title: Four-dimensional microscopy of defects in integrated circuits.
abstract: We demonstrate four-dimensional microscopy of defects in integrated circuits by a technique that combines laser-scanning confocal reflectance microscopy with one-photon optical-beam-induced current (1P-OBIC) imaging. Accurate information is obtained about the three-dimensional structure of the defect and the kind of material (metal, semiconductor, or dielectric) that is damaged by the defect. The same focused probe beam simultaneously produces the 1P-OBIC and reflectance signals from the illuminated sample spot. The hardware development cost is minimal for a laser-scanning confocal microscope, and the image reconstruction procedure is computationally efficient. Imaging is demonstrated on defects that are caused by electrical overstress and unwanted generation centers. Exclusive three-dimensional distributions of the semiconductor and metal sites in the integrated circuit reveal defect features that are difficult to recognize with confocal or 1P-OBIC imaging alone.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101.
authors.forename: Jelda Jayne
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Miranda
authors.forename: Caesar
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Saloma