Semiconductors are the backbone of electronic devices. These chips feature miniature-sized components and are inspected rigorously during every phase of their assembly to ensure their quality. Very often these semiconductors are observed under microscopes using micromanipulators, particularly in situations where failure requires a failure analysis to determine the cause of failure. So, Micromanipulators play a crucial role in testing to ensure the quality of semiconductor devices used in modern electronics. This post discusses how micromanipulators are effectively used in semiconductor device testing.

Micromanipulators: An Overview

Working Principles of Micromanipulators

A micromanipulator enables precise manipulation or sampling of objects such as a test coupon, wafer or die. It lets the user physically interact with the sample through its arms with probes. The movement can be controlled manually or electrically. Here, the main part is precise movement of the probe at the required angles with an accuracy of less than a micron. This requires actuators that offer controlled movement with micron and sub-micron level precision. A micromanipulator can be covered for safety reasons and remotely operated with a mouse, where the output can be displayed on a computer monitor.

Benefits of Using Micromanipulators in Semiconductor Device Testing

Here are some benefits micromanipulators offer in semiconductor device testing.

• The sub-micronlevel of positonal control leads to enhanced accuracy and efficiency in testing procedures of wafers with complex circuits.
• Physical interaction in terms of viewing the circuitry and minute components in various cross sections, angles, and more helps yield accurate results in terms of detecting failure and other issues in circuits. This improves throughput in testing processes.
• A micromanipulator can be completely covered and operated remotely which improves safety. The controlled movement of probes reduces the risk of damage to delicate devices.
• These devices enable repeatability in measurements.
• It facilitates enhanced performance during the evaluation of semiconductor devices, which helps in their normal functioning and avoiding product failures and recalls.
• For advanced IC systems that involve air-sensitive devices during the manufacturing process, manipulation and testing can occur in a glovebox or some other air-inert environment.

Applications of Micromanipulators in Semiconductor Device Testing

Here are some application areas of micromanipulators in the semiconductor industry.

• Probing: The actuators in micromanipulators help in positioning probes for electrical characterization.
• Contact manipulation: Micromanipulators are used to manipulate microscopic components during testing, which may include separating certain materials from the substrate or adding new ones.  Similarly, wires may be cut as part of the testing process.
• Failure analysis: Micromanipulators aid in isolating certain components in a wafer which helps analyze device failures by physically interacting with the components with the help of probes.  These physical defects can then be transferred to carbon tape or some other substrate for more advanced testing when isolated from the circuit.
• Microfluidics: Micromanipulators are now used to test microfluidic chips. There are microchannels embedded into a microfluidic chip which are connected to the outside environment by the inputs and outputs pierced through the wafer.
• Wafer applications: Aside from wafer-level testing, micromanipulators can be used to test individual dyes. They also find applications in packaging and testing of integrated circuits. This is essential for removing liquids and gases for chips embedded in flow control systems.

If you have any questions about using electrical or manual micromanipulators in your semiconductor application, custom options, or anything else, you can consult Barnett Technical Services. The company is an authorized distributor for various brands of micromanipulator systems, such as Micro Support.

Microscopic entities are the ones that cannot be seen with the naked eye and need a microscope to view their structure, properties under various conditions, and other features. For an optimal view, microscopes must be adjusted in terms of magnification, creation of a cross sections, and more. To support this optimization, a multi-probe micromanipulator can be integrated with the microscope to modify the object angle or pull or stretch certain parts, or isolate key components for analysis by other techniques. A wide range of tools and probes are available with a micromanipulator, including probes, microtweezers, knives, needles, and separators. This post focuses on the use of multi-probe micromanipulators along with microscopes in analyzing various samples and supporting failure analysis and scientific research.

Why Use Multi-probe Micromanipulators for Microscopic Scientific Research?

While there are manual and single-probe micromanipulators in use, they have certain limitation in handling and manipulating samples. Motorized multi-probe micromanipulators are designed to overcome these limitations in terms of complex sampling and manipulation. These technologically advanced micromanipulators allow scientists and engineers to rapidly position and control multiple probes, which expedites research and ensures accuracy. Here are some features of multi-probe micromanipulators.

• Tool capabilities include micro-injectors, micro-scissors, micro-knives, micro-tweezers, and electrode holders, mostly made of tungsten carbide. These are used for various tasks such as cutting samples, pinpoint marking, micro-liquid handling, and separating certain substances from the sample.
• These probes enable the sampling of substances as small as one micron with positioning precision of 100 nm. This allows simultaneous yet independent interactions at multiple points on a sample. The accuracy in probe movements is achieved using advanced stepper-motor systems.
• Multi-probe micromanipulators ensure precise yet versatile manipulation control when it comes to separation and handling of complex manipulative tasks such as assembling microscopic components. This is very useful in material science, chemical structures, and other nanostructure topics.
• It microscope has a GigE camera and diagonal luminosity controller for improved magnification and light adjustments.
• The multiple probes feature has certainly opened new avenues in research, development and failure analysisthat occurs at the microscopic level, and requires complex tasks, precision movements, and dexterity.

Applications of Multi-Probe Micromanipulators in Research

Some diverse applications of multi-probe micromanipulators in various branches of material science, photonics, microfabrication, nanotechnology, and more.

• Micro-sample Handling: Micromanipulators ensure precise handling as well as examination of microscopic materials during assembly, analysis, and targeted microfabrication. These probes help ensure accurate positioning and failure analysis of micro components.
• Optics: They are used for precisely aligning optical fibers required in advanced and high-speed communication networks.
• Material science: These systems assist in the micromanipulation of various types of micro-particles and microscopic structures for research and analysis.
• Microfabrication: These products are used for the precise assembly of microfluidic devices and handling delicate micro components. They are used in assembling nanostructures when creating nanodevices.
• Nanotechnology: These devices are used in positioning and manipulating structures for nanoparticlefor research and development.

With the ever-increasing demand for research and development in material science, advanced communication technologies, nanotechnology, and many other fields, there has been a surge in the use of multi-probe micromanipulators. Here multiple-probe micromanipulators serve the purpose in terms of precision, simultaneous operations on a single sample or cell, adjustments, and more. You should ensure your source this device from an authorized supplier before investing in one. Also, it must be compatible with your existing infrastructure and simultaneously scalable for future expansions. If you have any questions about using multi-probe micromanipulators in your application, custom options, and more, you can consult Barnett Technical Services. The company is an authorized distributor for various brands of micromanipulator systems such as Micro Support.

Micromanipulators are essential tools to handle microscopic objects in various industries, including semiconductors, electronics, chemicals, and material science. These revolutionary devices have paved the way for precise and accurate micro-sample handling, research, and analysis of minute entities. Among them, micromanipulators are particularly notable as they can move along the X, Y, and Z axes. This post discusses micromanipulators, their applications, and their significant impact on various sectors.

Overview of Micromanipulators

A micromanipulator enables precise interaction with microscopic samples or entities. It allows for accurate mounting and movement of various sampling tools like pipettes, probes, and electrodes. When integrated with a microscope, it provides the ability to view and manipulate various dimensions and cross-sections of magnified objects by physically turning, bending, or cutting the sample. Their basic functions may include collecting liquid droplets, removing surface contaminants, retrieving particles stuck to adhesives, and many more delicate tasks under the microscope. One can control their movements along all three axes using a mouse.

Basic Design

A micromanipulator system comes with a controller, display screen or computer, mouse, probe arms, and advanced software for management and control. You may also require other accessories such as rod or pipette holders, tungsten probes, micro-knives, tweezers, and a mounting system or stage. Mounting on a stable surface helps reduce vibration and ensure precision. While this tool can be controlled manually, a motorized control is always preferred through a joystick or mouse. Motorized control enables a high level of precision and control which allows movements in micrometer and nanometer ranges. The three axes of micromanipulators facilitate movement in various directions. The X-axis facilitates left to right and vice-versa movements, Y-axis enables forward and backward movements, and Z-axis enables vertical or up and down movements. The dimensions and distance of movement depend on each model.

Axes and Movement Control in Micromanipulators

A manipulator enables precision and accuracy when sampling and manipulating microscopic entities. The way it moves along the three axes, the angles, and the maximum distance are significant factors in manipulation tasks. Primarily, it moves along the three perpendicular axes. The X-axis movements help position the object well in place. The Y-axis movement helps adjust the object’s distance from the user to view finer details. The Z-axis movement helps adjust the height of the object. While mouse and software are highly preferred to control movements, some models may have piezoelectric actuators. The arms can travel around 10-50 meters on an average along the axis. You can also create a synthetic diagonal movement along the X and Y axis. All of these movements enable the micromanipulator system to carry out its basic functions such as sampling, sorting, and so on.

Advantages of Using Micromanipulators Over Traditional Manipulation Tools

The obvious benefit of using a micromanipulator system is precision movement during sampling and manipulation. Here are some other advantages.

• Precision: Enables precise actions such as holding, cutting, removing, transferring, injecting, and applying patches or coatings to objects as small as two to five microns.
• Real-Time Feedback: Features feedback systems and sensors that provide real-time information on positions and movements.
• Integration: Easily integrates with microscopes, cameras, and research equipment, enhancing functionality and accuracy.
• Automation: Can be fully or partially automated and programmed for repeatable tasks.
• Enhanced Visualization: Improves the visualization of objects under the microscope, aiding detailed observation.
• Safety and Operability: Fully covered electric micromanipulator systems offer high levels of safety and operability.
• Remote Functionality: Some models can be operated remotely within a glovebox using a mouse.
• Customization: Can be customized to accommodate tall samples or large objects with adjustable base heights.

Applications of Micromanipulators

These micromanipulators are used in a wide range of applications, including:.

• Failure Analysis: Micromanipulators can be used to precise isolate particles and other failures in manufacturing to quickly determine the root cause of failure.
•  Electronics and semiconductors: Micromanipulators enable fine markings on wafers, fiber glass and metal circuit boards, and more. They are also used for positioning components on circuit boards, soldering, testing, and more.
• Material science: Micromanipulators are used to separate materials from their substrates or adhesives, identify material properties under a microscope, and manipulate nanoparticles for further research.
• Scientific research: Micromanipulators are used in biological research, fertility treatments and analysis, and biological cell manipulation. They are used in electrophysiology to position electrodes and record activity from neurons or nerve cells.
• Micromanufacturing and fabrication: These tools are used in additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing, and assembling tiny parts into complex microdevices.
• Pharmaceutical: They are used in single-cell analysis and drug delivery at the cellular level to position micropumps and needles.
• Optics: They are used in optical systems for precise adjustment and focusing of lenses.
• Criminalistics: These systems are used in the microanalysis of fine particles, hair strands, and so on to handle samples that may serve as evidence in investigations.

Micromanipulator systems are gaining traction across an increasing number of industries. Using these for sampling and manipulation would definitely yield excellent end results. If you have any questions about using these tools in your application, custom options, and more, you can consult Barnett Technical Services, an authorized distributor of Micro Support’s micromanipulators

Related Products:

Axis Pro : Benchtop micromanipulator incorporating a zoom microscope and motorized sampling arms.

Quick Pro : Individual micromanipulator arm that can be added to a white light microscope.

Collection Pro : Automated grain/particle sorting and collection system.

Wednesday, January 18, Webinar at 6:30 PM Pacific time [Register Here]

Abstract:

Microplastics have recently been recognized as a significant environmental contaminant with implications for human health and carbon capture. It is widely recognized that we need to control and decrease the level of microplastics in our society. The California State Water Control Resources Board mandates that agencies that deliver water to the majority of California residents need to monitor for microplastics. However, the reduction of microplastic levels is challenging since detection and monitoring of these contaminants is difficult.

This presentation will provide a review of microplastics and the range of methods being used for monitoring, including the FTIR and Raman methods recommended by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Finally, a discussion on Soar Optics’ advanced methods to improve the speed and efficiency of microplastics detection and monitoring will be discussed. Our methods incorporate Raman scattering using dedicated sensors for the major microplastics found in the environment, allowing for rapid scanning and comprehensive analysis of most typical samples.

Speaker Background & Research Interests:

Dr. Barnett is the CEO of Soar Optics, a company founded in 2022 to develop advanced optical sensors for materials characterization.

Technical Background

Dr. Barnett has 25 years of experience in the methods being developed by Soar Optics. He is the author of the patent-pending technology that Soar Optics is developing, and is a co-author on 22 published papers in refereed journals.

Dr. Barnett received his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from McGill University and subsequently worked as a Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health. Since 1997, Dr. Barnett has worked with many industries in the application of optical methods for materials characterization. His roles have included sales, applications development, support, and management. He has also been active in a range of scientific societies including the Society for Applied Spectroscopy (SAS) as a member of the Executive Committee and the Governing Board, in addition to serving as President of the Northern California local section for many years. He is a member of the American Society for Trace Evidence Examiners (ASTEE), SPIE, and the Materials Research Society.

Business Background

Dr. Barnett holds an MBA degree from the Graduate School of Management of the University of California, Davis, with an emphasis on technology management, organizational behavior, and entrepreneurship.

In addition to his work at Soar, Dr. Barnett is the Principal of Barnett Technical Services, a company that sells instrumentation for chemical and materials analysis since 2010. He is also a Founder of InnoGrove, a coworking space in Elk Grove, CA that supports the Elk Grove entrepreneurial community.

DATE: Wednesday, January 18

Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 17, 1:00 PM.

Webinar Timing: 6:30 PM.

Please register on the web page.

We are happy to announce that Barnett Technical Services is now a distributor for Hot Disk instruments in the Western United States and Canada. These instruments provide fast, easy and non-destructive measurement of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity. Click here for more information