Patent ID: 6528786
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
A method for determining the concentration of a contaminant in a thin oxide surface layer having a depth, said thin oxide layer located on a semiconductor material, said method comprising:providing a mass spectrometer apparatus having a primary sputtering ion beam, directing apparatus, and analyzing apparatus, said directing apparatus and analyzing apparatus for directing and analyzing a secondary ion stream produced by operation of said mass spectrometer apparatus; predetermining a mass of surface layer required to be sampled for determining a contaminant concentration; supporting said semiconductor material on a movable mechanical stage within said mass spectrometer apparatus; moving said movable mechanical stage in a scanning motion while sputtering said thin oxide surface layer; directing said secondary ion stream formed during operation of said mass spectrometer apparatus for analysis, said semiconductor material sputtered to a depth not generally exceeding the depth of said thin oxide surface layer; moving said movable mechanical stage in a rastering motion to sputter and analyze said thin oxide surface layer over an extended area; and measuring a non-planarity of the thin oxide surface layer.