For RF and power devices, the adoption of compound semiconductors, such as SiC and GaN, is attractive for their ability to operate at higher voltages, currents and frequencies. However, wafer fabrication of compound semiconductor devices can pose unique challenges impacting yield and manufacturing costs. One of these challenges is crystalline defects that can be difficult to localize and characterize. In this presentation, we’ll discuss crystalline defects and Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging (ECCI), a non-destructive SEM imaging method forsuccessfully localizing and characterizing the crystallographic properties of defects. This technique paired with an electrical fault analysis, TEM sample prep, and TEM analysis workflow bridges the gap between localizing the defects, performing root cause analysis and obtaining the answers to inform and improve manufacturing processes.
Micah LeDoux is a regional marketing manager responsible for Thermo Fisher’s semiconductor failure analysis and characterization lab products. Currently, he is focused on the compound semiconductor materials market and their application in high performance power devices. Micah holds a masters degree in Physics and has almost a decade of experience in developing failure analysis techniques utilizing electron microscopy instrumentation. He also holds patents in focused ion beam delayering technologies which are now widely used in semiconductor electrical fault analysis and SEM imaging workflows.