Equipment
Lab and Coral NameTRL / dektak-XT
ModelSloan Dektak II
SpecialistDavid Terry    (Paul Tierney)
Physical Location4F Photo-South
Classification
Process CategoryMetrology
SubcategoryProfile
Material KeywordsNone
Sample Size6" Wafers, 4" Wafers, 7" Photo Plates, 5" Photo Plates, Pieces
Alternativenone
Keywordssingle wafer, manual load, top side of sample, manual operation, alignment
Description
The dektak is a stylus (contact) profilometer that is used to measure height differences (steps) on samples for Au based processes. This system operates by the stylus physically making contact with the sample surface and moving the stylus to measure changes in surface height.

Best forFor measuring the step height for PR, metals and dielectrics.
LimitationsDepth monitoring in small openings (~ 100nm wide) is challenging.
Characteristics/FOMStylus moves over the surface to map the surface topography
Caution withSample surface should be hard enough to avoid any deposits over the tip (e.g if PR is not sufficiently bakes)
Machine Charges2/hour
Documents
Process Matrix Details

Permitted
Been in the ALDSamples that have been in any of the ALD systems
,
Pyrex SubstratesPyrex substrates can be a concern due to high sodium content, which contaminates CMOS frontend tools
,
III-V SubstratesAny III-V substrates, e.g. GaAs, GaN, InP, and so on. Note though that many common III-V substrates will also carry the Au flag, but there are some GREEN III-V substrates.
,
Germanium on surfaceSamples with germanium on the surface (typically grown films)
,
Germanium buriedSamples with germanium buried below a different film
,
PiecesWafer pieces may not be handled by the equipment, and are harder to thoroughly clean - preventing them from running in certain tools.
,
Gold or RED color codeRED color code substrates. These are gold-contaminated or have been processed in gold contaminated tools. Gold and other metals can contaminate silicon devices (GREEN color code) and have to be separated.
,
Any exposure to CMOS metalIf the sample had ever seen a CMOS metal (or a tool that accepts CMOS metal), then some frontend tools could be contaminated by this.
,
CMOS metal on surfaceCMOS compatible metals exposed on the surface. These are Al,Ni,Pt,Ti,TiN. Other metals such as Au are *NOT* part of this.
,
CMOS metal buriedCMOS compatible metals covered entirely by a different material. These are Al,Ni,Pt,Ti,TiN. Other metals such as Au are *NOT* part of this.
,
Been in the STS DRIEThe DRIE etch leaves behind polymer residues on the sidewall ripples, which can be a contamination concern for some tools.
,
Been in the SEMA sample viewed in the SEM must have used the appropriate chuck to avoid cross-contamination
,
Been in the Concept1The Concep1 deposits dielectrics on GREEN wafers, however it also accepts metal and there can be cross-contamination for diffusion area
,
Has PhotoresistSamples with photoresist cannot be exposed to high temperatures, which is typical in deposition tools. Outgassing can be a concern.
,
Has PolyimidePolyimide is a very chemically resistant polymer, and can tolerate higher temperatures but cannot be exposed to typical PECVD deposition temperatures or diffusion furnaces. Outgassing can be a concern.
,
Has Cured SU8Not fully cured SU8 residues can heavily contaminated plasma chambers or destroy other user's samples, but fully cured SU8 is permitted in certain tools.
,
Coming from KOHAfter a KOH etch, the samples must receive a special clean because the K ions are highly contaminating to CMOS frontend tools
,
Coming from CMPAfter a CMP, the samples must receive a special clean, because the slurry residues otherwise introduce contamination and particles.


Not Allowed
Ever been in EMLSamples from EML are never permitted to return to ICL or TRL


For more details or help, please consult PTC matrix, email ptc@mtl.mit.edu, or ask the research specialist (David Terry)