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Optical Profilometry (OP)

Optical profilometry (OP), also known as White Light Interferometry (WLI), is a non-contact interferometric-based method for characterizing surface topography. A typical optical profilometer analysis provides 2D and 3D images for surface analysis, numerous roughness statistics, and feature dimensions. In addition to these standard measurements, EAG can also perform many advanced optical profilometry analyses with our state-of-the-art Bruker Contour GTX-8 3D and NPFlex optical instruments. These include:

  • Analysis automation for high-throughput measurements of several hundred features on a single sample, such as patterned wafers or die features
  • Thickness determination of transparent, continuous films

OP is suitable for numerous applications and sample types because it can accommodate many sample geometries, offering a wide range of possible analytical dimensions and a versatile Z-range, covering a broad range of potential surface roughnesses. EAG is committed to working with our clients to develop unique approaches for characterizing the topographies of even the most challenging samples with our 3D optical microscopy capabilities.

Ideal Uses
  • Step height and dimensional measurement
  • Characterizing wear and friction of mechanical parts
  • Determining consistency of solder bump heights, e.g. on flip chips and other advanced packaging
  • Correlating roughness measurements with materials properties, e.g. adhesion, corrosion, appearance
  • Measuring the radius of curvature of microfluidic channels, optics, etc.
  • Assessing bow on coated/processed wafers, e.g. MEMS fabrication
  • Quantifying thickness of continuous, transparent films (i.e. no physical step is needed)
  • High-throughput screening of multiple features on a die or wafer
Technical Specifications

Lateral Resolution: 0.5μm (best)
Height Resolution: 0.01nm (PSI) or 6nm (VSI)
Maximum feature height: 10mm
Minimum image size: 0.06×0.047mm2
Maximum image size: 2.2×1.1mm2 (single image); 70x70mm2 (stitched images)
Maximum sample size: 300mm diameter, 100lbs weight, 4″/100mm height
Film Thickness: Between 150µm and 2µm thick

Strengths
  • Wide range of possible analysis areas, feature heights, and roughness statistics
  • Accommodates very large and very small sample sizes
  • Non-destructive/non-contact
  • Fast, therefore good for multiple repeat measurements
Limitations
  • Potential for optical artifacts on certain sample types
  • Poor signal detection for very steep and rough surfaces
  • Films must be transparent and of known refractive index for continuous film thickness measurements

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