Patent ID: 7038469
Filing Date: 2006-05-02
Classification: G01R,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of determining electron tunneling values at various locations in a capacitor structure having at least a first and a second conductive plate with a dielectric material disposed there between, and wherein each said plate has first and second opposite ends, comprising the steps of: determining the nominal tunneling voltage of said dielectric material at the thickness of the dielectric material to provide a target voltage; applying a first voltage level equally across said first plate from said first to said second ends; applying a voltage to said second conductive plate at said first end which is above the target voltage and applying a voltage to said second end of said second plate; applying incrementally changing voltage levels to said second end of said second plate, which varying voltage levels change the voltage at said second end of said second plate to vary the length of the capacitive structure above said target voltage to localize and measure tunneling leakage at selected locations along said capacitor.