Wafer, Chip, & Die Metrology

AST’s solutions for inspection & metrology provide advanced precision, performance and capability.  These fully automated systems are highly configurable enabling virtually any wafer, chip, die inspection or measurement application to be optimized.  

This is achieved through the ability to integrate one or more optical systems that include NIR (Near-wave infrared) and SWIR (short-wave infrared) for detection of critical defects and overlay metrology / alignment of bonded wafers.  High-resolution micro & macro visible wavelength imaging options provide additional imaging capability & flexibility.  

These fully-integrated systems address both development and production requirements.  These precision, high-performance system solutions are highly flexible and can be configured with advanced automated part (wafer, die, film frame) handling options.  These systems are also capable of being dynamically tuned to achieve the highest level of image quality and performance based on the type, structure, and material composition of the wafer, chip, and/or die.

 

Wafer Metrology

AST’s advanced wafer metrology platforms can be configured to image wafers and dies at NIR (visible to 1050nm) through SWIR (900nm – 1700nm) enabling measurements to be taken at the optimum wavelength that provides the best image quality for executing CD overlay of bonded wafers and die to confirm alignment, detection of cracks & delamination, as well as other metrology applications.  

Imaging in the visible wavelength that can be combined with interferometric options such as differential interference contrast (DIC) can be integrated based on providing the optimum imaging solution.  Additional sensor technology is supported to enable enhanced measurement capability to be integrated based on meeting specific metrology requirements. 

These state-of-the-art turnkey metrology systems provide the required accuracy and stability to perform these critical measurements using advanced positioning / motion control technology, IR and visible imaging options, and high-speed image capture and processing capability.  

Automated wafer and part-handling options are available for 150mm, 200mm, and 300mm wafers.  Product solutions range from fully-integrated high-performance turnkey systems to integrated workstations with automated wafer loader.

 

Products

AST 300 Metrology System

Advanced Wafer Metrology System

AST-300-M

The AST-300 integrates best-in-class precision positioning capability within a highly flexible system that provides an optimum platform for integrating AST’s advanced imaging systems.   The ATS-300 platform provides a highly flexible, high-performance system platform capable of capturing high-resolution images on wafers, Chips, & Dies.  AST’s advanced ScopeViewer metrology software suite provide a feature rich package that can be scripted to perform fully-automated measurement sequences with a high degree of precision. 

AST can also integrate other sensor technologies such as Spectrophotometers, Ellipsometers, Profilometers, etc. to combine multiple tool metrology tasks into a single system, reducing operation and tool counts and handling requirements. 

Data can be outputted through SECS GEM or other factory information systems enabling report generation, process control, and other factory, process, and product metrics to be tracked. 

Optional integrated wafer handler with pre-align and OCR provides the capability to add automated load / unload of wafers / tape frames from a cassette

Applications

Defect Detection & Review

Advanced automated inspection combining high-speed image capture and defect detection capability

Cleaning Automation

Custom automation solution for production cleaning processes that can be configured as a standalone turnkey system or with integrated AOI defect / particle detection

Assembly & Integration

Solutions that are designed to meet specific manufacturing / process requirements

Questions?

All of our systems can be fully customized to meet your requirements. If you have questions about our product offerings or capabilities, please contact us for more information.