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AZtec LayerProbe

LayerProbe is an exciting software tool for thin film analysis in the SEM. An option for the AZtec EDS microanalysis system, LayerProbe is faster, more cost-effective and higher resolution than dedicated thin film measurement tools.

  • Thin film analysis in the SEM

  • Characterises multiple layers beneath surface of the specimen

  • Non-destructive analysis

  • Thickness and composition of multiple layers from 2 nm to 2000 nm

  • Lateral resolution down to 200 nm

  • Easy to set-up for routine user, and a cost effective extension of your SEM or FIB-SEM

  • An extension to AZtecLive: seamlessly integrated and easily retrofittable to existing installations


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LayerProbe analyses the composition and thickness of the surface and sub-surface layers of a specimen. A non-destructive tool based on established microanalysis technology, it is more cost-effective, higher resolution, and more accurate than dedicated film measurement tools.

LayerProbe complements the elemental and phase information gained from conventional EDS analysis by also calculating the composition and thickness of the individual layers beneath the surface.

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LayerProbe Brochure

This 8 page brochure shows the features, benefits and operating principles of LayerProbe - and the many applications it is applied to.

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High quality TEM lamella preparation and on-tip analysis using LayerProbe

Here we present a new technique that enables measurement of the local thickness and composition of TEM lamellae and discuss its application to the failure analysis of semiconductor devices.

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Characterisation of all-oxide solar cells using AZtec LayerProbe

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are an attractive option for generating low carbon renewable energy but traditional designs often include undesirable toxic compounds and must be manufactured under special conditions.

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LayerProbe is ideal for a wide range of applications, including back- and front-end chip manufacturing, semiconductor R&D, optical and industrial coatings, nanoelectronic devices...

Semiconductor R&D

  • Measure thickness and composition of metallisation and dielectric layers
  • Accurately characterise oxide formation on bond pads (e.g. Cu oxide on Cu)
  • Optimise thin film deposition processes (CVD, ALD, sputtering, evaporation)

Solar cells

  • Characterise active layers in thin film solar cells (CIGS, CdTe)
  • Optimise TCO layer thickness and uniformity
  • Characterise anti-reflection coating thickness and composition


Optical Coatings

  • Optimise the colour and transparency of optical coatings by accurately determining the film thickness and composition
  • Compositional measurement uncovers non-uniformities not seen in conventional thickness measurements


Industrial Coatings

  • Suitable for decorative and structural coatings
  • Uncover and accurately characterise sub-surface defects with minimal sample preparation


Nanoscience

  • Measure uniformity of nanoparticle coatings
  • Characterise contacts to nano-devices
  • Relate device performance and structure using nondestructive layer measurements

LayerProbe provides a new way to quantify TEM lamella thickness and quality in situ - as well as a complimentary technique to the cross-sectional analysis of layered specimens on FIB-SEMs.

  • LayerProbe takes only seconds to characterise the lamella thickness and to detect and measure any implanted Gallium
  • Its precise thickness measurement enables faster preparation of high-quality, ultra-thin lamellae
  • Sub-surface defects are pinpointed to identify locations where to cut with the FIB-SEM
  • LayerProbe can also characterise and optimise the quality of layers deposited or processed in the FIB using gas assisted deposition and etching

LayerProbe is based on proven technology and has significant benefits compared to alternative techniques

A comparison of LayerProbe with other techniques

LayerProbeEllipsometryFIB/TEMRBS
Non-destructiveYesYesNoYes
High spatial resolutionYesNo (>>1 micron)YesYes
Rapid analysisYes (each point takes seconds)YesNo (several hours)No
CostRelatively inexpensiveExpensiveVery expensiveExtremely expensive

How accurate is LayerProbe?

Comparison of ALD layers on silicon substrate

LayerProbe Thickness (nm)Density (gcm-3)Ellipsometry Thickness (nm)Refractive Index
HfO228.1 ± 0.19.433.6 ± 52.04
Al2O357.0 ± 0.23.052.8 ± 51.64

LayerProbe EDS and RBSD composition measurement

LayerProbe - Stoichiometric RatioRBS - Stoichiometric Ratio
Hf /O2.132.07
Al /O1.561.60

Example: PCB Application - Au on Ni on Si substrate

LayerProbe and XRF thickness measurement

LayerProbe Thickness (nm)Density (gcm-3)XRF Thickness (nm)
AU60.1 ± 0.719.361 ± 25
Ni123.5 ± 0.78.9141 ± 24

SEM cross section measurement confirms the result...

Related Applications

Nanomaterial Growth and CharacterisationEV TechnologiesAutomotive SensorsBattery TechnologySolar and PV TechnologySolar Cell Electrical and Structural CharacterisationFailure Analysis Inspection and Process ControlImaging of Layered Polymer Structures and Failure AnalysisCharacterisation of Low Dimensional StructuresFabrication and Characterisation of Light Emitting Devices