State-of-the-art analysis guarantees success
Alchimer's products undergo a thorough evaluation before being released to the market.
Our analysis laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including a Zeiss Ultra 55 scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a field emission gun (FEG). Its three detectors (Inlens, Everhart-Thornley and BSE) allow us to view nanometric layers with high contrast and to generate detailed pictures of their topographic and chemical characteristics. The equipment incorporates an Oxford Instruments INCA 250 energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) that enables us to determine the exact chemical composition of the samples. It also has a Scanning Transmission Electron (STEM) detector to increase the resolution.
An additional SEM JEOL 5510LV with Oxford Instruments ISIS EDX is also available. It operates in a low vacuum mode to facilitate viewing of samples with non-conductive surfaces.
An ionic polisher is used prior to cross-sectional analysis: the sample is bombarded with Ar ions to produce very clean cuts of soft elements such as copper.
Further chemical analysis is carried out using an ION-TOF IV time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS). The equipment generates a map of the chemical composition of a sample, showing which elements are present in different locations. It can even sputter the sample to provide detailed depth profiling.
A SOPRA GES 5 ellipsometer provides accurate measurements of thicknesses in the nanometer range and of dielectrics’ refractive indices.
To summarise, Alchimer only delivers IP and formulations that are understood in great depth, ensuring effective, consistent and repeatable performance for our customers.
