with the He ion beam so that critical size is measured, and avoids the sample during measuring to damage.
(ix) circuit editor
As discussed previously, the technique that forms semiconductor article typically relates to the layer of the many different materials of the mode lamination expected, and carries out suitable technique at each layer.Usually, this relates on given layer deposition materials and/or removes material from given from layer.Final semiconductor article is included in the many different feature (for example, in order to form the circuit of expectation) in the different layers.Usually, expectation is aimed at so that by desirably working suitably for the resulting device feature.Alignment mark will be generally used in the semiconductor article so that auxiliary will correctly the aligning with the feature in the different layers to the feature in the given layer.But, use alignment mark to add extra step for whole manufacturing process, and/or can introduce other complexity or expense for manufacturing process.In addition, only the existence of alignment mark just means area and/or the volume (for example, for the manufacture of useful device) of the semiconductor article that existence cannot be used.
As mentioned above, ion beam can be used to subsurface district of research material.This characteristic can be used to determine the position of some feature in the layer below superficial layer, allows the feature in the different layers of semiconductor article not use alignment mark by desired being aligned.
Gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, the He ion microscope) can be used for removing and/or deposition materials (for example, from circuit), for example, uses above-mentioned gas assistant chemical and/or sputtering technology.The advantage of using ion microscope to carry out these techniques is that ion beam can also be for assessment of the product of gained in order to determine, for example, the material of whether expecting is correctly deposited or removes.This can reduce to make relevant cost and/or complexity with device, and/or increases the output that device is made.The removal of material and/or the ability of interpolation can be combined in order to carry out circuit repairing under the surface.In order to repair subsurface defective, the material that comes from device at first is removed to the degree of depth that exposes defective downwards.Subsequent defect by or device added material or removes material and repaired from device.At last, the overlapping layer of device is successively repaired by the new material that adds suitable thickness.
Gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, the He ion microscope) can provide the concrete advantage of circuit editing application, comprises speckle size and low ion current, is used for editor controlled and device high-precision manufacturing.
(x) mask is repaired
Semiconductor article typically uses the photoetching process preparation, photoetching process relate to place photoresist layer (for example, the polymer photoresist, for example polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or epoxy radicals photoresist, allyl diglycol carbonate, or photosensitive glass) on the surface, patterned material, so that some district of photoresist is (and some districts are not against corrosion for etchant) against corrosion for etchant, the district non-against corrosion of etching material, (for example deposit suitable material, one or more electric conducting materials, one or more electrically non-conductive materials, one or more semi-conducting materials), and optionally remove the district of not expecting of material.Typically, pattern step relates to the radiation pattern that photoresist is exposed to suitable wavelength so that some districts of photoresist be against corrosion and other district's right and wrong of photoresist against corrosion.Image by forming mask is on photoresist or cover some district of photoresist with mask, and the capped district by the mask exposure photoresist, and can form radiation pattern at photoresist.
Mask for the manufacture of integrated circuit and other microelectronic devices in semi-conductor industry can be frangible and/or expensive.In addition, mask-making technology can be consuming time and/or exquisite.Under some environment, although during making such mask, typically use careful, foozle produces defects on mask.Under other environment, defects on mask can come to be processed and common use.If circuit or other device use defective mask production, then circuit or device can be worked improperly.Needed time of the new mask of given manufacturing and expense are edited defective mask than making more cost efficient of whole new mask.
Defects on mask is usually included in the surplus of the mask material in the district of the mask that material should not be arranged, and/or material should existence place mask material disappearance.In arbitrary situation, gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, He ion microscope) may be used to detect and/or repair mask.
In certain embodiments, gas field ion microscope disclosed herein (for example, the He ion microscope) can be for detection of mask so that determining whether defective exists, and if defective exists, defective is there.Many imaging masks that are used in the various favourable feature that gas field ion microscope disclosed herein (for example, He ion microscope) provides with being supposed to.
In certain embodiments, during repairing at mask, the imaging mask, during repairing technology, can use gas field ion microscope (for example, He ion microscope).For example, the gas field ion microscope can be used to the location mask with respect to FIB, and is so that FIB can be used to use gas meter surface chemistry technique and/or etch process to remove material to the mask interpolation and/or from mask, for example described above.As another example, the gas field ion microscope, in order to determine the existence and/or position of defective, can be used for using gas meter surface chemistry technique and/or etch process to remove material to the mask interpolation and/or from mask except initial imaging mask, for example described above.Optionally, the gas field ion microscope can be used to carry out some troubleshooting procedure (add material, remove material) and Other Instruments (for example, FIB) is used to carry out other troubleshooting procedure (add material, remove material).
(xi) defects detection
Usually, during the technique of making semiconductor article, the test item for latent defect.Typically, detect and to use usually that instrument carries out on the line, instrument always moves and is supplied to wafer and is full automatic on this line.The district whether little district of instrument through being usually used in checking wafer exists defective to occur.This detection reexamines (discussion below seeing) and carries out before in defective.Compare with the accurately character of determining given defective, the target typical ground of defects detection is to determine whether that defective can exist.During defects detection, the district of wafer is analyzed, and whether some unusual characteristic (for example, voltage-contrast characteristic, pattern characteristic, material behavior) is by sample display with respect to other district of same wafer and/or the district of other wafer in order to understand.Typically, for potential defective, the coordinate on the wafer (for example, X, Y coordinate) is marked, and the described position of wafer is more carefully detected during defective reexamines.
Gas field ion microscope as described herein (for example, He ion beam) can be for the information of sample during the collection defects detection.Such microscope can be used for relatively high throughput and high-quality defects detection.The different contrast mechanism who provides can allow the visualization of dissimilar defective by gas field ion microscope (for example, the He ion microscope), and with than using usually viewed higher resolution of optical image technology.
(xii) defective reexamines
Usually, if sample is noted as and has potential defective during defects detection, then sample is submitted to subsequently defective and reexamines, and the given zone of sample that wherein has latent defect is studied so that the character of definite defective.According to this information, can implement improvement for technique in order to reduce the risk of the defective in the final products.Typically, defects detection reexamines than the enlargement ratio with lower speed and Geng Gao than defective carries out, and can automatically carry out or manually carry out, in order to obtain the specifying information about one or more defectives.Described information is used for attempting to understand to obtain unusual result why during defective reexamines, and produces character and the reason of the defective of abnormal results.
Gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, He ion microscope) can be used for the semiconductor article of research manufacturing process different step (for example, each step).Particularly, by surveying and analyze one type particle or the particle of number of different types (seeing top discussion), the gas field ion microscope (for example, the He ion microscope) can be for the pattern information on the surface of determining semiconductor article, the material composition information on semiconductor article surface, the material composition information of the surperficial inferior segment of semiconductor article, the crystallization information of semiconductor article, the voltage-contrast information on semiconductor article surface, the voltage-contrast information of the surperficial inferior segment of semiconductor article, the magnetic information of semiconductor article, and/or the optical information of semiconductor article.The different contrast mechanism who is provided by the He ion microscope can allow otherwise use the visualization of the absent variable defective of SEM base technology.
Use ion microscope described herein or ion beam that various advantage can be provided, this can reduce time, cost and/or the complexity relevant with the manufacturing of semiconductor article usually.The typical advantage relevant with using ion microscope described herein or ion beam comprises relatively high resolution, relative speckle size, relatively few sample of not expecting damages, the relatively few deposition of material of not expecting and/or injection, relatively high image quality within the relatively short time, relatively high throughput.
(xiii) circuit testing
During the manufacturing of semiconductor article, the conductivity of the one or more feature of article and functional can be tested.This technique is usually directed to feature is exposed to charged particle and monitors subsequently the speed that electric charge gathers.Open circuit is charged with different speed with respect to closed circuit, allows open circuit to be identified and considers more detailed detection.Gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, the He ion microscope) can be used to use ion beam to apply electric charge to feature, and/or can be used for monitoring whether electric charge is leaked away (for example, by the monitoring voltage comparative information).Optionally, flood gun can be used for applying electric charge (seeing top discussion), and the gas field ion microscope can be used to monitor whether electric charge is leaked away (for example, by the monitoring voltage contrastive feature).
B. metal and alloy corrosion
The He ion microscope can be used for identification and check the corrosion of metals of various devices and material.For example, in nuclear power plant, Military Application and biomedical applications employed metal fixture and device owing to wherein using their harsh environment can experience corrosion.The He ion microscope can be used for building according to the relative abundance of device hydrogen (H) image of these and other device, and described abundance is as reliably corrosion indication.
Typically, in order to build image according to the H ion that is scattered or atom, with respect to the He ion beam of incident, the detector of these ions or atom is located on the dorsal part of sample.Sample is exposed to the He ion produces H atom and the ion that is scattered in the sample, and these H atoms that are scattered and ion can be detected and be used for the image of construction sample.H abundance image can be used to assess the degree of the corrosion in the sample subsequently.The speckle size of He ion beam and interaction volume can cause the H image of high-resolution sample obtained and do not damage sample.
C. the read/write structure of data storages
Employed read/write head is fabricated into high tolerance and must detects manufacturing defect before installing in the magnetic memory apparatus of for example hard disk.These devices often have very high aspect ratio; The minor face of such device can be as small as 1nm.When being used for these devices of imaging between detection period, the He ion microscope provides many advantages.Among these advantages, have and to cause these small devices with speckle size and the interaction volume of high-resolution imaging, can allow whole high aspect ratio device along the large depth of focus of the imaging of the focusing of its long size, with the material information that the measurement of He ion by scattering and/or neutral atom provides, they can be used for confirming that small circuit element is properly connected.
D. biotechnology
Use nondestructive technique to determine that the element of biological sample and/or chemical analysis information often expects.The example of biological sample comprises tissue, nucleic acid, protein, carbohydrate, lipid and cell membrane.
Gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, the He ion microscope) can be used for determining, for example, the pattern information of biological sample, the material composition information of biological sample, the material composition information of the surperficial inferior segment of biological sample and/or the crystallization information of biological sample.For example, the gas field ion microscope can be used to cell and the inner eucaryotic cell structure of imaging immune marking.Microscope can be used in this mode some advantage disclosed herein is provided simultaneously.
E. pharmacy
Often, therapeutic agent (for example, little molecule medicine) forms crystal (for example, when it is produced by solution).Determine that the micromolecular crystal structure of crystallization can expect, because this can, for example, information about micromolecular hydration is provided, this can provide again the information about micromolecular bioavilability, in some instances, crystallization information can be originally that in fact the little molecule of proof is in amorphous (with the crystalline phase contrast) form, and this also can affect micromolecular bioavilability.
Additionally or alternatively, often expectation uses nondestructive technique to determine element and/or the chemical analysis information of biological sample.
Gas field ion microscope described herein (for example, the He ion microscope) can be used to determine, for example, the crystallization information of the material composition information of the surperficial inferior segment of the material composition information on the surface of the pattern information of biological sample, biological sample, biological sample and/or biological sample.Microscope can be used in this mode some advantage disclosed herein is provided simultaneously.
Computer hardware and software
Usually, above-mentioned any analytical method can be with computer hardware or software, or both combinations and being implemented.Described method can be in computer program Application standard programming technique and implementing, according to method described herein and figure.Program coding is applied in the input data in order to carry out function described herein and produce output information.Output information is applied in one or more output devices, for example display monitor.Each program can be implemented with high level process or object-oriented programming language, in order to link up with computer system.But if expectation, program also can be implemented with compilation or machine language.In arbitrary situation, described language can be the language that is compiled or is explained.In addition, program can be moved at the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for this purpose pre-programmed.
Each such computer program (for example preferably is stored in the storage medium that can be can read by universal or special programmable calculator or device, ROM or disk) on, configuration and operation computer when being calculated machine-readable storage medium or device with box lunch are in order to carry out process described herein.Computer program also can reside in cache memory or the main memory term of execution of program.Analytical method also can be used as computer read/write memory medium and is implemented, with computer program configuration, thereby wherein like this storage medium of configuration cause that computer moves in concrete and predetermined mode and carry out function described herein.
Other embodiment
Although described some embodiment, other embodiment also is possible.
For example, SEM can be used to be combined with the gas field ion microscope among the one or more aforesaid embodiment.For example, SEM can be for generation of secondary electron, auger electrons, x-ray photon, IR photon, optical photon and/or UV photon.Optionally, SEM can be used for improving the gas assistant chemical.The gas field ion microscope can be with any operational mode configuration disclosed herein, so that SEM and gas field ion microscope system carry out supplementary functions.
As another example, although disclose W (111) tip, in the tip, also can use the crystalline orientation of different W.For example, can use W (112), W (110) or W (100) tip.
As another example, in certain embodiments, ion microscope (for example, the gas field ion microscope) can comprise suitable device so that the microscope that allows to use on line, be used for the analysis of sample, for example the sample relevant with semi-conductor industry (for example, sample wafer).In certain embodiments, for example, ion microscope can use high speed loadlock (high-speed loadlock) for standard-sized semiconductor wafer by automation.In certain embodiments, this system can also comprise wafer station, and this wafer station can be at a high speed to be placed on the sample wafer of a part ion microscope lower time.Ion microscope can also comprise scanning system, and this scanning system can high speed grid scanning metering pattern.Optionally, ion microscope can also comprise the neutral charge design in order to reduce the charged of sample.Ion microscope can also comprise wafer height control module in order to adjust operating distance.In certain embodiments, system can be configured, so that independent tube core (length that for example, has the 50mm magnitude) can be imaged.
Example
Following example is schematically, does not attempt as restriction.
1.
The long transmitter line (diameter 250 μ m) of 25mm that is formed by monocrystalline W (111) obtains from FEI Co. (Hillsboro, OR).Transmitter line is cut into 3mm and is placed on one side.The V-arrangement heater line is prepared as follows.The long polycrystalline tungsten line (diameter 180 μ m) of 13mm is cleaned 15 minutes in order to remove carbon residue and other impurity from Goodfellow (Devon, PA) acquisition and in distilled water by sonication.Line is put therein and is bent in order to form the angle of 115 degree.The district B on the summit of close " V " is used in AC current potential and the frequency of 60Hz and the about 15 second time welding of the 1N of the NaOH aqueous solution with the 1V that applies to prepare it by chemical etching.Heater line is removed from etching solution subsequently, uses distilled water flushing, and is dried.
The V-arrangement heater line is installed in the anchor clamps and keeps coplanar in order to guarantee the end of line.Transmitter line is by the V-arrangement summit of means of spot welds to heater line.Subsequently, the two ends of heater line are spot-welded to 2 pillars at the support base of the type shown in Figure 11 A and the 11B.Supporting base obtains from AEI company (Irvine, CA).The assembly of gained subsequently in distilled water by ultrasonic clean and be dried.
After supporting base installation transmitter line and supporting the cleaning of base, the end of reflector is by following electrochemical process etching.At first, anticorrosive additive material (for example, from Revlon company, the nail polish that NewYork, NY obtain) is applied to the length of the 0.5mm of transmitter line, from the free end of line.The droplet of resist is placed on the surface of glass slide of cleaning, and line immerses resist solution 10 times, allows resist drying a little between each time immersed.The coboundary of careful assurance resist is circular, and circular plane is held the axle perpendicular to line.After anticorrosive additive material was immersed for the last time in the end of transmitter line, line was allowed to air drying 1 hour.
The support base that is pasted with subsequently the transmitter line of resist-coating is pasted to Etaching device, and Etaching device comprises: (a) vertical translation supports the translation device of base; (b) dish; (c) extend into dish, by stainless steel form to electrode, in order to minimize the chemical reaction of not expecting.The dish be filled with etching solution to a level so that solution with to electrode contact.The solution that in the Etaching device dish, has about 150mL.The orientation that supports base is adjusted in order to guarantee the longitudinal axis of transmitter line and is basically parallel to vertical direction (for example, being provided for the direction of the translation of supporting base along translation device).Subsequently, support base and use translation device to reduce to dish, until the transmitter line that is exposed contact etch solution just in time.The camera that is installed on the high magnification of Etaching device allows resist layer and etching solution surface easily observed, and allows transmitter line with respect to the accurate location of solution surface.
Subsequently, line is reduced in addition 0.2mm and is entered etching solution.In this position, the part of the resist-coating of transmitter line is immersed etching solution fully.
Etching solution is made of the 2.5M aqueous solution NaOH of 150mL.For the ease of wetting, 1 surfactant (PhotoFlo200, from Eastman Kodak, Rochester, NY obtains) is added into etching solution.During etch process, also adopted the use magnetic stirrer gently to stir etching solution.
External power source is connected to and supports basic pillar and to electrode.The waveform of maximum voltage swing, pulse duration and external power source can be controlled, in order to the specific etching condition in the Etaching device is provided.
The sequence of AC pulse is applied to transmitter line with the frequency of 60Hz, in order to promote electrochemical etching process.At first, the pulse of 100 duration 580ms and big or small 10V is applied at 5 minutes time window altogether.The effect of the pulse that is applied in is the speed that increases etch process.But the part of the transmitter line that immerses in the solution do not covered by photo anti-corrosion agent material begins to etch away.Because transmitter line is positioned, so that only the little uncoated district of the line above the edge of photo anti-corrosion agent material is immersed in the solution, so observe the etching of the localization of the transmitter line in this district.Along with the progress of electrochemical reaction, because the diameter of the line in this district of etch process begins to narrow down.
Then, the pulse duration of external power source is adjusted to 325ms, and on 5 minutes time window altogether, 6 should the duration pulse be applied to transmitter line.These pulses have further improved electrochemical etching process, cause the etched district of transmitter line to have very little diameter.
At last, the pulse duration of external power source is adjusted to 35ms, and individual pulse is applied to transmitter line, enters in the etching solution until etching is finished and the part of the resist-coating of transmitter line drops.Support base and from Etaching device, remove subsequently, use the distilled water rinsing, and dry in nitrogen stream.
Transmitter line-still be attached at supports base-use subsequently SEM to check and has suitable geometric characteristic in order to verify etched tip.Be used to the imaging transmitter line at 5keV work and AMRAY Model 1860SEM with probe size of 3nm most advanced and sophisticated.Support base and be installed in the sample area of SEM, be equipped with on the sample manipulations device of inclination and rotating operation table.From several different viewing angles and the image in enlargement ratio acquisition source, be shaped so that checking is most advanced and sophisticated with being in the main true.
The SEM image is used to the average full cone angle of characterization subsequently, and average tip radius, and on average bore direction is as before for the discussion on the summit at the tip of line.The image that is used for these measurements picks and places large multiple 65,000X, and along the meet at right angles optical axis of orientation of the axle for transmitter line.Use SEM sample manipulations device to adjust the inclination of transmitter line, be orientated orthogonally for the optical axis in order to guarantee transmitter line.In order to carry out the average measurement of most advanced and sophisticated cone angle, cone direction and radius, SEM sample manipulations device is used to most advanced and sophisticated 45 ° of rotation (around the axle of transmitter line) between continuous image.This produces, and most advanced and sophisticated 8 images of a cover-each is from different visual angles-it is used for determining most advanced and sophisticated cone angle, radius of curvature and cone direction subsequently.
4 of image at 8 visual angles have been shown in Figure 37 A-37D.Each SEM image is digitized as bitmap format and adopts subsequently the custom algorithm analysis of using MathCAD software kit (PTC Inc., Needham, MA) exploitation.At first, each image is smoothed by applying the Gaussian convolution algorithm, in order to reduce picture noise, especially owing to the noise of the vibration of the SEM that occurs during imaging.Be applied in each image according to the filtration step of threshold intensity value subsequently in order to emphasize border between tungsten tip and the black background.Most advanced and sophisticated border in each image is confirmed as the group of non-zero intensities (X, Y) point subsequently, and it forms corresponding to the image pixel at tip with corresponding to the boundary line between the image pixel of black background (for example, zero intensity).(X, Y) point of one of one group of such view for the tip is shown in Figure 38.For the view at 8 visual angles at tip each, determine the group of similar boundary point.
Before the slope that calculates given boundary curve, smoothing algorithm be applied in curve in case the slope local of guaranteeing curve for noise and other little signal intensity relative insensitivity.Smoothing algorithm consists of by original (X, Y) data point being fitted to 4 rank multinomials, and this has been found to describe well most advanced and sophisticated shape.The effect of smoothing algorithm is the either side of guaranteeing at vertex position, the excessively impact not by the little variation of shape of the first derivative of this curve.
After the level and smooth step, for each view use finite-difference algorithm along boundary curve at each X point slope calculations dY/dX.Figure 39 shows for the figure along the slope of the calculating of the point of boundary curve as the function of X at the boundary curve shown in Figure 38.
For the particular figure at tip, be identified as most advanced and sophisticated summit and provide sign X corresponding to the position of the boundary curve of the slope of the acquisition null value of this view ApexOn boundary curve be 1 position corresponding to the value that obtains close to the slope of (X, the Y) point on summit, boundary curve, be given sign X + 1On boundary curve be-1 position corresponding to the value that obtains close to the slope of (X, the Y) point on summit, boundary curve, be presented and identify X -1
These measured points are used to determine most advanced and sophisticated geometric parameter subsequently.Most advanced and sophisticated left radius is calculated as X in specific view + 1And X ApexThe absolute value of difference multiply by 1.414.Most advanced and sophisticated right radius is calculated as X in specific view -1And X ApexThe absolute value of difference multiply by 1.414.Subsequently, according to the value of left and right radius, most advanced and sophisticated radius of curvature is calculated as the average of left radius and right radius value in specific view.
Repeat the calculating of right radius, left radius and most advanced and sophisticated radius of curvature for each of the view at 8 visual angles at tip.Average tip radius is calculated as measurement average of tip curvature radius in the view at all tips subsequently.For at the tip shown in Figure 37 A-37D, average tip radius is confirmed as 62nm.
The left side at all tips and the standard deviation of right radius are also calculated, and are represented as the percentage of average tip radius.For at the tip shown in Figure 37 A-37D, eccentricity is confirmed as 11.9%.
Most advanced and sophisticated cone angle also is determined in each of the view at 8 visual angles.In the boundary curve corresponding to each view, the left side on the boundary curve and right cut point lay respectively on a tip left side and the right side, in the position of distance tip 1 μ m, measure along Y-direction, and be as discussed previously.In specific view most advanced and sophisticated left cone angle then be determined to be in left cut point boundary curve tangent line and be parallel to Y-axis and extend through angle between the line of this left cut point.In specific view most advanced and sophisticated right cone angle then be confirmed as right cut point boundary curve tangent line and be parallel to Y-axis and extend through angle between the line of right cut point.At last, full cone angle be confirmed as left and right cone angle size with.
Most advanced and sophisticated average full cone angle is then determined from the average of 8 measurements of the full cone angle at the tip of the view at 8 visual angles at tip by calculating.For at the tip shown in Figure 37 A-37D, for example, average full cone angle is confirmed as 34.5 °.
For the specific view at tip, the cone direction is calculated as half of absolute value of the difference between the size of left and right cone angle.Repeat 8 measurements that this determines to produce most advanced and sophisticated cone direction for each of 8 views at tip.Most advanced and sophisticated average cone direction then is calculated as measurement average of these 8 cone directions.For at the tip shown in Figure 37 A-37B, on average bore direction and be confirmed as 2.1 °.
One group is used to determine whether that according to average tip radius, radius eccentricity, average cone angle and the standard of on average boring orientation measurement given tip is accepted the ion microscope for He.Usually, these standards are as follows.If the average cone angle of measuring is between 15 ° and 45 °, the tip is accepted use, and average tip radius is between 35nm and 110nm, and the standard deviation of tip curvature radius measurement is on average bored direction less than 7 ° less than 30%.At last, satisfy each in these standards at the tip shown in Figure 37 A-37D, and this tip is accepted the ion microscope for He like this.
After the checking of the geometrical performance at tip, most advanced and sophisticated detected in the FIM of customization.FIM comprises the installing zone that supports most advanced and sophisticated supporting component, is used for the most advanced and sophisticated high voltage source of biasing, and adjacent to the extractor at tip, and record is from the detector of the emission of ions pattern at tip.
The distance of extractor and most advanced and sophisticated interval 5mm and have the opening of 10mm.Extractor is grounded to external ground.Detector, i.e. the combination of microchannel plate (MCP) and image intensifier (from Burle Electro-Optics Inc., Sturbridge, MA acquisition) is located in the distance apart from extractor 75mm.
Comprise that most advanced and sophisticated supporting component is installed among the FIM and the FIM chamber is evacuated to 1 * 10 -8The background pressure of Torr.The most advanced and sophisticated liquid nitrogen that uses is cooled to 77K as cooling agent.After equalized temperature, the source is heated to 900K and continued 5 minutes in order to be formed at condensate or other impurity on the tip during being released in technique.Most advanced and sophisticated heating is done by applying electric current to heater line, and the tip is soldered to this heater line.Electric current uses the power supply (Bertan Model IB-30A can be from Spellman High Voltage Inc., Hauppauge, NY acquisition) with firm power ability and is applied in.Temperature survey uses leucoscope (from Pyro Corporation, Windsor, NJ acquisition) to carry out.
Then, the tip is cooled to 77K subsequently again, and the FIM extractor is grounded and the tip is biased to+5kV with respect to extractor.High-purity He gas (99.9999% purity) is 1 * 10 -5Be introduced into the FIM chamber under the pressure of Torr.Most advanced and sophisticated biasing by gradually with increment increase to+29kV is until observe image corresponding to the He ion that leaves most advanced and sophisticated He ion at detector.FIM emission pattern is corresponding to about 300 atoms on tip end surface.According to the FIM pattern, most advanced and sophisticated monocrystalline composition and W (111) orientation are verified.
Then, most advanced and sophisticated by sharpening to obtain end atom trimer in tip.Helium from the FIM chamber, be pumped out until the background pressure in the chamber less than 1.2 * 10 -8Torr.The tip is heated subsequently, for the applying of the electric current of heater line, continues 2 minute to the temperature of 1500K by as mentioned above.Oxygen is with 1 * 10 -5The pressure of Torr is introduced near the most advanced and sophisticated FIM chamber.After 2 minutes, tip temperature is reduced to 1100K.After 2 minutes of 1100K, the oxygen supply is closed and the tip allows to be cooled to about 77K.During cooling, and oxygen supply be closed after about 15 minutes, residual oxygen be pumped out the FIM chamber until the background pressure in the chamber less than 1.2 * 10 -8Torr.
In case be cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature, then extractor as above is biased, and the tip is biased with+5kV with respect to extractor again.He gas is with 1 * 10 -5Torr is introduced into the FIM chamber, and FIM is operated again as mentioned above in order to obtain most advanced and sophisticated He emission image.Most advanced and sophisticated voltage is increased gradually, until most advanced and sophisticated FIM image by with on the tip approximately+detector of the current potential biasing of 18kV captures.
The FIM pattern that is observed comprise adatom-tip expectation three atom trimer structures outside unnecessary atom.Adatom is by with the field evaporation of the most advanced and sophisticated bias potential of+18kV and removed lentamente.During field evaporation, most advanced and sophisticated image is absorbed termly and monitors in order to determine when stops field evaporation technique.Adatom is removed one by one until observe the trimeric clearly FIM of the atom of tip image.Except the atom trimer, the crest line of 3 corners cone is also clearly observed.
The atom trimer is removed lentamente by the further field evaporation at tip.Exceed+18kV by increasing lentamente most advanced and sophisticated biasing, the trimer atom is removed one by one, the tip of the sphering of observing in the FIM image that causes being recorded by detector.
Most advanced and sophisticated bias potential is further increased to+28kV.The field evaporation of most advanced and sophisticated atom continues during this technique.Bias potential at+28kV obtains another atom trimer on the summit at tip.The second trimeric FIM image is shown in Figure 40.After obtaining the second trimer, most advanced and sophisticated bias potential is reduced in order to obtain the highest angle intensity in the FIM emission pattern.This appears at+the tip biasing of 23kV.The highest angle intensity is determined in order to obtain the observation brightness of the maximum of selecteed atom in the FIM emission pattern by adjusting most advanced and sophisticated biasing.By along with the current potential at tip is adjusted, measure from trimeric He ion current, and verify the biasing that angle of elevation emissive porwer occurs.The He ion current uses the Faraday cup be positioned in the He ion beam path and measured.
By increasing lentamente most advanced and sophisticated current potential greater than+28kV and from tip field evaporation atom, most advanced and sophisticated being passivated subsequently is the end shape near sphere.Field evaporation continues until obtain another atom trimer on the surface at tip at the bias potential of+34kV.In order to verify most advanced and sophisticated repeatability of building again process, sharpening technique is repeated twice in order to obtain new atom trimer in tip again.After twice continuous trimer built again, helium was supplied with and to be closed, and the tip biasing that is applied in is removed, and the tip is allowed to heat to room temperature, and the FIM chamber pressure by lentamente with the atmospheric pressure balance.Still be installed in tip in the supporting component and be stored on the top of the shelf for 2 weeks until it is used to the helium ion microscope.
Comprise that most advanced and sophisticated supporting component is installed in the helium ion microscope system of the system shown in Fig. 1 and 5.The following configuration of the element of system.Extractor is located in the most advanced and sophisticated 1mm of distance, and has the opening of diameter 3mm.The first lens of ion optics is located in apart from the distance of extractor 30mm.Pass after the first lens, ion passes the aligning deflector, aims at deflector and is configured to four utmost point electrodes.Aperture with opening of diameter 20 μ m further is positioned in order to optionally shield the part of ion beam along the path of ion.The crosspoint of ion trajectory is located in the distance of front, aperture 50mm.The astigmatism corrector that is configured to ends of the earth electrode is located in after the aperture, in order to adjust the astigmatism of ion beam.The scan deflection device that is configured to ends of the earth electrode is located in after the astigmatism corrector, in order to allow the surface of the scanned sample of ion beam grid.The second lens are located in the distance of range aperture 150mm, and are used to ion beam focusing on the surface of sample.The second forming lens is the right corner cone of tack, has 90 ° full cone angle.
At first, the ion microscope system is evacuated, so that the basic pressure of cusp field is about 2 * 10 -9Torr.The most advanced and sophisticated liquid nitrogen that uses is cooled to about 80K.Extractor is grounded, and is applied in the tip with respect to the biasing of extractor+5kV.
The tip is heated by power supply to the heater line that applies 8W, until its vision luminous (corresponding to the tip temperature of about 1100K).The photon that sends from luminous tip is observed from the sidepiece of ion optics, uses for perpendicular to the plane of the longitudinal axis of the ion optics mirror with 45 ° of inclinations.Mirror is introduced into ion optics for this purpose, in the position below aiming at deflector just in time, via the side mouth in the ion column.The tip is tilted and is repeatedly mobile, until luminous tip is roughly along the axis alignment of ion optics.When luminous tip appears as the annulus point source, realized suitable the aiming at most advanced and sophisticated and longitudinal axis.
The tip is allowed to cool off and keeps simultaneously most advanced and sophisticated current potential biasing with respect to extractor+5kV.In case the tip has been cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature, then He gas is with 1 * 10 -5The pressure of Torr is introduced into cusp field.The ion microscope system moves in the SFIM pattern, as mentioned above, in order to produce the image that most advanced and sophisticated He emission of ions pattern is shown.Image has been indicated to the shape at the tip of atom precision.Aligning electrodes is used to the surface in the scanned aperture of ion beam grid that will produce from the tip.The sawtooth voltage function is applied in respectively aims at deflector in order to realize scanning with the grid of 10Hz frame rate, and the sawtooth function is 150V with respect to the maximum voltage of the public external ground of microscopic system.256 points on each direction of two orthogonal directions of axle of ion optics are crossed in grid scan pattern scanning.Astigmatism corrector and scan deflection device are not used in this imaging pattern.
In order to survey the ion that passes this aperture, copper sample is placed down below the second lens, and the MCP detector by positive bias (with respect to public external ground+300V) in order to measure because sample and be incident on the secondary electron that copper sample is left in interaction between the He ion on the sample.Detector is located in apart from the distance of sample 10mm and is parallel to the planar orientation of sample.
Detection system is at each grid scanning element sampling detector signal and produce most advanced and sophisticated SFIM image, and described image is displayed on the monitor.In order to be conducive to imaging, the current potential of the first lens in the ion column is set to 77% of most advanced and sophisticated biasing.Subsequently, along with the tip biasing increases, the SFIM image keeps rough consistent enlargement ratio and intensity.When observing the SFIM image, most advanced and sophisticated biasing is increased lentamente in order to eliminate the adatom of not expecting and be created in its summit has the trimeric tip of atom.This trimer is removed in order to cause the field evaporation of most advanced and sophisticated atom by increasing further most advanced and sophisticated bias potential.Field evaporation continues, until be applied in+the most advanced and sophisticated current potential of 23kV, new atom trimer is formed on the most advanced and sophisticated summit.The SFIM image of the gained that this is most advanced and sophisticated is shown in Figure 41.
(for example close at aligning deflector, aberration corrector, scan deflection device and the second lens, zero potential with respect to the public external ground of microscopic system) situation, a trimeric atom is selected and most advanced and sophisticated be tilted with translation simultaneously the intensity of first lens modulated by 100V.Microscopic system moves in FIM and detector is collected most advanced and sophisticated FIM emission image.The tip is repeatedly tilted and translation, until when the intensity of first lens was modulated, the center at the tip on the FIM image was not changed from an image to another image.
Then, the aperture is placed into the position and puts on the current potential of aiming at deflector adjusted in order to control ion beam in the position in aperture.See through the ion beam part in aperture by detector image-forming, and detector image is used to repeatedly adjust the aligning deflector.
The scan deflection device is used to and will sees through the scanned sample surfaces of ion beam grid in aperture.Feature (copper grid) (the part number 02299C-AB of can identify on the sample surfaces, high contrast, from Structure Probe International, West Chester, PA obtains) be placed in the path of the ion beam below the second lens, and the secondary electron image of this feature is used the detector measurement of configuration discussed above.
The intensity of the second lens adjusted in case roughly with ion beam focusing on sample surfaces; The current potential biasing that puts on the second lens is the about 15kV with respect to public external ground.The quality that focuses on from the image of the sample that recorded by detector by visual assessment.Ion beam with respect to the shaft alignement of the second lens evaluated by the intensity of modulating lentamente the second lens-with about 0.1% modulation amplitude of the operating voltage of the frequency of 1Hz and the second lens-and observe the displacement of this feature.Ion beam in last lens is aimed at by adjusting the voltage of aiming at deflector and is optimized.When the position by the center of the image of detector measurement changed between the modulation period of the intensity of the second lens indistinctively, aligning was optimized.
Then, by adjusting the intensity of the second lens, sample is imaged with higher enlargement ratio, so that the visual field of sample is about 2 squares of μ m.By adjusting the control of astigmatism corrector, the asymmetry of focus is minimized.The adjusted sharpness of observing simultaneously the edge in image and especially all directions of these controls.When the sharpness of the image that focuses on when all directions are identical, the astigmatism correction is finished.Typically, be not higher than 30 volts voltage and be applied to the astigmatism corrector in order to realize this condition.At that point, the helium ion microscope turns round fully.
The microscope of running is used to the various samples of imaging.Be illustrated in Figure 42 and 43 by the sample image of measuring the secondary electron record.
Image-forming condition comprises the line (100pA to 1fA) of broad range.Line is controlled by several method.At first, use electronic aperture mechanism, the different aperture with hole of different-diameter is placed into the position.Aperture mechanism comprises that its diameter is from the aperture of 5 μ m to 100 μ m scopes.The second, first lens focus intensity is adjusted so that mobile bundle intersects closer to the aperture plane in the ion optics, so that larger ion current arrives sample.On the contrary, first lens focus intensity is adjusted so that mobile bundle is farther from aperture plane, so that less ion current passes the aperture.The 3rd, the pressure of helium is increased or decreased respectively in order to increase or reduce ion beam current in cusp field.
Beam energy is typically selected for optimum angle intensity; Beam energy is typically from the scope of 17keV to 30keV.Beam energy changes in time in response to changing most advanced and sophisticated shape.
The type of the detector that uses, and the type that arranges according to the sample of checking with ion microscope of detector is selected.In order to measure the secondary electron image of sample, the ET detector is used, have with respect to public external ground approximately+metallic grid of 300V biasing.The scintillator of ET detector inside is with respect to externally being biased with+10kV, and the gain of inner PMT is adjusted unsaturated in order to produce large as far as possible signal.
The MCP detector (from Burle Electro-Optics, Sturbridge, MA obtains) also be used to survey from the secondary electron of sample and/or the He of scattering.MCP grid, front, the back side can each be biased with respect to external ground.The gain of detector is by obtaining with respect to the front back side of setovering rightly MCP.Typical gain voltage is 1.5V.Adjacent to the collector plate at the back side to be biased with respect to the back side+50V.From collector plate, detectable signal is the form of the electric current of the little variation that superposes at large positive voltage.In order to collect secondary electron, the grid of front and MCP is biased to+300V.In order to collect the He of scattering, front and grid are biased to-300V.
The grid sweep speed is adjusted for the optimal imaging condition of each sample as required.The scope of the residence time of every pixel is from 100ns to 500 μ s.For shorter residence time, come noise decrease by average Multiple-Scan.This is for continuous line sweep, and carries out for continuous frame scan.
Image shown in Figure 42 is the image of a plurality of carbon nano-tube on the silicon substrate.Image obtains by the secondary electron of detection from the surface of nanotube.The ET detector is located in apart from the distance of sample 8mm and apart from ion beam from axle 15mm, and with respect to the plane of the sample angular orientation with 20 °.The He ion beam current is that 0.5pA and mean ion energy are 21keV.Ion beam is scanned by grid with the residence time of the every pixel of 200 μ s, and total image detection time is 200s.The visual field of image is 4 μ m.
The image of the aluminium pillar on the silicon substrate at the image shown in Figure 43.Image obtains by the secondary electron of surveying from nanotube surface.The MCP detector of the above-mentioned type, in grid and front with respect to external ground with+situation that 300V is biased, be positioned apart from the distance of sample 10mm and be parallel to the planar orientation of sample.The He ion beam current is that 0.5pA and mean ion energy are 24keV.Ion beam is scanned by grid with the residence time of the every pixel of 200 μ s.The visual field of sample surfaces is 1 μ m, obtains by maximum voltage to the scan deflection device that applies 1V.
In the helium ion microscope, adopt the operation at this tip to continue the time in several weeks, and need not exhaust system so that the maintenance ion source.Along with the trimer atom is removed, perhaps intentionally or by normal use, most advanced and sophisticated end shape becomes more spherical, shown in the SFIM image that goes out as shown in Figure 44.Carry out as required the original position pyramid and build again (sharpening), by using initial identical heat and the oxygen prescription that carry out at the sharpening tip in FIM.Usually, each builds processes expend again less than time of 5 minutes, and in addition, system is available during these weeks.In a word, most advanced and sophisticated being built again more than 8 times.Figure 45 illustrates the trimeric image of the atom of building again of tip.
2.
W (111) tip be installed in the supporting component and according in the process described in the example 1 by chemical etching.Figure 46 illustrates most advanced and sophisticated SEM image.Carry out most advanced and sophisticated geometric properties according to the process in example 1.For this tip, average tip radius is confirmed as 70nm.The standard of most advanced and sophisticated basis in example 1 is accepted use.
After verifying that most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is within acceptable restriction, comprise that the source component at etched tip is installed among the FIM described in the example 1.The configuration of FIM except following with example 1 in discuss identical.The current potential on the tip with respect to extractor increased to lentamente+current potential of 21.8kV.The field evaporation of most advanced and sophisticated atom occurs along with the increase of current potential.After arrival+21.8kV, most advanced and sophisticated current potential is reduced to+19.67kV.The FIM image at tip shown in Figure 47 obtains with the tip that remains on this current potential.Use this image, most advanced and sophisticated mono-crystalline structures and correct orientation are verified.
Then, most advanced and sophisticated by sharpening in order to produce the atom trimer on summit.Helium is pumped out the FIM chamber, and the tip was heated by the stabling current that applies 4.3A for the tip in 20 seconds.The mirror that tilts is installed in the FIM post and gets angle will redirect to along the light that axis of a cylinder is propagated the side mouth of post, and this mirror is used to observe most advanced and sophisticated.For naked eyes as seen, the tip was allowed to cool off 5 minutes like this not have luminous (photon of for example, launching from the tip).Then the tip is heated to most advanced and sophisticated 20 seconds by the constant current that applies 4.4A.Do not have luminous for naked eyes as seen, the tip was allowed to cool off 5 minutes like this.Then the tip is heated to most advanced and sophisticated 20 seconds by the constant current that applies 4.5A.Do not have luminous for naked eyes as seen, the tip was allowed to cool off 5 minutes like this.Then the tip is heated to most advanced and sophisticated 20 seconds by the constant current that applies 4.6A.In this temperature, can be clear that luminous from the tip.Thereby, cause that most advanced and sophisticated luminous required electric current is confirmed as 4.6A.The source was allowed to cool off 5 minutes subsequently.
Then, negative bias is applied in most advanced and sophisticated electron emission stream of monitoring simultaneously from the tip.So that biasing is little by little more negative, until observe electron emission stream from the 50pA at tip.Biasing at the tip of this stream is-1.98kV.In the situation that this biasing still puts on the tip, the heating current of 4.6A is applied in the tip.After about 20 seconds, again observe most advanced and sophisticated luminous.Observe most advanced and sophisticated luminous after the heating at tip prolong again 10 seconds.Remove from the tip subsequently and put on most advanced and sophisticated bias potential and heating current, and the tip is allowed to be cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature.
In case cool off at the tip, then the positive potential with respect to extractor+5kV is applied to the tip.He gas is with 1 * 10 -5The pressure of Torr be directed to tip, FIM chamber near.The FIM image of tip is as obtained described in the example 1.Seen more clearly along with biasing increases the FIM image.Image among Figure 48 is observed under the biasing of the tip of+13.92kV.This image shows the crest line of pyramid and corresponding to the trimeric bright culminating point of atom.
Some emission atoms on the tip are adatoms of loosely combination and are removed with the field evaporation of electric field strength by most advanced and sophisticated atom of increase.Most advanced and sophisticated biasing is further increased to+21.6kV, and the field evaporation that the first and second trimers pass through is removed.After arriving this current potential, most advanced and sophisticated current potential is reduced to+and FIM image among 18.86kV and Figure 49 is recorded.
According to determined standard in example 1, the tip is confirmed as available and removes from FIM.After about one month, the tip is mounted into as in the helium ion microscope of configuration described in the example 1.Technique described in trimer such as the example 1 is built and is evaporated repeatedly, except not using the oxygen.But trimer is built technique again and relied on and to apply specific negative potential and bias to tip (in order to producing the electron emission stream of 50pA), and is most advanced and sophisticated with the current flow heats of the 4.6A that puts on heater line simultaneously, causes the visible luminous of heater line to continue 20 seconds.The tip remains in the helium ion microscope and provides and surpasses use all around, and need not emptying system in order to safeguard most advanced and sophisticated.During this period, use the aforesaid negative current potential biasing that applies and the process of heating of relating to, the tip is built repeatedly again.The most advanced and sophisticated trimeric SFIM image of building again is illustrated in Figure 50.
The image that use has the semiconductor samples that this most advanced and sophisticated He ion microscope records is illustrated in Figure 51.Sample comprises the lip-deep aluminum metal that is deposited on silicon oxide substrate.Unknown coating is deposited over the top of each these materials.
The peaked scanning voltage of 1V is incorporated on the scan deflection device to produce the visual field of 10 μ m at sample.The first and second lens, the current potential of aiming at deflector and astigmatism corrector are adjusted, so that control is by the part of the He ion beam in aperture, and the quality of the bundle focus of Quality control position, as described in the example 1.Sample is tilted with translation in order to disclose three-dimensional nature and the details of sidewall during imaging.
Image shown in Figure 51 is recorded by the secondary electron of measuring from sample surfaces.The MCP detector is located in apart from the distance of sample 10mm, and is parallel to the surface orientation of sample.MCP grid and front are biased with+300V with respect to public external ground.The He ion beam current is that 4pA and mean ion energy are 21.5keV.Total image detection time is 30 seconds.
Use the image of another semiconductor samples that this tip absorbs shown in Figure 52.Sample is the multi-level semiconductor device with the surface characteristics that is formed by metal.The secondary electron that this image leaves sample by measurement owing to the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident is recorded.The maximum scan voltage of 150V is applied in the scan deflection device in order to produce the visual field of 1.35mm at sample surfaces.
Sample is observed from overlooking the visual angle, and this shows many features of sample surfaces.For document image, have with respect to public external ground and be located in apart from the distance of sample 10mm with the grid of+300V biasing and the detector of front MCP, and be parallel to the surface orientation of sample.The He ion beam current is that 15pA and mean ion energy are 21.5keV.Ion beam is scanned by grid with the residence time of every pixel 10 μ s.
3.
Most advanced and sophisticated use is as being produced and aiming in the helium ion microscope in the process described in the example 2 in this example.Most advanced and sophisticated geometric characteristicization is carried out according to the process in example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
By directly or extrapolation measure, may be with known line obtain the image of sample with known detection time.Line uses the Faraday cup accurately to be monitored in conjunction with picoammeter (Model 487, Keithley Instruments, Cleveland, OH).He pressure in the cusp field also uses Baynard Alpert type ionization determining instrument (can be from Varian Vacuum Inc, Lexington, MA acquisition) and is carefully monitored.To such an extent as to the too low state that cannot accurately be measured of He ion current (for example, less than about 0.5pA) therein, ion current is determined according to the He gas pressure extrapolation of measuring.Typically, He gas pressure and He ion current are mutually linear proportional, and the linear relationship between the tip is consistent.
Sample is golden grid sample with shape characteristic (part number 02899G-AB, from Structure Probe International, West Chester, PA obtains).Sample is imaged by the secondary of measurement response incident He ion from sample surfaces.For document image, the annular of 40mm diameter, chevron type MCP detector (from Burle Electro-Optics, Sturbridge, MA obtains) be located in apart from the distance of sample 10mm, and be parallel to the surface orientation of sample.Detector occupies the solid angle of about 1.8 surface of spheres and symmetrical with respect to ion beam.Detector is directly installed on the bottom of the second lens, as shown in Figure 66.The front surface of MCP with respect to public external ground by positive bias (+300V), and exist positive bias (with respect to public external ground) the interior metal grid (+300V).
Mean ion energy is 20keV.The image of sample is used respectively the beam current measurement of 1pA, 0.1pA and 0.01pA, and respectively shown in Figure 53,54 and 55.Total image detection time is respectively 33 seconds, 33 seconds and 61 seconds.
For the first two image (Figure 53 and 54), picture size is 1024 * 1024 pixels.For the 3rd image (Figure 55), picture size is 512 * 512 pixels.In each image, approximately the maximum scan voltage of 2V is applied in the scan deflection device in order to produce the visual field of 20 μ m at sample surfaces.
For helium ion and/or the neutral atom of confirming scattering contributes to the image that these are recorded indistinctively, grid and MCP bias potential change to-50V, and do not have signal to be observed.The noise component of these images is confirmed to be and is lower than the noise component that obtains with the SEM image of sample for phase homogeneous turbulence, identical pixel quantity and identical total detection time.
4.
Most advanced and sophisticated use method described in example 1 to be installed in the supporting component and manufactured, except in supporting component, be pasted to two pillars of source base by mutually opposite to each other prebuckling, as shown in Figure 56.This bending allows heater line to cross significantly shorter length.Heater line is as described in the example 1 being the polycrystalline tungsten line with 180 μ m diameters.Adopt this crooked pillar, the heater line length of 5mm is used.The advantage of shorter heater line length is that the rigidity of the length of line increases along with reducing of line length.Transmitter line is as fixing in common mode described in the example 1.
The increase of shorter heater line rigidity be observed by applying identical power to two a different tip, a tip is installed in the supporting component of the type described in the example 1, and another is installed in the supporting component shown in Figure 56.Deflection in response to two tips of the power that is applied in is compared.Compare with the support base of example 1 type, the amount of curved struts supporting component deflection is little 6 times.As a result, the frequency of natural vibration of crooked column support type supporting component (approximately 4kHz) is than high about 2.5 times of the frequency of natural vibration of the supporting component of example 1.Under higher frequency, when when the vibration frequency that significantly is lower than frequency of natural vibration is energized, support base and tip as one man move (for example, having negligible phase shift).When implementing in the He ion microscope, the vibration at relatively low tip has reduced the ion microscope image and has had the non-natural sign of appreciable image in the curved struts source component, for example owing to the possibility of the bundle landing error of tip vibrates.
5.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to being produced in the process described in the example 1, except having used different heater line.Employed heater line has than the diameter of the heater in the example 1 larger about 25% diameter in this example.Thicker heater line is obedient to respect to oscillating movement is less, because usually, the rigidity of line increases and increases along with diameter.In addition, this thicker heater line forms (74% tungsten, 26% rhenium) by tungsten-rhenium alloy.Described alloy wire has significantly higher resistive than the tungsten heater line of example 1; The resistance of total heater line is measured as about 0.5 ohm.Suitable tungsten-rhenium alloy line obtains from Omega Engineering (Stamford, CT).
Thicker heater line has increased the natural frequency that comprises most advanced and sophisticated supporting component, increases to about 2.2kHz (this example) from about 1.5kHz (example 1).When in the He ion microscope, implementing, adopt the vibration at tip relatively low in the source component of this heater line assembly to reduce the ion microscope image and have the non-natural sign of appreciable image, for example owing to the possibility of the bundle landing error of tip vibrates.
6.
Most advanced and sophisticated by as form in the technique described in the example 1, outside heater line substituted by RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON piece (from MINTEQ International Pyrogenics Group, Easton, PA obtains).The pillar of source component is by mutually crooked in opposite directions and be machined in order to have parallel flat surfaces.For transmitter line is installed, pillar is pried open and two RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON are inserted between the pillar.Transmitter line is placed between the described carbon piece and with back prop and is released.Be applied to pressure grip block and the appropriate location of transmitter line on supporting component of carbon piece by pillar, avoid transmitter line with respect to the relative motion of supporting base.The part of supporting component shown in Figure 57 comprises crooked pillar, two carbon pieces and transmitter line.
The size of RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON piece is selected, so that carbon piece and transmitter line are in pressured state.In the situation that does not have carbon piece in position, the interval between the curved struts is 1.5mm.Each has the carbon piece along the length of 700 μ m of the direction between two curved struts.Transmitter line has the diameter of 250 μ m.
The RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON piece is orientated (for example, the carbon plane in the RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON piece be approximately perpendicular to connecting struts line orientation) with respect to curved struts for maximum resistance and minimum thermal conductivity.The resistance of supporting component is measured as 4.94 ohm at 1500K, and is larger than the resistance (0.56 ohm) of the supporting component of example 1.Add heated tip to the required power of 1500K and be 6.4W (comparing to the required about 11W of 1500K with tip in the heating example 1).Most advanced and sophisticated with respect to the source base by relatively securely clamping, because the disappearance of heater line.The vibration frequency of this supporting component is greater than 3kHz.
When embodiment in the helium ion microscope, that the pressure of most advanced and sophisticated relatively low vibration in this source component-put on the RESEARCH OF PYROCARBON piece by the either side at the tip is fixed is in place-and reduced the ion microscope image and had the non-natural sign of appreciable image, for example owing to the possibility of the bundle landing error of tip vibrates.
7.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Most advanced and sophisticated in FIM the process described in the use-case 1 by sharpening.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured to measure the secondary electron that leaves sample owing to the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident.MCP detector (similar in appearance to the configuration of the detector described in example 3) is used to record sample image.
Sample is steel, and shape is sphere and uniform ingredients.The He ion current is that 1.0pA and mean ion energy are 20keV.Ion beam is scanned by grid with the residence time of the every pixel of 10 μ s.Put on the maximum potential (approximately 100V) of scan deflection device produces about 1mm at sample surfaces visual field.
The image of sample is shown in Figure 58.Image has reflected the measurement of total secondary electron productive rate of sample.Image has disclosed the secondary electron productive rate in the raising of right hand edge.The productive rate that improves can be escaped at the surface second electronics of sample from the path near the increase of the ion beam of sample surfaces.Find that the increase of secondary electron productive rate is roughly proportional with sec (α), α represents the angle between the normal of the He ion beam of incident and sample surfaces here.
The image of the second sample is shown in Figure 59 A and the 59B.The image-forming condition of the sample shown in Figure 59 A with in this example in conjunction with the first sample discuss identical.
At the energy of 20keV, the He ion beam penetrates into dearly sample (approximately 100nm) and just disperses significantly.As a result, the edge of sample image illustrates relatively narrow bright border effect (for example, reduce edge blurry).For example, the image in Figure 59 A is recorded from the He ion microscope, and the image Application standard SEM record in Figure 59 B.In two images, signal is all only from the measurement of secondary electron.In the SEM image shown in Figure 59 B, SEM works under the image-forming condition of 2keV electron beam energy and 30pA line.
Observe bright border identifiably narrower in He ion microscope image, this believes with the electronics of incident and compares, in the result of the less interaction volume of sample surfaces He ion.When the He ion beam penetrated sample, the He ion beam kept relative calibration.On the contrary, the SEM electron beam is being directly adjacent to the just remarkable wider interaction volume of generation of sample surfaces.As a result, the secondary electron that produces of the electron beam by incident comes from the surface region that extends several nanometers from the position of lip-deep nominal electron beam.As a result, the bright border effect of SEM is significantly wider, such as what can see by the image among visual comparison Figure 59 A and the 59B.
For the bright border effect in these two images of numeral comparison, in each image, cross the common edge feature and carry out line sweep.The result is shown in Figure 67 A and the 67B, and it corresponds respectively to Figure 59 A and 59B.The line sweep district is that wide 50 pixels of 1 pixel are long.Corresponding to the intensity peak in the line sweep of limit feature, in the SEM image than in the He of correspondence ion microscope image, has wide 40% full width at half maximum (FWHM) (FWHM).As mentioned above, the hem width degree that reduces of observing in He ion microscope image is with respect to the result of electronics at the less interaction volume of sample surfaces He ion.
8.
The tip is produced according to the process described in example 1, and the characterization of tip geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Most advanced and sophisticated use the process described in the example 1 in FIM by sharpening.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of its configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured, so that the secondary electron of sample is left in measurement owing to the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident.MCP detector (as described in the example 3) is used to record sample image.
Various samples are measured in order to determine quantitatively the secondary electron productive rate of many materials.Each sample is made of the flat panel of wanting tested material.Being positioned at the distance of sample top 2mm, is the metal screen with low fill factor (for example, great majority are open spaces).Picoammeter (Keithley Instrument Corporation, Cleveland, OH) is combined with the Faraday cup and is used to sample flow, and the Faraday cup is integrated into each sample by machining groove in the surface of each sample.
Each experiment begins with the measurement of the He ion current by location He ion beam, so that the He ion beam is incident on the Faraday cup in each sample.Then, with the scanned sample of He ion beam grid, the variable bias with respect to public external ground is applied to screen simultaneously, and measured from the secondary electric subflow of sample.
The He ion beam is intentionally defocused (to the spot size of 100nm) and is polluted or charged artefact in order to minimize.The screen bias potential from-30V to+30V is adjusted with increment, and carries out the measurement of secondary electric subflow for each bias potential.Each is measured and carries out with the He ion beam energy of 22.5keV and the line of 13pA.The result who illustrates silicon sample among Figure 60.
On the left side of figure, screen is by negative bias here, and all secondary electrons that leave sample owing to the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident are returned to silicon sample.He ion beam current and secondary electric subflow about equally, thereby but produce the free secondary ion of negligible number and the helium ion that is scattered.On the right of figure, screen is by positive bias here, and all secondary electrons that leave sample owing to the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident accelerate to leave sample.The sample flow of measuring be He ion current and secondary electric subflow and.According to these measurements, be about (44-13)/13=2.4 for the secondary electron productive rate of 22.5keV helium bundle incident (vertical incidence) on smooth silicon sample.
Under the measuring condition of pixel, follow similar measuring process for various materials.The result sums up in below the table.
Material The secondary electron productive rate
Aluminium 4.31
Silicon 2.38
Titanium 3.65
Iron 3.55
Nickel 4.14
Copper 3.23
Indium 4.69
Tungsten 2.69
Rhenium 2.61
Platinum 7.85
Gold 4.17
Plumbous 4.57
The secondary electron productive rate that these are relatively large, and the value of the broad range of different materials have caused common observation, and namely the He ion microscope image according to the detection of secondary electron provides a kind of good method of distinguishing different materials.For example, Figure 61 A uses helium ion microscope record, the secondary electron image of aiming at cross (alignment cross) on the substrate surface.Approximately the peaked scanning voltage of 1.5V is incorporated on the scan deflection device to produce the visual field of 15 μ m at sample.The MCP detector is located in apart from the distance of sample 10mm, and is parallel to the surface orientation of sample.The grid of MCP and front are biased with+300V with respect to public external ground.The He ion beam current is that 5pA and mean ion energy are 27keV.Ion beam is scanned by grid with the residence time of the every pixel of 150 μ s.
Figure 61 B is the SEM secondary electron image of taking from same characteristic features.SEM works under the optimal imaging condition that experiment is determined, these conditions are the electron beam energy of 2keV and the line of 30pA.Other line, sweep speed and beam energy are attempted, but none provides better contrast.
He ion microscope image shows the larger contrast that forms between the different materials of aiming at cross, because the He ion beam of incident is with respect to the larger difference of electron beam on the secondary electron productive rate of incident.Bi-material in aiming at cross can be easily in the image of Figure 61 A by visual identity.But as observing qualitatively in Figure 61 B, for the incident beam of SEM, bi-material has similar secondary electron productive rate.
9.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Use in the process described in the example 1 by sharpening in FIM at the tip.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured, so that the secondary electron of sample is left in measurement owing to the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident.MCP detector (as described in the example 3) is used to record sample image.The front end of MCP is biased to+100V with respect to public external ground, and the grid of its front is also like this.In this configuration, MCP can collect the secondary electron that sample is left in nearly all interaction owing to sample and incident He ion, except the secondary electron that produces in by the district of positively biased sample.These electronics return sample owing to the positive potential biasing rather than survey by liberation and by MCP from sample fully.
Because the positive charge that reaches from the He ion beam of incident, and the negative electrical charge that leaves (secondary electron), the district of sample is by positive bias.The size of the voltage bias of introducing at sample for given He ion beam current depends on electric capacity and/or the resistance in the district that sample is exposed, with respect to the periphery of sample.These difference cause the collection of the different secondary electron of different sample areas, electric capacity per sample and/or resistance characteristic.The difference that the secondary electron that is detected is collected produces the contrast of the image of the sample that uses He ion microscope record.In this way, the electrical characteristics of sample are determined according to secondary electron image.
In Figure 62, show the secondary electron image of sample.The feature of sample is the lip-deep one group of aluminum steel that is deposited on dielectric substrate.The scanning voltage of maximum 3V is incorporated on the scan deflection device in order to produce the visual field of 30 μ m at sample.The He ion beam current is that 5pA and mean ion energy are 26keV.Ion beam is scanned by grid with the residence time of the every pixel of 100 μ s.
Sample image shows a series of bright, periodic aluminum steels.Space between these bright lines is a series of concealed wires.Middle bright line in the image shows clearly border, and line is dark outside this.Character per sample, bright line has low resistance path for ground, or may have very high electric capacity with respect to ground, and thereby they substantially be not biased because of the effect of He ion beam.
Concealed wire under the impact of He ion beam by positive bias, and thereby the secondary electron that produces here turn back to sample.In order to determine whether this effect owing to electric capacity or the resistance characteristic of concealed wire, concealed wire is observed a period of time under the He ion beam.If this effect is capacitive, then line becomes in the past along with the time that darkness deepens.
For the aluminum steel of centre from the bright existence that can indicate the electricity on the line for example to disconnect to dark transformation.The following bright part of line may be not electrically contact fully with the dark part of top line.Figure 63 shows the image of another sample that uses above-mentioned measurement configuration record.Sample is included in line and the further feature that is formed by copper on the silicon substrate.Minimum feature is the form of a plurality of letters (" DRAIN ").The process that the biasing of positive potential on these features is surveyed along with temporal image and increasing, its evidence are to observe each alphabetical top to show bright and the bottom of each letter shows secretly.Grid scanning in this image is carried out from the top to the bottom.As a result, the lip-deep bias scheme of sample mainly is capacitive.
10.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Use in the process described in the example 1 by sharpening in FIM at the tip.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured, so that the secondary electron of sample is left in measurement owing to the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident.MCP detector (as described in the example 3) is used to record sample image.The front end of MCP is biased to+300V with respect to public external ground, and the grid of its front is also like this.In this configuration, the signal of measurement is almost completely from secondary electron.This to-300V, does not change the MCP gain by biasing MCP front end, and observes the signal of measuring and be reduced to close to zero and be verified.
The peaked scanning voltage of 3V is incorporated on the scan deflection device in order to produce the visual field of 30 μ m at sample.The He ion beam current is that 10pA and mean ion energy are 22keV.Ion beam is scanned by grid with the residence time of the every pixel of 100 μ s.
The sample that comprises 3 different layers is imaged.Uppermost metal level is made of the line of composition, and this line is formed by copper.Lower one deck is made of dielectric material.The layer of bottom is made of the metal level of another not isomorphic graphs that is formed by copper.The image of sample is shown in Figure 64.Image clearly show that uppermost metal layer pattern with brilliant white, is superimposed upon on the grey characteristics of image corresponding to bottom (surface is lower) metal level.Surperficial lower metal layer looks comparatively dim and fuzzy a little in this image.
The signal of measuring is the result of the secondary electron that produces by He ion and the neutral He atom of scattering on the surface of sample.This assessment is by negative bias MCP and screen and notice that almost not having signal to be detected is verified.The secondary electron that leaves sample owing to the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident is created in the image of the layer on surface of metal among Figure 64.The image of subsurface metal level is penetrated into sample and the He ion of the neutralization that becomes produces.Neutral He atom is from the scattering of surperficial lower floor, and its part is back to the surface, and when it broke away from, they produced secondary electron there.This has illustrated the fuzzy and dim image of surperficial lower feature.
11.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Use in the process described in the example 1 by sharpening in FIM at the tip.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured, so that the secondary electron of sample is left in measurement owing to the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident.MCP detector (as described in the example 3) is used to record sample image.The front end of MCP is biased to+300V with respect to public external ground, and is also like this at the grid of its front.In this configuration, the signal of measurement is almost completely from secondary electron.This to-300V, does not change the MCP gain by biasing MCP front end, and observes the signal of measuring and be reduced to close to zero and be verified.
The peaked scanning voltage of 15V is incorporated on the scan deflection device in order to produce the visual field of 150 μ m at sample.The He ion beam current is that 10pA and mean ion energy are 21.5keV.Ion beam is scanned by grid with the residence time of the every pixel of 100 μ s.
The sample that is imaged is made of the tungsten weldment.Tungsten is heated on its fusing point and is cooled subsequently, forms different domains, has the precipitous border of intergranule.Sample by measuring because the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident is left the secondary electron of sample and imaging.
The image of sample is shown in Figure 65.Image shows distinct brighter and darker crystal grain.Be overlapped on this background is the bright characteristics of image that strides across several crystal grain.Bright feature is corresponding to the surface topography pattern that rises and falls, and this has improved the secondary electron that produces owing to pattern effect disclosed herein.The contrast images intensity of various crystal grain is owing to the relative orientation of domain with respect to the He ion beam of incident.When tungsten lattice in the specific crystal grain be oriented so that the He ion beam almost when being parallel to low index crystallographic direction and entering, the probability that is scattered on the surface is low, and so that ion beam penetrates particle dearly.As a result, relatively low at the secondary electron productive rate on the surface of material, and crystal grain is shown as darker in image.Otherwise when tungsten lattice in the concrete crystal grain is oriented so that He ion beam when being incident on the high index crystallization direction, the probability that is scattered on the surface of crystal grain is high.As a result, relatively high at the secondary electron productive rate on the surface of material, and crystal grain looks brighter in image.
12.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Use in the process described in the example 1 by sharpening in FIM at the tip.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured, so that the secondary electron of sample is left in measurement owing to the interaction of the He ion of sample and incident.MCP detector (as described in the example 3) is used to record sample image.The front end of MCP is biased to-100V with respect to public external ground, and is also like this at the grid of its front.In this configuration, because the negative potential that applies biasing, secondary electron does not arrive MCP.The signal of measuring by MCP is from He ion and the neutral He atom of the scattering on the front that is incident in MCP.
The peaked scanning voltage of 15V is incorporated on the scan deflection device in order to produce the visual field of 150 μ m at sample.The He ion beam current is that 10pA and mean ion energy are 21.5keV.Ion beam is scanned by grid with the residence time of the every pixel of 100 μ s.
The sample that is imaged is the tungsten welding sample that also is verified in example 11.As previously mentioned, the tungsten welding comprises specific domain, has the precipitous border of intergranule.
Sample is incident to the abundance of He atom on the MCP and He ion and imaging by detection.Use the image of the sample that this measuring process obtains shown in Figure 68.Image shows bright and dim crystal grain.For specific crystal grain, if the tungsten lattice is oriented so that the He ion beam during along relatively low index crystallographic direction incident, exists He at the low probability of the surface scattering of crystal grain in the crystal grain.As a result, ion beam penetrates crystal grain relatively deeply before scattering occurs.As a result, He ion (or He neutral atom, when the He ion produces when the electronics in the sample is combined) is less may leave sample and surveyed by the MCP detector.In the image that is recorded, the crystal grain with these characteristics is shown as secretly.
Otherwise, if the tungsten lattice is oriented so that during along relative high index crystallization direction incident, there is the high probability in the surperficial He scattering of crystal grain in the He ion beam in the crystal grain.As a result, before scattering ion beam to penetrate the crystal grain average relative shallow.As a result, He ion and/or neutral He atom relatively more may leave sample surfaces and be surveyed by the MCP detector.Therefore in the image shown in Figure 68, the crystal grain that has the high index crystal orientation with respect to incident He ion beam is showed more bright.
With reference at the image shown in Figure 65, the pattern information in the image of Figure 68 reduces significantly, because image is recorded according to He particle rather than the secondary electron of scattering.Particularly, the image of a series of bright line majorities from Figure 68 that appears on the image among Figure 65 is removed.The disappearance of pattern information so that the image among Figure 68 relatively more easily explain, especially the measured intensity in Figure 68 is used to quantitatively determine the situation of the crystallization property (for example relative orientation) of the domain in the sample.
13.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Use in the process described in the example 1 by sharpening in FIM at the tip.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured, in order to measure He ion and neutral He atom from sample scattering in response to the He ion of incident.The MCP-of detector-dwindle is installed on the axle of motor.Copper strips is used to cover the front of MCP so that the He ion of restricted passage MCP and/or the measurement of neutral atom.Small sircle hole in the copper strips allows the He ion of scattering and/or neutral atom to arrive MCP, in the time of only within particle drops on narrow angular range.In this example, the measurement of He ion and/or neutral atom is constrained to correspond to the angular range of 0.01 surface of sphere.The front of copper strips and MCP is biased to-100V with respect to public external ground, so that secondary electron does not enter the MCP detector.
Detector is located in apart from the distance of sample 30mm.Motor allows the MCP detector with respect to rotary sample.In order to leave He ion and/or the neutral atom of sample in the range detection of different angles.Typically, for example, electrode allows the about 180 ° rotation of MCP.
Sample is the copper ball that diameter is approximately 1mm.Motor is with respect to Sample location, so that sample is along the axle location of electrode axis.The copper ball sample is when being exposed to the He ion beam, because the shape of sample surfaces provides scattering He ion and neutral atom with wide angular range.Namely by the He ion-beam scanning of incident being crossed the surface of sample, can realize various incidence angle (for example, the angle between He ion beam and the sample surfaces normal).For example at the center of copper ball, the incidence angle of He ion beam is 0 °.At the edge of ball (from the view of He ion beam), incidence angle approximately is 90 °.Centre position between the center and peripheral of copper ball, from simple trigonometry, incidence angle is about 30 °.
Sample is positioned under the He ion beam, and detector is positioned with respect to sample, as mentioned above.The He ion beam current is 15pA, and the mean ion energy in the He ion beam is 25keV.The maximum voltage of 100V is applied to the scan deflection device in order to produce the visual field of 1mm at sample surfaces.Distance (for example, operating distance) from the second lens of microscopic system to sample is 75mm.This provides and has allowed the MCP detector with respect to enough open spaces of rotary sample.
Measurement is undertaken by the position that the angle when 180 ° of scopes of the inswept hemisphere arc with respect to sample of detector records copper ball.The He ion beam is divided into both sides with the surface of sample effectively, and because the nonreentrant surface of copper ball, the He ion of scattering and neutral He particle only can be detected from the side that detector is positioned.As a result, in Figure 69 A, the intensity distributions of the image of sample appears as crescent, has corresponding to the clear zone on the left side of the position of detector.The right side of sample is relatively dark, owing to leaving He ion and the neutral He particle of scattering on the surface of sample in this direction, so that they are not detected device is measured.
Recorded the continuous image of sample by the angle that between each image, increases detector.Altogether obtain the image of 20 samples, stride across the sweep limits of detector.Some image does not provide Useful Information, because detector is located so that it blocks the He ion beam of incident, prevents that the He ion incidence is on the surface of sample.Correspond respectively to being positioned almost directly above the sample and the image of the sample of the record of the detector on the right side at sample at the image shown in Figure 69 B and the 69C.In Figure 69 C, crescent intensity distributions is observed similar in appearance to viewed distributing line in Figure 69 A.
According to the qualitative detection of the image that records, obviously the pattern information of sample can be used in the image definite (for example, Figure 69 A and 69C) of the detector measurement of off-axis position.Measure the information that obtains from these and can measure combination with the secondary electron of sample, for example, so that determining whether in secondary electron image viewed image comparison is because the surface topography of sample, or because another contrast mechanism, for example sample is charged or material composition.Employing can according to the image that is recorded, be distinguished lip-deep protuberance and the depression of sample at the detector of known location.Little detector acceptance angle and the quantitative surface undulation information that can also be used for determining sample for the known location of the detector of the image of each record are (for example, highly), the shade length by surface characteristics in the measurement image and utilize incident He ion beam with respect to the known angle of surface characteristics.
The image of sample has also disclosed, and according to the orientation of detector with respect to sample, bright edge effect is showed at some edge of sample, and other limit shows dim edge effect and (sees Figure 69 A, for example).The design of the detector that this information is used to configure is in order to reduce the measurement of pattern information from sample.The probe designs balance search angle in order to provide near uniform edge effect.As a result, for example the image shows of the sample of copper ball goes out uniform brightness, and the variation of intensity is from the differences in materials in the sample.
How be scanned along with detector and change from the analyzed so that intensity in the selecteed zone of definite sample surfaces of the view data of sample record.The variation of intensity distributes owing to the angle of the He ion that leaves sample surfaces and He neutral atom, and this analysis information of providing the angle to distribute, and these information are called as the emission lobe sometimes.
Figure 70 A illustrates the image with the sample of the employing incident He ion beam that records near the detector on the axle, and namely detector is with He ion and the neutral He atom of about 0 ° angular surveying scattering.By the district of the indicated sample surfaces of rectangle frame, be isolated into a series of image and be subject to further analysis.In the figure shown in Figure 70 B, thick horizontal line schematically shows the surface of sample, and thin vertical line represents the He ion beam of incident.Point represents the He ion and the average measurement intensity of neutral He atom at different detector positions of scattering.Point is plotted in the polar coordinates, and polar initial point is the incidence point of He ion beam on the surface of sample here.The position, angle of set point is corresponding to the position, angle of detector, and the representative of the radial distance from initial point to each point is in the average measurement intensity of specific angle detector position.Analyze each corresponding to the independent image of the sample of different detector positions, in order to be provided at the angle intensity shown in Figure 70 B.Each point is corresponding to the image at different detector position records.
The polar coordinate array of point has formed emission lobe figure.Figure is being annular (being detected except ion beam several points that lose that device blocks) in shape substantially, and corresponding to the cosine distribution around initial point.
In Figure 71 A, the image of sample uses the rectangle frame of not same district of the sample surfaces of Multi-example graphical analysis to illustrate with indication, in order to determine from the He ion of the scattering of sample and the angle intensity distributions of neutral atom.In this situation, scattering or angle of reflection are with respect to incident He ion beam about 40 °.
At the polar diagram of the angle emissive porwer shown in Figure 71 B to construct in conjunction with the described mode of above-mentioned Figure 70 B.Shape indication scattering/emission at the lobe of this angle preferentially is directed to the He ion beam that leaves incident.
This is analyzed in the various district of sample surfaces and repeats (corresponding to various angle), in order to build the relative complete image as the distribution of the He ion of the scattering of the function of the angle of copper ball sample and neutral He atom.
14.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Use in the process described in the example 1 by sharpening in FIM at the tip.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured, in order to measure He ion and neutral He atom from sample scattering in response to the He ion of incident.MCP detector (as described in the example 3) is used to record sample image.The front end of MCP is biased to-300V with respect to public external ground, and is also like this at the grid of its front.In this configuration, because the negative potential that applies biasing secondary electron does not arrive MCP.The signal of being measured by MCP is from He ion and the neutral He atom of the scattering on the front that is incident in MCP.From the angle of sample, in the He ion and the solid angle of He atom from about 1.8 surface of spheres that MCP surveys.Solid angle is with respect to the incident beam azimuthal symmetry, as shown in Figure 66.
From example 13, bright and the dark limb effect of observing for copper ball provides the information about design and the configuration of detector, when detector is used for He ion by measuring scattering and/or neutral atom and forms decent product, the amount of the pattern information that in the signal of measuring, has reduced, and reflected more accurately the difference of the local surfaces pattern of the difference of material composition rather than sample.For at the MCP detector shown in Figure 66, the reducing and can be observed of the pattern information in the image that forms according to the measurement of the He ion of scattering and neutral He atom is if MCP is located in apart from the operating distance of the about 25mm of sample.
The sample that comprises different materials can be imaged subsequently and material is visually distinguished reliably mutually.Comprise that the sample of 4 kinds of different materials-Ni-based layer, carbon coating, copper grid and gold thread-use He ion microscope are imaged.The He ion beam current is that 1.1pA and average He ion energy are 18keV.The maximum voltage of 4V is applied in the scan deflection device so that the visual field of the 40 μ m that realize at sample surfaces.Total image detection time is 90 seconds.
The image of gained is shown in Figure 72.For 4 kinds of different materials in the sample each, observe different intensity.This is the consequence of following truth, and the scattering probability that namely is incident on the He ion on the certain material depends on the atomic number of material.In Figure 72, even the material with similar atomic number also can be distinguished.For example, copper (atomic number 29) can visually be distinguished with nickel (atomic number 28).
Figure 73 shows the image of the sample that is included in the copper layer below the silicon wafer, has the oxide skin(coating) of cover wafers.Image uses and to configure to such an extent that survey the He ion microscope system of the He ion of scattering and neutral He atom and measured, as not long ago in this embodiment as described in.Sample comprises by guiding laser to be incident in the surface texture featur that is produced on the sample surfaces.Laser causes the explosivity eruption of following copper layer.The vision-based detection of image has disclosed the image comparison (for example, image intensity changes) of the different materials that exists in the next comfortable sample.From for example image of the image among Figure 73, can determine the distribution of different materials in the sample.
15.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Use in the process described in the example 1 by sharpening in FIM at the tip.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured, in order to measure in response to the He ion beam of incident from the photon of sample emission.The image of sample is constructed from the signal that produces by photomultiplier (model R6095, Hamamatsu PhotonicsK.K., Toyooka, Japan).Photomultiplier has the forward window of (end-on) of end, relatively high quantum efficiency, and from the wide spectral response of 200nm to 700nm.Pipe adopts the signal gain operation can increase to 1200V, or to output signal arriving signal chain white-noise level and insatiety and situation.Photomultiplier is located in apart from the distance of sample 15mm and in the face of sample is oriented, in this configuration, and the solid angle of about 2 surface of spheres of pipe subtend.
The sample of sodium chloride (NaCl) uses photomultiplier tube detectors to be imaged.For these measurements, the He ion beam current is that 10pA and average He ion energy are 25keV.Sample is scanned by grid with the residence time of the every pixel of 500 μ s.The maximum voltage of 150V is applied in the scan deflection device in order to produce the visual field of the 1.35mm of sample surfaces.
The image of sample is shown in Figure 74.Image comparison (for example, the variation in the image intensity) is obvious in different NaCl crystal.Photon can be produced by two different mechanism in sample.At first, photon can be produced by the process similar in appearance to viewed cathodoluminescence in the SEM image.In this mechanism, the atom of sample is energized to higher energy state.Photon is launched in follow-up de-energisation process.When the He ion from incident beam was back to the low layer energy state, photon was launched.
Be exposed to the He ion beam and comprise plastics, scintillator and organic material from other sample that the photon of its emission is detected.
16.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Use in the process described in the example 1 by sharpening in FIM at the tip.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Most advanced and sophisticated with respect to extractor with+19kV is biased, and He gas is with 2 * 10 -5The pressure of Torr is introduced near the tip.The Faraday cup is placed on outside the second lens, and first lens and aligning deflector are used to focused beam, pass aperture (diameter 600 μ m so that basically derive from all He ions of one of most advanced and sophisticated trimer atom, be positioned apart from most advanced and sophisticated 370mm), and the basic all He ions that derive from two other most advanced and sophisticated trimer atom are by aperture blocking.After passing the aperture, the He ion beam is focused into the Faraday cup by first lens.In this configuration, astigmatism corrector, scan deflection device and the second lens are closed.
The total He ion current that derives from most advanced and sophisticated atom uses picoammeter (model 487, Keithley Instruments, Cleveland, OH) to be measured as 300pA in conjunction with the Faraday cup.The Faraday cup is the cylindrical metal cup, have about 6 to 1 dark-the diameter ratio.
After this, first lens is closed.Each the He ion that produces at the tip continues to disperse from the tip with the straight line travelling.The aperture intercepts most of He ion beams and allows its only further downward remaining ion column that passes through of a small amount of central part.Pass the part of the He ion beam in aperture and measure with the Faraday cup, produce the He ion current of the measurement of the 5pA that passes the aperture.Be calculated as the He ion beam current (5pA) that passes the aperture behind the angle intensity of He ion beam divided by the solid angle in the aperture with regard to the angle at tip.The semi-cone angle that is formed by summit and the aperture at tip is calculated as tan -1(0.300/370)=0.046 °=8.1 * 10 -4Radian.Corresponding solid angle is calculated as 2.1 * 10 -6Surface of sphere (sr).According to solid angle, the angle intensity of He ion beam is confirmed as 2.42 μ A/sr.
The ionogenic brightness of He is determined from angle intensity and the virtual source size of He ion beam.The virtual source size is estimated by the FIM image of checking the tip of recording during the sharpening at tip.From this image, obviously the independent ionization dish corresponding to most advanced and sophisticated trimer atom is nonoverlapping.In addition, from the known trimer atom of the crystallization of tungsten about 5 dusts that are spaced.Therefore, actual ionization dish is estimated to have the diameter of about 3 dusts.
The virtual source size is usually less than the ionization district of reality.The virtual source size is determined with the previous common process of discussing: in case ion (for example, near the district tip and the extractor) outside ionogenic electric field region, by the asymptote track of 100 He ions of backprojection.The backprojection track moves more close to each otherly, until it passes wherein their mutually districts in immediate space spatially, and subsequently, they are dispersed again.The circular diameter in the immediate space of backprojection is defined as the virtual source size.
As the coboundary, we use the value of 3 dusts as the diameter of virtual source.Be configured to allow only to originate from the situation that the part of the He ion beam of single most advanced and sophisticated atom is passed the aperture at microscope, the virtual source size can be significantly less.Brightness is calculated as angle intensity divided by the area A of virtual source size, A=π (D/2) 2Ionogenic brightness is 3.4 * 10 9A/cm2sr.
The brightness that reduces is calculated as brightness divided by the voltage that is used for extracting bundle (for example, being applied to most advanced and sophisticated voltage bias).Most advanced and sophisticated voltage for extractor is 19kV, and this brightness that reduces is 1.8 * 10 9A/m 2SrV.
Etendue is the measurement of the product of the virtual source size of He ion beam and its angular divergence (as solid angle).Use above-mentioned definite brightness, etendue is confirmed as 1.5 * 10 -21Cm 2Sr.
The etendue that reduces is that etendue multiply by the He ion beam voltage.The etendue that reduces, the etendue according to above-mentioned calculating is confirmed as (the most advanced and sophisticated bias voltage of use+19kV) 2.8 * 10 -17Cm 2SrV.
17.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Use in the process described in the example 1 by sharpening in FIM at the tip.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured, in order to use ET detector measurement secondary electron.Detector is located in the distance of vertical range sample (being parallel to the He ion beam) 10mm, is placed on laterally from sample 25mm, and to sample inclination.The ET screen is biased with respect to the current potential of public external ground with+300V.
The He ion beam current is 1pA, and intrafascicular mean ion energy is 22keV.The He ion beam with the residence time of the every pixel of 100 μ s by the surface of the scanned sample of grid.The maximum voltage of 100mV is applied in the scan deflection device in order to produce the visual field of 1000nm at sample surfaces.
Sample comprises the lip-deep Jin Dao that is formed at the carbon substrate, and obtains from Structure Probe Inc. (West Chester, PA).Use the image of the sample of above-mentioned measurement configuration record in Figure 75, to be illustrated.The district that is overlapped in the indicated sample image of rectangle on the image among Figure 75 is selected, so that the quality that the edge that check is observed with the He ion microscope contrasts.District by the rectangle indication comprises subvertical Phnom Penh.Described district comprises 20 row, and each row has 57 pixels.The expander graphs in selecteed district is shown in Figure 76.
Each row of selecteed image area is analyzed individually by following.At first, for noise decrease, each row uses MathCAD ksmoot function (PTC Inc., Needham, MA) with the Gaussian nuclear of the bandwidth of 3 pixels) and smoothed.Figure 77 shows curve chart, drawn on it certain line (line #14) before level and smooth (point) and smoothly after the intensity level of pixel of (curve).Vertical axis is corresponding to image intensity, scope from 0 (deceiving) to 255 (in vain).Trunnion axis is corresponding to pixel number, and scope is from 0 (left side) to 57 (the right).
For the scanning of each intensity line in the selecteed district of image, the minimum value of the first derivative of the bright center to dark transformation of left-to-right by finding intensity line scanning is determined.For having the dark limit to bright transformation of left-to-right, the center of transformation is found by the peaked position of the first derivative of definite intensity scan line.
Each line is trimmed subsequently in order to comprise just in time 21 pixels.Revise operation so that 10 pixels before the transition point, this transition point and 10 pixels behind this transition point are retained in each line.The intensity level of 5 pixels that begin in the line that respectively is trimmed is identified as 100% value by average and mean value together.The intensity level of 5 last pixels is identified as 0% value by average and mean value together in the line that respectively is trimmed.Readjusted according to 100% and 0% value subsequently from the smoothed data of each line sweep.The data that readjust from Figure 77 are illustrated in Figure 78.
With reference to Figure 78,75% and 25% value is determined with reference to 0% and 100% value.The spot size of He ion beam is confirmed as between 25% and 75% value separation along trunnion axis subsequently.According to the data in Figure 78, spot size is confirmed as 3.0 pixels.Pixel Dimensions uses known visual field in measuring configuration and the pixel count in the image to be converted into nanometer.For this measurement, the visual field is 641nm, and strides across 656 pixels of visual field existence.The spot size of He ion beam thereby be confirmed as 2.93nm.This each line for 20 lines in the district of the selection of image is repeated, and described result by average in order to produce the average He ion beam spot spot size of 2.44nm.
18.
Most advanced and sophisticated according to as be produced in the process described in the example 1, and the characterization of most advanced and sophisticated geometry performance is as carrying out described in the example 1.The tip is accepted use according to the standard in the example 1.
Use in the process described in the example 1 by sharpening in FIM at the tip.The tip is mounted subsequently and is configured in the He ion microscope.Microscopic system is as being configured described in example 1, and the change of configuration is as described below.
Microscopic system is configured, in order to measure He ion and the neutral He atom that leaves the scattering of sample surfaces in response to the He ion of incident.As being located in apart from the distance of sample 10mm at the MCP detector described in the example 3.Be applied in MCP grid and front with respect to the externally current potential biasing of 0V.
The He ion beam current is that 1pA and average He ion beam energy are 26keV.The He ion beam with the residence time of the every pixel of 100 μ s by the surface of the scanned sample of grid.1.30V maximum potential be applied in the scan deflection device in order to produce the visual field of 13 μ m at sample surfaces.
Sample comprises the silicon wafer substrate with the surface characteristics that is formed by polysilicon, and it is recognized as Metrocal and obtains from Metroboost (Santa Clara, CA).Sample be oriented so that the He ion beam with respect to the vertical angle of sample surfaces by incident.Sample is biased to+19.4kV with respect to public external ground, so that the intrafascicular He ion of incident ion arrives sample with the landing energy of 6.6keV.Large electric field between sample and the MCP detector avoids secondary electron to arrive detector.Basically all secondary electrons that leave sample turn back to sample surfaces under the impact of this electric field.As a result, He ion and the neutral atom of the scattering of MCP detector measurement.Be detected the neutral He atom that device measures and have the ceiling capacity of 6.6keV, and be detected He ion that device measures is accelerated to 26keV when it arrives MCP ceiling capacity.
Figure 79 shows the image of the sample that uses above-mentioned measurement configuration record.Various features on the sample surfaces have the intensity of measuring relatively uniformly, and different from the intensity of substrate.The vision-based detection at the edge of surface characteristics has disclosed and has not had obvious bright border effect (for example, edge blurry), and this bright border effect can cause signal chains saturated and can be so that the exact position at edge is difficult to be found.In addition, the visual evidence that does not have artefact charged on the sample surfaces; If such artefact exists, can show as the voltage-contrast in the image.
The horizon scan line of one of surface characteristics by sample is illustrated in Figure 80.The trunnion axis of line sweep illustrates pixel number, and the measured image of vertical axis indication specific pixel.For purpose relatively, identical sample is imaged among the Schottky field emission SEM (AMRAY model 1860), has the beam energy of 3keV and the line of 30pA, with the enlargement ratio (corresponding to the visual field of about 13um) of 30,000X.The image of gained is shown in Figure 81, and the horizon scan line that passes through same characteristic features that scans in Figure 80 is shown in Figure 82.
Line sweep among Figure 82 shows significant bright border effect, and the signal chains on the limit of the surface characteristics that is imaged is near saturated.In the body of surface characteristics, the SEM line sweep does not illustrate the relatively uniformly strength level of stable state.But, the strength level in the body of feature everywhere or increase or reduce, except the little district of eigencenter.At last, the asymmetry of SEM line sweep has indicated the charged SEM of appearing at that depends on the time of surface characteristics between the light period.By comparison, show the side effect that is reduced significantly by the He ion of detection scattering and the line sweep image of the feature that neutral atom records, and do not have obvious charged artefact.
Also can carry out the repeatedly measurement of the lip-deep special characteristic of sample.If carry out the repeatedly measurement of feature, may obtain the statistics about the size of measured feature.For example, the average and standard deviation of the position of the first side of the standard deviation of average characteristics width, characteristic width and/or feature and/or Second Edge can be measured.The Fourier method also can be used for analyzing the position on the limit of one or more features, in order to determine the frequency spectrum corresponding to the space wavelength of edge shape.
19. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is configured to expose 100 μ m on the surface of sample 2FOV is in the He ion beam, and this He ion beam has the 1pA line, the mean ion energy of 20keV, and FOV 0.1% sample surfaces on the bundle spot size.
For from sample in measurement crystallization information, the He ion beam in discrete step by the FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid.Two dimension detectors are used to absorb the He ion that comes from the scattering of sample surfaces in each step.Each two dimensional image is corresponding to Kikuchi (Kikuchi) pattern of ad-hoc location on the surface of sample.According to the Kikuchi pattern, sample can be determined in crystal structure, spacing of lattice and the crystal orientation of this position.Measure the Kikuchi pattern by run through FOV in discrete step, obtained the complete figure of sample surfaces crystal structure.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, detector is configured to measure the overall strength of the secondary electron that produces from sample in response to incident He ion beam.By the FOV district of the scanned whole sample surfaces of grid, and the overall strength of secondary electron is measured as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces to the He ion beam in discrete step.Measured crystallization information is used to remove the contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter that the variation of the crystal structure in the sample causes subsequently.The secondary electron total intensity value that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the intensity of the correction of the secondary electron of the position that the He ion beam is corresponding on sample.The pattern information exchange is crossed described image and is provided, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.
20. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
For from sample in measurement crystallization information, the He ion beam in discrete step by the FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid.Detector is used to measure the abundance as the He ion of the scattering of the function of the position of the He ion beam on the sample surfaces.Measured total Abundances is used to construct the gray level image of sample, wherein is determined by the abundance of the overall measurement of the He ion of He ion beam location corresponding on sample the grey level of specific image pixel.The crystal grain of the different orientation of sample surfaces has the productive rate of the He ion of different scatterings, and this image is shown as different grey levels with the crystal grain of different orientation.Use the information in the image, crystal grain and grain boundary can be identified at sample surfaces.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, measured described in total secondary electron intensity such as the example 19.Measured crystallization information is used to remove the caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter of changes in crystal structure in the sample subsequently.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the intensity that He ion beam location secondary electron corresponding on sample is corrected here.The pattern information exchange is crossed described image and is provided, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.
21. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
For from sample in measurement crystallization information, the He ion beam in discrete step by the FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid.Detector is used to measure the abundance as the He ion of the scattering of the function of the position of the He ion beam on the sample surfaces.Total Abundances of measuring is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the abundance of the overall measurement of the He ion of He ion beam location corresponding on sample.The crystal grain of the different orientation of sample surfaces has the productive rate of the He ion of different scatterings, and this image is shown as different grey levels with the crystal grain of different orientation.Use the information in the image, crystal grain and grain boundary can be identified at sample surfaces.In case the grain boundary on the sample surfaces is identified, then the He ion beam is scanned from a crystal grain to another crystal grain on sample surfaces.In each position of He ion beam, two-dimensional detector is used to absorb the image of the He ion of the scattering that comes from sample surfaces.Each two dimensional image is corresponding to the Kikuchi pattern of the specific die of sample surfaces.According to the Kikuchi pattern, the crystal structure of crystal grain, spacing of lattice and crystalline orientation can be determined.Measure single Kikuchi pattern of each crystal grain rather than each pixel by running through FOV, in the shorter time, obtain the complete figure of sample surfaces crystal structure.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, measured described in total secondary electron intensity such as the example 19.Measured crystallization information is used to remove the caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter of changes in crystal structure in the sample subsequently.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the intensity that He ion beam location secondary electron corresponding on sample is corrected.The pattern information exchange is crossed described image and is provided, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.
22. from the pattern of sample surfaces and the measurement of crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
As measured in the crystallization information from sample described in the example 19.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, detector is configured to measure in response to the He ion beam of incident the overall strength of the secondary electron that produces from sample.Sample is tilted with respect to the He ion beam, so that the He ion beam is incident to the surface of sample with non-perpendicular angle.By the whole FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid, and the overall strength of secondary electron is measured as the function of He ion beam location on the sample surfaces to the He ion beam in discrete step.Measured crystallization information is used to remove the caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter of the variation of crystal structure in the sample subsequently.The total intensity value that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the overall strength of the secondary electron that is corrected of He ion beam location corresponding on the sample.The pattern information exchange is crossed described image and is provided, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.If can disclose that the He ion beam only is incident on the sample surfaces with vertical angle then the pattern information that keeps hiding with respect to He ion beam inclination sample.
Optionally, sample inclination can be adjusted subsequently so that the He ion beam is incident to sample surfaces with different non-perpendicular angles, and the He ion beam in discrete step by the whole FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid.The overall strength of secondary electron is measured as the function of He ion beam location on the sample surfaces, and measured crystallization information is used to remove the caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter of the variation of crystal structure in the sample subsequently.The total intensity value that is corrected is used to construct the second gray level image corresponding to the sample of the second non-normal incidence angle of He ion beam, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the overall strength of the secondary electron that is corrected of He ion beam location corresponding on the sample.Can be subsequently combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces from the information of two images measuring at the incident angle of two different He ion beams.
23. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described in the example 20 of the crystallization information of sample.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, from the overall strength of the secondary electron of sample as measured described in the example 22.Measured crystallization information be used for to remove incidence angle at each ion beam, by the caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter of variation of the crystal structure of sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 22.Can be subsequently combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces from two image informations measuring in the incidence angle of different He ion beams.
24. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described in the example 21 of the crystallization information of sample.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, from the overall strength of the secondary electron of sample as measured described in the example 22.Measured crystallization information be used for to remove incidence angle at each ion beam, by the caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter of variation of the crystal structure of sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 22.Can be subsequently combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces from two image informations measuring in the incidence angle of different He ion beams.
25. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described in the example 19 of the crystallization information of sample.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, 2 or more detector, each, is configured with different angular orientation and location with respect to sample, in order to measure in response to the He ion beam of incident the overall strength of the secondary electron that produces from sample.By the whole FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid, and the overall strength of secondary electron is as the function of He ion beam location on the sample surfaces and by each detector measurement in discrete step for the He ion beam.Measured crystallization information is used to remove the contribution of the caused secondary electron ionization meter for each detector of the variation of crystal structure in the sample subsequently.The total intensity value that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of series of samples, each image is corresponding to one of detector, and wherein the grey level of the specific image pixel in the specific image is determined by the overall strength of the secondary electron that is corrected of He ion beam location corresponding on the sample.From can be subsequently by the information of the measured image of a plurality of detectors combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
26. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described at example 20 of the crystallization information of sample.In order to measure the pattern information from sample, from the overall strength of the secondary electron of sample as measured described in the example 25.Measured crystallization information is used to remove the contribution of the caused secondary electron ionization meter for each detector of the variation of crystal structure in the sample subsequently.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 25.From can be subsequently by the information of the measured image of a plurality of detectors combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
27. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described at example 21 of the crystallization information of sample.
In order to measure the pattern information from sample, from the overall strength of the secondary electron of sample as measured described in the example 25.Measured crystallization information is used to remove the contribution of the caused secondary electron ionization meter for each detector of the variation of crystal structure in the sample subsequently.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 25.From can be subsequently by the information of the measured image of a plurality of detectors combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
28. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described at example 19 of the crystallization information of sample.
In order to measure the pattern information from sample, the detector that is configured to measure the He ion is positioned in order to survey with the He ion of large angle of scattering from the sample surfaces scattering.By the whole FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid, and total abundance of He ion is measured as the function of He ion beam location on the sample surfaces by detector in discrete step for the He ion beam.Total Abundances is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by total measured abundance of the He ion of the scattering of He ion beam location corresponding on the sample.Pattern information is provided by described image, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.
29. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described in the example 20 of the crystallization information of sample.
Measured from described in the pattern information of sample such as the example 28.
30. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described in the example 31 of the crystallization information of sample.
Measured from described in the pattern information of sample such as the example 28.
31. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described in the example 19 of the crystallization information of sample.
In order to measure the pattern information from sample, two or the more detector that are configured to measure the He ion are positioned, in order to survey with the He ion of large angle of scattering from the sample surfaces scattering.By the whole FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid, and total abundance of He ion is measured as the function of He ion beam location on the sample surfaces by detector in discrete step for the He ion beam.Total Abundances is used to construct the gray level image corresponding to the sample of each detector, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the abundance of total measurement of the He ion of the scattering of He ion beam location corresponding on the sample.From can be subsequently by the information of the measured image of a plurality of detectors combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
32. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described in the example 20 of the crystallization information of sample.
Measured from described in the pattern information of sample such as the example 31.
33. from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
From measured as described in the example 21 of the crystallization information of sample.
Measured from described in the pattern information of sample such as the example 31.
34. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
For from the sample in measurement material information, the detector that is configured to measure the He ion is positioned, in order to survey the He ion that is reversed scattering from sample.By the whole FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid, and the total abundance that is reversed the He ion of scattering is measured as the function of He ion beam location on the sample surfaces to the He ion beam in discrete step.The measurement of total abundance that is reversed the He ion of scattering is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the abundance of the overall measurement of the He ion that is reversed scattering of He ion beam location corresponding on the sample.Because the scattering section of He ion depend on roughly the scattering atom atomic number square, so the intensity in the image can be used for determining quantitatively the composition of sample.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, as described in the example 19, the overall strength of secondary electron is as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces and measured.The composition that measured material information is used to remove in the sample subsequently changes caused contribution for total secondary electron intensity.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the total intensity value that is corrected.The pattern information exchange is crossed described image and is provided, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.
35. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 34.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, as described in the example 22, measured from the overall strength of the secondary electron of sample.Measured material information is used to remove in each ion beam incidence angle, changes caused contribution for secondary electron intensity by the composition in the sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 22.Can be subsequently combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces from the information of two images measuring in the incidence angle of different He ion beams.
36. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 34.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, as described in the example 25, measured from the overall strength of the secondary electron of sample.Measured material information is used to remove in each ion beam incidence angle, changes caused contribution for secondary electron intensity by the composition in the sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 25.From can be subsequently by the information of the image of a plurality of detector measurements combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
37. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 34.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 28.
38. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 34.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 31.
39. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
For from the sample in measurement material information, be configured to measure the energy of He ion and angle and resolve detector and be positioned, in order to survey He from sample.By the whole FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid, and the He ion energy of scattering and angle are measured as the function of He ion beam location on the sample surfaces to the He ion beam in discrete step.From average angle and the energy of the He ion of scattering, can determine the quality of scattering atom, and can determine the composition of sample.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, as described in the example 19, the overall strength of secondary electron is as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces and measured.The composition that measured material information is used to remove in the sample subsequently changes caused contribution for total secondary electron intensity.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the total intensity value that is corrected.The pattern information exchange is crossed described image and is provided, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.
40. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 39.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, as described in the example 22, the overall strength of secondary electron is as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces and measured.Measured material information is used to remove in each ion beam incidence angle, changes caused contribution for secondary electron intensity by the composition in the sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in Figure 22.The information of two images measuring from the incidence angle of different He ion beams is can be subsequently combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
41. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 39.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, as described in the example 25, measured from the overall strength of the secondary electron of sample.Measured material information is used to remove in each ion beam incidence angle, changes caused contribution for secondary electron intensity by the composition in the sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in Figure 25.From can be subsequently by the information of the measured image of a plurality of detectors combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
42. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 39.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 28.
43. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 39.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 31.
44. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
In order to measure material information, the x ray detector can be used to the He ion beam of probe response incident from the x ray of sample emission.By the whole FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid, and x ray emission spectrum is as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces and measured in discrete step for the He ion beam.Some line of departure in the X-ray spectrum is distinctive for the atom of some type, and thereby according to measured x alpha spectrum, the composition on each step sample surfaces is determined.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, as described in the example 19, the overall strength of secondary electron is as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces and measured.Measured material information is used to subsequently remove by composition in the sample and changes caused contribution for total secondary electron ionization meter.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the total intensity value that is corrected.Pattern information is provided by described image, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.
45. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 44.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, measured from total secondary electron intensity of sample, as described in the example 22.Measured material information is used to remove in each ion beam incidence angle, changes caused contribution for secondary electron intensity by the composition in the sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 22.The information of two images measuring from different He ion beam incidence angle is can be subsequently combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
46. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as shown in the example 44.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, measured from total secondary electron intensity of sample, as described in the example 25.Measured material information is used to remove at each detector, changes caused contribution for secondary electron intensity by the composition in the sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 25.Can be subsequently combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces from the information of the image of a plurality of detector measurements.
47. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as shown in the example 44.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as shown in the example 28.
48. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as shown in the example 44.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as shown in the example 31.
49. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
In order to measure material information, photon detector can be used to the photon that probe response is sent from sample in the He of incident ion beam.By the whole FOV district of the scanned sample surfaces of grid, and photon emission spectrum is as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces and measured in discrete step for the He ion beam.Some line of departure in the frequency spectrum is distinctive for the atom of some type, and therefore according to measured frequency spectrum, the composition on each step sample surfaces is determined.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, as described in the example 19, the overall strength of secondary electron is as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces and measured.Measured material information is used to subsequently remove by composition in the sample and changes caused contribution for total secondary electron ionization meter.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the total intensity value that is corrected.Pattern information is provided by described image, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.
50. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 49.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, from total secondary electron intensity of sample as measured described in the example 22.Composition changed caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter during measured material information was used to remove in each ion beam incidence angle, by sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 22.The information of two images measuring from different He ion beam incidence angle is can be subsequently combined and be used to quantitatively determine the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
51. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 49.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, from total secondary electron intensity of sample as measured described in the example 25.Composition changed caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter during measured material information was used to remove at each detector, by sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 25.Can be subsequently combined and be used to quantitatively determine the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces from the information of the image of a plurality of detector measurements.
52. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 49.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 28.
53. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 49.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 31.
54. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
In order to measure material information, the auger electrons detector can be used to the auger electrons that the He ion beam of probe response incident sends from sample.The He ion beam was scanned the whole FOV district of sample surfaces in discrete step, and the auger electrons emission spectra is measured as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces.Some line of departure in the frequency spectrum is distinctive for the atom of some type, and thereby according to measured frequency spectrum, the composition on each step sample surfaces is determined.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, the overall strength of secondary electron is measured as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces, as described in the example 19.Measured material information is used to remove by the caused contribution for total secondary electron ionization meter of the variation of composition in the sample subsequently.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific image pixel is determined by the total intensity value of revising.The pattern information exchange is crossed described image and is provided, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.
55. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 54.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, can be measured from the overall strength of the secondary electron of sample, as described in the example 22.The caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter of ingredient change during measured material information is used to remove in each ion beam incidence angle, by sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 22.The information of two images measuring from different He ion beam incidence angle is can be subsequently combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
56. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 54.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, can be measured from the overall strength of the secondary electron of sample, as described in the example 25.The caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter of ingredient change during measured material information is used to remove at each detector, by sample.The total secondary electron intensity level that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 25.Can be subsequently combined and be used for quantitatively determining the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces from the information of the image of a plurality of detector measurements.
57. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 54.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 28.
58. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 54.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 31.
59. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
In order to measure material information, the TOF detector can be used to probe response in the He of incident ion beam and from secondary ion and/or the atom of sample emission.The He ion beam in discrete step by the FOV district of the scanned whole sample surfaces of grid, and measured as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces from the flight time of the secondary ion of sample 180 and/or atom.According to the measured flight time of measured ions/atoms, and the known voltage of accelerating electrode in the TOF instrument, the identity of particle can be calculated and can be determined to the quality of the particle that is detected.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, the overall strength of secondary electron is measured as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces, as described in the example 19.Measured material information is used to remove the caused contribution for total secondary electron ionization meter of the variation by composition in the sample in the sample subsequently.The secondary electron total intensity value that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, and wherein the grey level of specific pixel is determined by the total intensity value that is corrected.The pattern information exchange is crossed described image and is provided, and described image shows the surface undulation pattern of sample among the FOV.
60. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 59.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, the overall strength of secondary electron is measured as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces, as described in the example 22.Measured material information be used to subsequently remove in the sample in the incidence angle of each ion beam, by sample in the caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter of variation of composition.The secondary electron total intensity value that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 22.The information of two images measuring from different He ion beam incidence angle is can be subsequently combined and be used to quantitatively determine the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces.
61. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 59.
For from sample in measurement pattern information, the overall strength of secondary electron is measured as the function of the position of He ion beam on the sample surfaces, as described in the example 25.Measured material information be used to subsequently remove in the sample at each detector, by sample in the caused contribution for the secondary electron ionization meter of variation of composition.The secondary electron total intensity value that is corrected is used to construct the gray level image of sample, as described in the example 25.Can be subsequently combined and be used to quantitatively determine the three-dimensional appearance information of sample surfaces from the information of the image of a plurality of detector measurements.
62. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 59.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 28.
63. from sample in measurement pattern and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 59.
Pattern information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 31.
64. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 44.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 19.
65. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 44.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 20.
66. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 44.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 21.
67. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 49.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 19.
68. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 49.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 20.
69. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 49.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 21.
70. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 54.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 19.
71. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 54.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 20.
72. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 54.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 21.
73. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 59.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 19.
74. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 59.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 20.
75. from sample in measurement crystallization and material information
For from sample in measurement pattern and crystallization information, sample is fixed on the appropriate location on the sample holder in gas field ion microscope as described herein.The gas field ion microscope is as being configured described in example 19.
Material information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 59.
Crystallization information can be measured from sample, as described in the example 21.

Claims (27)

1. method of using gas field ion source comprises:
By gas and the interaction of gas field ion source are produced ion beam;
Described ion beam and semiconductor article interact and leave described semiconductor article in order to cause particle, and described semiconductor article has and comprises a plurality of laminations of first and second layers;
Survey described particle to provide image, the feature in ground floor described in the image and the stack of the feature in the second layer; And
According to the described semiconductor article of described picture editting.
2. according to claim 1 method, wherein said method does not comprise the use alignment mark.
3. according to claim 1 method, wherein said ion beam has the spot size of 10nm or smaller szie at described semiconductor article.
4. according to claim 1 method, wherein said particle comprise neutral particle and photon.
5. according to claim 4 method also comprises the information of processing described particle in order to information under the surface of described semiconductor article is provided.
6. according to claim 1 method, wherein said particle comprises a neutral particle (primary neutral particles).
7. according to claim 6 method, wherein said method comprises angle and the energy of the correspondence of determining a described neutral particle.
8. according to claim 6 method, wherein said method comprises total abundance of determining described particle.
9. according to claim 1 method, wherein said particle is selected from the group that is made of x-ray photon, IR photon, optical photon and UV photon.
10. according to claim 1 method, wherein said method comprises uses the energy resolved detector to survey described particle.
11. method according to claim 1, wherein said method comprise that using wavelength to resolve detector surveys described particle.
12. method according to claim 1, wherein said semiconductor article comprises circuit.
13. method according to claim 12, wherein said method comprise the described circuit of editor.
14. comprising, method according to claim 13, the described circuit of its inediting add material to described circuit.
15. comprising from described circuit, method according to claim 14, the described circuit of its inediting remove material.
16. comprising from described circuit, method according to claim 13, the described circuit of its inediting remove material.
17. method according to claim 1, wherein said ion beam has 1 * 10 -16Cm 2SrV or the less etendue that reduces (reduced etendue).
18. method according to claim 1, wherein said ion beam has 5 * 10 -21Cm 2Sr or less etendue.
19. method according to claim 1, wherein said ion beam has 5 * 10 on the surface of described semiconductor article 8A/m 2SrV or the larger brightness that reduces (reduced brightness).
20. method according to claim 1, wherein said ion beam has 1 * 10 on the surface of described semiconductor article 9A/cm 2Sr or larger brightness.
21. method according to claim 1, wherein said ion beam have the spot size of 10nm or less size on the surface of described semiconductor article.
22. method according to claim 1, wherein said method use the gas field ion microscope to carry out.
23. method according to claim 1, wherein said method use the helium ion microscope to carry out.
24. method according to claim 1, wherein said method are crossed described semiconductor article by ion-beam scanning and are carried out.
25. method according to claim 1, wherein said method is undertaken by the scanned described semiconductor article of helium ion beam.
26. method according to claim 1, wherein said gas field ion source comprises:
Conductive tip has the end layer that comprises 3 to 20 atoms;
Ion optics, configuration so that the ion at least some described ion beams before arriving described semiconductor article by described ion optics, described ion optics comprises:
Electrode; With
The aperture is configured to avoid some ions in the described ion beam to arrive the surface of described semiconductor article.
27. method according to claim 1, wherein said gas field ion source comprise the average full conductive tip of cone angle that has from 23 ° to 45 °.
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US78450006P 2006-03-20 2006-03-20
US78439006P 2006-03-20 2006-03-20
US60/784,331 2006-03-20
US11/784,390 2006-03-20
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US60/784,388 2006-03-20
US60/385,136 2006-03-20
US11/385,136 US20070228287A1 (en) 2006-03-20 2006-03-20 Systems and methods for a gas field ionization source
US11/385,215 2006-03-20
US11/385,215 US7601953B2 (en) 2006-03-20 2006-03-20 Systems and methods for a gas field ion microscope
US79580606P 2006-04-28 2006-04-28
US60/795,806 2006-04-28
US79920306P 2006-05-09 2006-05-09
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