Institute of Solid State Physics


SS22WS22SS23WS23SS24WS24      Guidelines for Master Students

In-situ characterisation of thin film wet-chemical etch processes using Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Gary Butler
https://tugraz.webex.com/tugraz/j.php?MTID=m0e9edf6219fdb613ef773c7469631445
11:15 - 12:15 Wednesday 15 November 2023 

Every year, constraints tighten on processes affecting the critical-dimensions of semiconducting devices. Wet etch & clean processes therefore benefit from continuous characterisation of material etch-rate and etched amount. A Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is an extremely precise gravimetric sensor, capable of measuring nanogram-scale changes of a thin film. This project, a collaboration with Lam Research Villach, explores the application of QCM to wet etching of microelectronic-relevant materials. A process was successfully established for characterising the removal of simpler (SiO2) and more complex (TiN) films