Device and method for cleaving a substrate

A device and method for cleaving a sample includes: creating an indentation on a top surface of the sample by applying a downward force along a vertical axis, the axis perpendicular to the top surface of the sample; providing a breaking pin located under the sample to touch the bottom surface of the sample at a position that is directly opposite from the indentation; and, a cleaving bar for applying a downward force on the sample by providing a left side and right side breaker pin wherein the downward force comprises a left-side downward force extended through the left-side breaker pin and right-side downward force through the right side breaker pin. Further, the pins that provide the left-side and right-side downward force are disposed on a breaker bar and arranged to be on opposite sides of a vertical axis that extends through the indentation on the top surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description relates generally to a methods and devices for cleaving substrates typically used in the semiconductor industry and more specifically to cleaving crystalline, mono-crystalline, and amphorous materials such as a silicon or gallium arsenide, or sapphire, glass or the like.

BACKGROUND

Cleaving substrates produced by the semiconductor industry is a common operation to separate circuits processed on a common substrate into individual units for subsequent packaging typically in a highly automated and precise operation. During fabrication the circuits may often be sampled and tested as part of the quality control effort or the like. Since testing is not a high volume operation it is not as highly automated as production operations, and typically utilizes less automated methods to cleave the substrates or wafers into samples for testing.

As circuit features are decreased in size it has become more difficult to accurately cleave the substrates for testing by hand, or other laboratory suitable methods. Currently, an alternative to hand cleaving is to use expensive and highly accurate machinery that is available, that tends to be more than is needed in the testing lab.

Currently, there are two typical approaches to cleaving mono-crystalline substrate materials and the like. The first approach is a low-cost, low-sophistication option, which requires a highly skill-dependent procedure (based on experience and expertise and training). It involves manually aligning by human sight a substrate, and using hand tools, such as scriber pens or rudimentary cleaving apparatus. In particular the procedure involves manually scribing a line on the back side of a substrate using a scribing knife, placing the wafer over a cleaving bar from the glass industry, and manually pushing down on the work piece using two pins.

The second approach, which is more high cost but less error prone, utilizes a mechanized approach that is capital intensive in both equipment cost and operator training and, as a result, is used by approximately the top 25 semiconductor manufacturers (worldwide). Such an approach may utilize microscopic alignment to a target feature and an induced shock wave to cause cleaving. This later type of cleaving apparatus is not only complicated to make and use, but requires a much larger footprint and takes valuable space in the lab and has an ongoing high cost of operation.

These approaches have shortcomings that may include on the low tech side: a reliance on a pre-scribed cleave line in the silicon, significant human skill and or training to operate, high variability due to the human factor. On the high precision end of the available equipment spectrum the equipment available may be very large and require high capital initial expenditure, with high operating costs, complexity, and is overly precise for many operations.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a machine to cleave substrates that is highly accurate, low cost and suitable for use in a testing lab or similar environment.

SUMMARY

The device includes a stationary stage upon which a sample is initially and approximately positioned for cleaving with the aid of a fixable guide coupled to a stage. A block structure including an indenter with a scribe is movable along an edge of the fixed stage. The block also includes a vertically movable cleaving bar. The indenter is slidably (vertically) disposed in the block and under spring bias to keep it in an upward position. The block is coupled to a top portion of a Newport stage, and the bottom portion of the Newport stage is attached to the housing body or platform. The top portion of the Newport stage and the bottom portion of the Newport stage are slidably coupled in a linear direction via a conventional ball bearing mechanism. Movement of the top portion relative to the bottom portion is controlled via a knob controlled conventional micrometer mechanism. The block includes a bottom breaker pin disposed in line with the indenter scribe. The cleaving bar includes two breaking pins positioned on either side to the bottom breaking pin disposed in the block.

The device may further include a vacuum pump and switch coupled to vacuum holes in the stage to hold a sample in place. The device may further include a microscope positioned to view the indenter and sample under magnification. A camera may also be included to view the indenter and sample area, and is typically coupled to a computer equipped with software to project a virtual guide line on the image displayed to aid in positioning the indenter. In a further alternative example a laser device may be positioned and coupled to the device so that a laser line is projected on the sample that is indicative of the indenter position over the sample.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The examples below describe a semiconductor wafer (or equivalently “substrate”) cleaving system. Although the present examples are described and illustrated herein as being implemented in a general wafer cleaving system, the system described is provided as an example and not a limitation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present examples are suitable for application in a variety of different types of flat planar wafer cleaving systems utilized in cleaving crystalline and amphorous substrates.

The cleaving device provides a low cost, high quality, high accuracy cleaving of mono-crystalline material and other brittle substrates. Further, the device and method of the present invention offers successful cleaving through a target even with operators having minimal experience and expertise are using it, as it does not rely on human capabilities, such as hand and eye coordination, skill, or extensive training.

Further, the present invention is well-adapted for use for site specific, cross-sectional examination, with accuracy of a few (typically +/−10 microns) microns to the area of interest. The present invention works well with various samples including front-end, back-end, TSVs, and single die, for example. Another well-suited use includes a bulk removal step prior to FIB “focused ion beam”. The present invention has accuracy on the order of +/−10 microns. The present invention can be used to reduce large substrate pieces to small samples suitable for further preparation in ion beam and direct viewing in electron beam instruments. Yet another use for the present invention includes quality analysis of wafers where a quality analysis of wafer sample cross-section is desired, for example. Another use for the present invention includes sample preparation for failure analysis, process monitoring, and product development.

The description of directions regarding various movements may be referenced to the Cartesian coordinates1008shown inFIG. 4. In general, the x axis is motion from right to left on the stage, the y-axis is top to bottom positioning on the stage, and motion along the z axis is motion above or below the stage (vertical motion or position).

FIGS. 1-6show a first example of a device for cleaving substrates10.

The device10includes a stationary stage20with a guide92for initially positioning a desired cleave line1002of a sample1005relative to an indenter mechanism40that includes a diamond tip scribe48used to indent the sample1005on the cleave line1002target. In sample preparation it is often desired to accurately place a cleave line1002since inaccurate positioning can ruin the devices on the sample or otherwise spoil the sample. The device10facilitates accurate cleaving of the sample by providing initial rough sample positioning on the fixed stage20followed by fine adjustment of the diamond tip scribe48position by moving the scribe.

The sample to be cleaved typically has at least one straight edge, and typically has at least one substantially right angle in its shape so that visual alignment is facilitated. For odd shaped samples the procedure outlined below may be modified as needed, including being aided by use of jigs and fixturing as known to those skilled in the art, to provide an edge for use against the guide92or otherwise aid in aligning a sample. An example would be a fixture (not shown) with a square outline and a round aperture for use in scribing a round silicon wafer positioned in the fixture.

To use the device10the cleaving bar60is typically initially in the lowered position. The sample cleave line position is first aligned with the diamond tip scribe48roughly by eye. Once the desired cleave line1002on a sample1005is approximately lined up with the scribe tip48, and the guide92is set96against the side of the sample. Next the diamond tip scribe48is moved in position with its position finely adjusted over the desired cleave line in a second iteration of alignment. The sample1005remains in a fixed position on the stage20with the vertical edge (y direction) of the sample resting against the guide96. As the fine adjustment is made, the diamond tipped scribe48may be moved from side to side (in the x direction) by turning a knob24adjustment actuating a conventional Newport Stage16upon which a block14, including a cleaving bar60and the indenter mechanism40with diamond tipped scribe48are attached. As the knob24is turned the diamond tipped scribe48moves (in the x direction) and can be precisely positioned over a desired indentation position for initiating a cleave (i.e., cleave line1002) on the stationary substrate1005. It is worth pointing out that the diamond tipped scribe48protrudes slightly outward from the face of the cleaving bar60, so that when the diamond tipped scribe is lowered the substrate resting against the cleaving bar60may be indented.

Alignment of the diamond tipped scribe48over the cleave line1002position may be achieved by eye, by aid of magnification (typically with a microscope, or alternatively with a camera microscope combination shown inFIG. 20). Also, to aid alignment a conventionally constructed laser device (not shown) may be used to project a line along a desired cleave line to aid the positioning of the scribe. In an alternative example of a positioning aid, a camera may be used in conjunction with a computing device (as shown inFIG. 20) such as a laptop to run software that produces a cleave line on a screen image of the sample extending from the sample to the diamond tip scribe. Once the tip48is in position the projected line overlays the cleave line and the diamond tip. The diamond scribe tip48may then be brought down to indent the sample.

Once the diamond tip scribe48is finally aligned (as viewed either by eye or by use of the above described aids) using the micrometer2602, over the desired cleave indent location (typically along the edge of the sample1005abutting the cleaving bar60, where the cleave line1002is to begin) the indenter mechanism is lowered (z direction) in a controlled manner to indent the surface of the sample1005, typically to a controlled depth. This indent will serve to initiate, in a subsequent step, a cleave along cleave line1002in the sample that has been accurately placed thanks to the aid of the device10. The diamond tip48is attached to an indenter mechanism40that may include a compound screw and dial mechanism (2006ofFIGS. 5-6) to control the indent depth in a repeatable manner. A first dial (2607ofFIGS. 5-6) is used to lower the diamond tipped scribe48to just touching the surface of the sample. Next a second concentric outer dial (2608ofFIGS. 5-6) is turned a desired number of degrees to provide an indent of a controlled and repeatable depth.

During the preceding, a horizontal edge (x direction) of the sample1005has been resting against the front face of a lowered cleaving bar60. To cleave the sample, the cleaving bar60is raised, exposing three breaking pins (lower pin50and upper pins2501ofFIG. 25) that will be used to cause the sample to cleave along a cleave line1002initiated at the indent made in the substrate. The breaking pins are disposed in the block14and its components (namely cleaving bar60). The lower breaking pin50is positioned in the block14facing up, so that its apex is in alignment with the diamond tipped scribe48(y direction) and is positioned behind or rearwards of the scribe tip (in the y direction). Disposed in the cleaving bar60are an upper pair of breaking pins (2501ofFIG. 25) positioned typically equidistant from the diamond tipped scribe48.

To cleave the sample a three point cleaving is utilized to create a clean cleave. The cleaving bar is raised and the sample's alignment against the vertical guide bar92is maintained as the sample is pushed back over the exposed lower breaking pin50, now that the cleaving bar60has been raised. This movement utilizing the guide92keeps the indent on the sample (2505ofFIG. 25) in line with the apex of the bottom breaking pin50. The cleaving bar60is lowered and the two breaking pins (2501ofFIG. 25) disposed in the cleaving bar60contact the substrate1005(note the indenter tip48need not be retracted as the thickness of the upper breaker pins causes the pins to contact the substrate surface well before the diamond tip48would when lowering the cleaving bar60). As the cleaving bar60is pushed down (either manually, or equivalently by the screw80) to provide an applied force (2503ofFIG. 25) the sample is cleaved precisely along the desired cleave line1002due to its accurate positioning, and the maintaining of that position during the cleaving process that is aided by the device10.

The forces applied in the cleaving process are as follows: as the breaker bar60is pushed downward by means of the left and right handles62,62, which causes the pins2501to apply a downward force on the top surface of the sample. This force is resisted by the pin50, which contacts the bottom surface of the sample. This bottom pin50aligns along the same vertical axis as the indentation on the top of the sample,—thus, the indenter, the indentation and the pin50all lie in the same line albeit at different heights on that common vertical axis—and the indenter is operable up and down whereas the pin50is stationary. Because the top surface of the sample has an indentation, the downward force transmitted through breaker pins2501, and resisted by pin50, is concentrated at the indentation and the sample is cleanly cleaved at the indentation. Now that the operation of the device10has been described in relation to its various components the components themselves will now be described in more detail.

Base12of the device for cleaving substrates is a platform upon which the device may be assembled. The base12is a non-moving part, typically made from aluminum or an equivalent material.

The stage20is fixed to the base12, and does not move during operation of the device10for cleaving substrates (or “samples”). The stage20provides a flat surface22upon which a substrate may be supported while being indented and cleaved. The stage20has a substantially flat top22, and is typically made from aluminum or its equivalent. The top of the stage22includes a horizontal (x direction) guide slot94that is narrower at the table top than at the bottom of the slot (i.e., an inverted “V” shaped slot). A vertical guide92and guide lock96are coupled to the stage20via the guide slot94.

The vertical guide92is a typically rectangular elongate member that may be moved across the stage (in the x direction) and may be locked in place via guide lock96. To maintain vertical orientation of the guide, a generally “V” shaped member402(conventionally constructed) is part of the guide, disposed in the guide slot94and thus slidably coupled to the generally “V” shaped guide slot94. Coupled to and at right angles to the “V” shaped member402is the guide92. Accordingly the guide92is thus slidably coupled to move across the stage20in the x direction, and provides a vertical (y axis1008) surface against which the vertical edge of a sample1005may rest.

A conventionally constructed guide lock96allows the scribe guide to be fixed in place (typically by a knob and screw arrangement, disposed in a threaded aperture in the guide92, so that the end of the screw contacts the base of the grove94) so that the guide92does not move when the screw is extended. In equivalent examples alternative constructions of the guide lock known to those skilled in the art may be employed.

A plurality of suction holes86may be disposed in the top22of the stage20to aid in keeping the sample1005in place. The holes may be coupled to a vacuum system (not shown) whereby activation of a vacuum “on” switch (not shown) draws suction through the holes86to more securely hold the sample temporarily to the stage. Deactivating the switch releases the sample. Although not depicted in the appended drawings, the device10, accordingly, includes a vacuum pump, power source, controller, and related components as would be readily understood in the art to provide and control the vacuum source.

The stage20also provides a recess underneath the stage top22to provide clearance for a movable Newport stage16partially diposed underneath the stage20, including the Newport stage adjustment mechanism2601,2602that operates freely in the recess. The recess advantageously allows the adjustment knob24controlling movement of the diamond tip scribe48to be placed at a lower right hand corner of the device10so that the operator may conveniently turn the knob at a distance from the moving block14and diamond tip scribe48.

As previously mentioned the indenter mechanism40, including the diamond tip48is also movable in the x direction1008by turning the knob24coupled to the micrometer adjustment mechanism2602. The stage20is typically square or rectangular and one edge is in parallel alignment and abutting (with a small gap) a straight edge of the block14, so that when the block14(via the Newport stage movement) is moved in the x direction1008, the indenter40and cleaving bar60also move in the x direction in close proximity to the fixed stage20(and sample).

The Newport stage16includes Newport stage top portion that moves linearly from side to side in the x direction, is slidably coupled to a Newport stage bottom portion fixedly coupled to the base12. The Newport stage16with a micrometer adjustment2602is conventionally constructed and causes a top portion of the Newport stage16to move back and forth in the x direction1008with micrometer precision.

The Newport stage16is conventionally constructed and includes a bottom portion slidably coupled to a top portion in a linear direction (here oriented in the x direction). In this device10the Newport stage16is oriented so that it slides in the x direction1008. To move the top portion of the Newport stage in relation to the bottom portion a conventional micrometer screw mechanism2602is utilized. A knob24is coupled to a micrometer screw mechanism2602having a first end fixedly coupled to the Newport stage bottom portion and a second end coupled to the top portion of the Newport stage. The first end and second ends being coupled via a spindle2601with the intervening micrometer screw mechanism2602, such that turning the knob24causes the Newport stage top piece2603, and anything attached to it such as the diamond tip48to move in the horizontal x direction2605from side to side.

Since adjusting position with a micrometer takes many turns to move the diamond tip scribe48a small amount, the device10advantageously allows for rough positioning of the sample1005on the fixed stage20and final fine positioning of the scribe48to create an accurately positioned indent for cleave line1002on the sample1005. The micrometer adjustment tends to minimize the amount of time spent spinning the micrometer knob24.

A block assembly14is fixedly coupled to the movable (x direction) top portion of the Newport stage16. Block14supports an indenter mechanism40that is vertically slidable (in the Z or vertical direction) in a track42ofFIG. 3in the block14, also a cleaving bar60is vertically slidable (in the Z or vertical direction) and coupled to the block14via guide rods98.

The indenter mechanism40is slidably coupled in the vertical direction to the block14, and may include conventional spring bias (not shown) to keep the surface of the indenter handle44pushed upwards (Z direction) against an end of a threaded rod82opposite to the knob end80of the threaded rod82. Such a retraction spring, is adapted to hold the slide member at a top position in the track. The threaded rod82is disposed in a threaded hole in a protrusion from the block14, or as shown in the FIGs, a rectangular tab member fixedly attached to the block and protruding from it.

Indenter mechanism40includes a handle44and the indenter40that further includes a tip holder46supporting and housing a diamond tip scribe tip48. The tip holder46for holding the scribe tip48is conventionally constructed. The diamond scribe tip48is positioned so that it slightly protrudes past the face of the cleaving bar60. This is so that in operation when the indenter mechanism40is depressed (z direction) the diamond tip scribe48contacts the sample1005that has been pushed up against the face of the cleaving bar60. Vertical motion (z direction) of the indenter mechanism through the cleaving bar60is facilitated by a let out channel disposed in the cleaving bar60so that clearance for the indenter mechanism40operating in the z direction is provided.

The indenter mechanism40is generally “T” shaped with the top of the “T” functioning as a handle44, and as a support structure to which a diamond tip48is coupled to the leg of the “T”. The diamond tip is shown in a vertical orientation. However, in equivalent examples the tip may be provided with a conventionally constructed adjustment mechanism so that it may be tilted at an angle deviating from the vertical. Such a mechanism may provide detents of specific angles or constructed to provide continuous variation in the deviating angle.

Although a 90-degree dent is described here the “scribe” could be made at various angles between 45-135 (+/−45) degrees (seeFIG. 24). A derivative of the current example may be implemented with this angle adjustment to improve positioning accuracy and minimize the contact area between the sample and the diamond tip.

The leg of the “T” is operable through the handle44to move the lever vertically downward, the lever further carrying the diamond tip scribe48in a tip holder46, the indenter40thus has a diamond tip48at a lower, leading edge. In alternative examples the diamond tip scribe may be replaced by equivalent scribing materials.

A precision knob80positions above the indenter40. The precision knob includes a threaded rod to enable precision adjustment of the indenter40relative to the stage20, or more particularly a sample on the stage. With the breaker or cleaving bar down, the operator turns the indenter drive precision knob80clockwise to push the indenter to touch the top of the sample, then by turning the knob80as needed the operator can feel pressure of the indenter and scribe as an indentation is made on the sample. This enables a more accurate and repeatable cleaving operation as the knob can be controlled in a precise manner whereby a vertical distance traveled can be translated into “turns of the knob” in an instruction manual for the operation. In alternative examples, knob80may be replaced by one or more dials constructed to bring the scribe down to the sample surface, and then to next provide a measured indent depth.

Cleaving bar60is made from aluminum or equivalent, and is slidably coupled (y direction) to right and left guide rods98anchored in the block14. For fine adjustments the cleaving bar60includes a scale90graduated in any desired units. The cleaving bar60includes a right handle62, and a left handle62. On a bottom surface of the cleaving bar60are disposed a pair of breaking pins (2501ofFIG. 25) disposed equidistant from the point of the diamond tip48.

The pair of guide rods98vertically protrude through the right and left sides of the cleaving bar60. The guide rods may include bushings to better align the breaker60along a vertical axis. The guide rods are used in place of the sliders, described in the second example, below. The guide rods of this example provide a more stable alignment of the cleaving bar60and have less degrees of freedom compared to the sliders of the second example.

The cleaving bar60is typically one long piece extending the entire width of the stage. The bar60thus extends from a left side, which includes a left handle62to the right side having a corresponding right handle64. This bar60moves up and down on a vertical axis and the left handle62and right handle62cooperate to enable an operator to move the bar60up and down to break the sample after cleaving. The cleaving bar includes a left side breaker pin and a right side breaker pin, both located on a bottom surface of the bar and disposed on either side of a vertical axis defined between the indenter and pin50. This way when the bar60is in the down position, the left pin70and right pin72pushes evenly against the sample. The pins (70and72ofFIG. 15, and also2501ofFIG. 25) move vertically with the breaker bar60as seen inFIG. 25, for example.

Returning to the block14that provides support for the abovementioned mechanisms, it is generally “L” shaped when viewed from the side as inFIG. 2, and is fixedly coupled to the moving top piece of the Newport Stage16. An edge at the bottom of the “L” closely abuts the table top22, and adjusting the Newport stage via knob24and the associated micrometer mechanism2602causes the block14to move typically slowly in the x direction1008back and forth along edge of the fixed tabletop12. Clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the knob24causes movement to the right or left in the x direction1008of the block14. The Micrometer mechanism2602may be equipped with a right hand screw, or equivalently a left hand screw. In equivalent examples the knob24may protrude from the left hand of the device.

The bottom of the “L” of the block14may include two vertical (in the z direction1008) guide rods98over which the cleaving bar60with matching apertures may be slidably disposed. The upper surface of the bottom of the “L” is dimensioned such that it is generally the same height as the top of the stage22, so that when the cleaving bar60is resting against the upper surface of the bottom of the “L” the bottom of the cleaving bar60is approximately in the same x-y plane as the stage top22.

A breaking pin (50ofFIG. 1, andFIG. 25) is disposed under the cleaving bar60. The pin50is centered to align with the vertical axis of the diamond tip48that creates the indentation on the sample (2502ofFIG. 25). The diamond tip48indents the top surface of the sample1005, but the breaking pin50is arranged to contact the bottom surface of the sample when it is pushed further in along the guide92. The breaking pin50is positioned in line with the diamond tip48in the y direction1008, and behind it so that after the sample is indented by the indenter40, it may be pushed further back under the cleaving bar60so that the cleaving line1002defined by the indent on the work piece1005is centered side to side in the x direction1008over the breaking pin. The cleaving bar includes on its underside two breaking pins (2501FIG. 25) so that as force is applied on either side of the breaker pin50as the cleaving bar60breaker pins are pressed down against the work piece1005cleaving at the indent, and thus the cleave line is achieved.

Upright portion of the “L” shaped block14may be unitary with the bottom of the “L”, or equivalently be a separate pieces attached together. Block14provides support and a channel for slidably coupling the indenter mechanism40in the vertical or, z direction1008. To keep the indenter40retracted upward until needed spring bias is provided by conventional methods to push the indenter mechanism upwards. Upward travel of the indenter is limited by a screw80threadabaly engaged in an aperture protruding from the block14. The indenter mechanism40may be pushed downward or up by utilizing the screw80, or equivalently the handle44of the indenter40may be pressed down to create an indent in a sample.

FIG. 5is a cutaway view showing further detail of the exemplary Newport stage, and further including a more precise knob adjustment mechanism2606to control the indenter. Here the recess under the stage may be seen, as the stage has been partially cut away. The knob2606is conventionally constructed so that the inner2607and outer2608knobs turn independently. In operation the center knob is turned to position the diamond tip scribe just above the sample. Next the outer knob is turned a desired amount to further advance the diamond tip scribe into the sample to a given depth. The outer knob may include a scale to aid in repeatability.

FIG. 6is a fully cutaway view (with the fixed stage completely removed) showing the exemplary Newport stage that is incorporated into the first example of the invention, and showing the micrometer coupling of the top and bottom portions of the Newport stage.

FIGS. 5 and 6are cut away views that show the exemplary Newport stage16and adjustment mechanism. The stage includes a top piece2603, and a bottom piece2604, conventionally coupled by a conventionally constructed ball bearing race to allow linear movement—here oriented in the x direction. The stage is coupled to the knob24via a micrometer screw mechanism2606. The block assembly14shown with an indenter mechanism40moves in the X direction2605while the stage20holding the sample does not move. Since the entire top of the Newport stage is not needed, and to make the device10more compact, part of the Newport stage extends under the stage20, which has a cavity underneath to accommodate a portion of the Newport stage and the adjustment mechanism2602,2601. The height of the cavity under the stage20, is sufficiently high so that the top portion of the Newport stage (including the block and the components attached to it) can move2605freely back and forth.

Typically the adjustment in the X direction is controlled by a micrometer screw mechanism2602coupled to a Newport stage bottom piece2604which is slidably coupled to a movable Newport stage top piece2603. The micrometer mechanism2602is coupled to the bottom piece2604, and the spindle2601is controlled by the micrometer mechanism2602. The spindle2601is coupled to the Newport stage top piece2603, whose movement is controlled by the micrometer screw mechanism2602to which it is coupled. The stage2603may be a commercially available High-Performance Low-Profile Ball Bearing Linear Stage such as the exemplary model423produced by the Newport corporation of Irvine Calif., a subsidiary of MKS Instruments or its equivalent.

The exemplary Newport stage may include a typically 3 inch square platform utilizing precision ball bearing construction—typically hardened balls rolling between opposing pairs of hardened and polished stainless steel rods providing better than 200 micro-radian angular deviation, for example. For stability, repeatability, and smooth motion, actuators may bear upon a hardened carbide insert. Springs may provide preloading against the actuator tip to eliminate backlash. Although the stage is typically capable of traveling a full 1 inch (25.4 mm) with an SM-25 micrometer drive, the actuator mounting blocks can be relocated to accommodate 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) drives like the SM-13. This stage can also be reconfigured into a left-handed version with the micrometer on the opposite side. A non-influencing lock (also reversible for left-handed configuration) provides positive stable positioning and guards against inadvertent adjustments.

FIGS. 7-19show a second example of a device for cleaving substrates. In a second example the adjusting knob (80ofFIG. 1) of the first example is omitted. Accordingly, the device10also includes a stage20disposed on the housing body12, the stage having a substantially flat top22and a mechanism for adjusting horizontally in the x-direction with sub-micron precision, and a knob24rotatably coupled to the mechanism for adjusting the stage.

The device10includes a base (912ofFIG. 9) comprising a rear upright member14arranged on a lower frame16at about a right angle, the rear upright member including a first track32, a second track34, and a third track36wherein each track is substantially coplanar and extending vertically along a front face30of the rear upright member.

The device10further includes a lever comprising40a slide member642(ofFIG. 9) slideably inserted in the first track32, the lever further including a handle44and a retraction spring, which is adapted to hold the slide at a top position in the first track and the handle member is operable to move the lever vertically downward, the lever further carrying a diamond tip scribe48in a tip holder46, the indenter having a diamond tip48at a lower, leading edge. Although a 90-degree dent is described here this “scribe” could be made at various angles between about 45-13 5 (+/−45) degrees. A derivative of the current example could be implemented with this angle adjustment to improve positioning accuracy and minimize the contact area between the sample and the diamond tip.

The breaker assembly60is disposed on the rear upright member14. The breaker assembly is one solid bar having a left side62slideably inserted in the second track34and a right side62slideably inserted in the third track36and a center portion inserted in a center track. These three tracks cooperate to enable the bar60to move only in the up and down direction.

As in the first example, the breaker60includes a left and right breaker pin70and72(also see2501inFIG. 25) on its bottom surface, and these pins operate as described in the first example. The breaker pins50,70,71position behind the scribe tip48as seen from the side is shown inFIG. 19. The arrangement of the breaker pins behind the scribe tip is the same in both the first and second examples of the cleaving device10.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any of the sub-components of the first and second examples can be combined with each other and still lie within the scope and spirit of the contemplated invention.

FIG. 20shows a third example200of a device for cleaving substrates including a camera system. The camera includes a vertical mounting pole arranged perpendicular to table. Also an optical microscope may be included with the device to improve target and positioning accuracy. An optional vacuum or CDA may be included to create a vacuum, which will improve the cleanliness and accuracy of the cleave. For example, compressed air is used to hold the sample on the table, but also can be used to remove dust from the table by manually using a nozzle to dust off the table. In addition, suction devices, such as a vacuum pen, may be included for aiding in the removal of the cut sample from the table.

To provide magnification, the entire device, may be placed under an Optical Microscope with long working distance optics (FIG. 20). Another option is to use a compact digital camera or other magnifying optics with the device.

A camera system210is coupled to the device10, of either the first or second examples. The camera system200includes a camera210mounted to a camera support220that allows for vertical positioning of the camera210and movement 360 degrees around this vertical axis and about 360 degrees rotation parallel to this axis so that the camera may be positioned to image the sample S on the stage20of the device.

The camera210is in data communication with a computer230by means of a cable232or wirelessly using standard protocols such as Bluetooth or WIFI, for example. The computer includes a software program that projects a virtual line over the image of the sample on the screen. This line corresponds to the axis of the diamond indenter50of the device10to better enable precision cleaving of the sample S.

The camera system of the third example would work equally well in conjunction with the first and/or second examples. For brevity, the camera system200is described with reference to the second example, however those skilled in the art will appreciate its applicability to any of the examples and the camera system can be readily modified and adapted for use with any of the examples without undue experimentation.

The computer230can be any Mac, PC, or Unix-based system, laptop, desktop or equivalent, as would be well-appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

A base of the camera stand220may be coupled to the base (12ofFIG. 1) for the device10for stability. In equivalent examples the base is not coupled to the device10.

A stage with X-Y motion (not shown) can be coupled to the base (12ofFIG. 1) which can then be coupled to the base of the camera support220. X-Y motion enables viewing of a larger area of the sample prior to selecting the cleaving direction.

FIG. 21is a flow diagram showing a method of cleaving a substrate using the devices for cleaving a substrate described above. The method of cleaving a substrate may be accomplished using any of the three previously described examples. For brevity, a method of use is described herein with reference to one of the examples and those skilled in the art will understand that additional steps could be augmented without detracting from the scope of the invention. Conversely, and equally applicable, elements could be eliminated or combined and still not detract from the scope and spirit of the invention.

A first step is to clean the stage (block170), especially under the cleaving bar as dust and other debris on the stage can damage the cleave, result in an inaccurate cleave, damage the mechanism, or otherwise waste or make inefficient the process of cleaving a substrate. One possible way to clean the stage is with a fine bristle brush, another way is to blow compressed air across the surface, or clean by equivalent techniques.

The cleaving bar is extended to its full down position and the sample is positioned on the stage with its front edge flush against the cleaving bar (block172). This helps roughly positions the sample on the stage.

Next the sample is placed on the stage (block172) and positioned manually in front to the indenter, and the scribe guide is set.

Manual (or coarse) positioning of the sample is adjusted by putting the area of interest (“AOI”) of the square or rectangular sample, and the knife-edge in approximate alignment. The substrate (1005ofFIG. 4) is approximately positioned on the stage with a desired cleave line (1002ofFIG. 4) visually lined up with the diamond tip (48ofFIG. 1).

The diamond tip has previously been positioned somewhere along the edge of the stage, for example to accommodate the size of the sample. If the work piece has an edge perpendicular to the edge that has been aligned against the cleaving bar then the work piece may also be held secure by the scribe guide (92ofFIG. 4) with the guide adjuster (96ofFIG. 4) secured. The cleave line is now approximately positioned in line with the diamond tip.

Next, for systems that do not include a camera system, the spring-loaded indenter (40ofFIG. 1) is pushed down by hand until the diamond tip of the indenter is just above the top surface of the sample, but not touching the surface (block178).

The diamond tip can now be moved to fine position it over the desired cleave line of the stationary sample on the stage. Turning the knob24moves the diamond tip over the desired location of the cleave (block180) on the sample. The sample had been positioned on the stage previously, so that excessive movement of the knob is not necessary to position the tip over the cleave line to achieve a more accurate cleave

For systems that include a camera system, a more precise alignment of the cleave can be positioned by using a line drawing feature of the software associated with the camera system (as described above) (block182). The line drawing feature superimposes a visual line on a monitor with a live image of the sample on the stage in focus. Again, the stage drive knob provides precise x-direction alignment of the virtual line relative to the sample.

In another example, a laser beam can be projected on the sample (block184) corresponding to the location of the indenter apex. This laser beam system may be incorporated into with the camera system. An advantage of the laser is that the camera is not required to visualize where the cleave would lie on the sample. However, also using the camera allows magnification of the sample and therefore allow a more precise visual and manual aligning of the sample relative to the indenter.

With the indenter positioned accurately over the sample, next continued pressure on the indenter results in the indenter pushing into the sample (block186). If the device includes an indenter drive knob, this knob can be turned until the indenter is touching the top of the sample and the sample is now pinched between the indenter and the breaker, or cleaving bar. Next an indent to a desired depth is made by turning an indenter knob a desired amount.

Then, a twist of the knob clockwise corresponding to the needed movement for downward travel creates sufficient pressure on the sample to enable smooth operation of the indent. If this indenter drive knob80is not included in the system, then the operator uses hand pressure on the indenter bar while manipulating the scribe.

Next, the breaker, or cleaving bar is lifted (block187), and the sample is re-positioned for cleaving. With the cleaving bar lifted, the sample is slid under the cleaving bar until it is over the breaking pins (block192). The indentation line that is physically on the sample as a result of the scribe line just described is visually aligned to a reference mark on the back wall. The scribe is positioned on the breaker pin hill. For systems with a camera system, accuracy can be verified by viewing the monitor.

Next, the cleaving bar is pushed down against the sample. Downward pressure on the knobs causes the sample to break at the scribe line (block194). Next, lift up the cleaving bar and remove the cleaved sample from the stage (block196).

The device10of the present invention, in all of its various examples, is well suited for cleaving substrates of most known diameters from about ¼ inches to about 12 inch diameters, but this should not be limiting. However, other sized substrates would work equally well with little or no modification to the components of this invention.

FIGS. 21-25illustrate the process of cleaving a sample that is carried out by the examples of the device10. The process includes creating an indentation on a top surface of the sample by applying a downward force along a vertical axis. The vertical axis is perpendicular to the top surface of the sample, and the downward force can align with the vertical axis or be offset +/−45 degrees. Further, the process includes providing a breaking pin and arranging the breaking pin under the sample, coincident to a bottom surface of the sample at a position that is directly opposite from the indentation. The process also includes applying a downward force on the sample wherein the downward force comprises a left-side downward force and right-side downward force, each left-side and right-side downward force arranged on opposite sides of the indentation on the top surface.

More specifically,FIGS. 22-24depict indenting, andFIGS. 25-26depict breaking (or cleaving). FromFIGS. 22-26, it will be appreciated that the two steps work together to provide a complete and improved cleaving process. Accordingly,FIGS. 22-23shows an indentation being created on the top surface of a sample.FIG. 24illustrates that this indentation can be created at 90 degrees+/−45 degrees tilt from the vertical axis. Then, with the indentation complete fromFIGS. 22-25, as appropriate, the cleaving (or breaking) process can begin.FIGS. 25-26show a downward directed applied force pushing against the top surface of the sample. The downward force is split to the left and right sides of the indentation. And, an opposite resisting force is applied by the breaking pin, which touches the bottom surface of the sample. As the downward force increases, and because of the indentation on the top surface, the sample yields at the indentation and a clean break or cleave is obtained. It will be appreciated from these figures that the indentation and bottom breaking pin are aligned in a common vertical axis.

Further, this process contemplates providing a knife or indenter having a diamond tip and enabling the indenter to adjust up to +/−45 degrees from perpendicular, arranging the indenter on the vertical axis and enabling the indenter to be operable from a first retracted position to a second extended position wherein the extended position causes the indenter to contact the top surface of the sample.

Another contemplated process includes either cleaving or indenting or both on one machine or on two separate machines.

Another contemplated process includes a first machine for indenting a sample and a second machine for cleaving the sample. The operations of cleaving and indenting can then be done independently and one operation would not need the other operation. For example, a machine could indent a sample, but the cleaving of that sample could be done by hand, or by another traditional cleaving device known in the art.

Another contemplated process holds the top left and right pins stationary and makes the bottom breaking pin move upward towards the left and right pins. One example is that the entire stage could be operable to move from a retracted, down position to a second upward position that causes the indenter and/or left and right pins to contact the sample, and to continue moving to either indent the sample or to cleave the sample, or both. The relative movement of the breaking pin in relation to the left and right pins, which are positioned on either side of the indentation is desired. However, how the indentation was made, or which pins move, and which direction the pins move, is not as important as the relative motion between these elements.

Another contemplated process includes the steps of providing a cleaving device comprising a stage horizontally disposed on a housing body, the stage having a substantially flat top and a means for adjusting horizontally in the x-direction with micron precision; an indenter slideably arranged to be operable along a vertical axis arranged perpendicular to the top of the stage, the indenter slideably mounted to the housing body, the indenter comprising an indenter comprising a diamond tip, the indenter disposed to operate from a first retracted position to a second extended position along the vertical plane; a breaking pin mounted on the housing body under the indenter; and a breaker, or cleaving bar disposed on the housing body and being operable along a vertical axis from a first retracted position to a second contacting position, the breaker, or cleaving bar further including a left side breaker pin arranged on a bottom surface of the breaker, or cleaving bar and a right side breaker pin on the bottom surface wherein the left and right side pins are disposed on opposite sides of the breaker bar relative to the vertical axis; placing the sample on the stage; creating an indentation on a top surface of the sample by applying a downward force along a vertical axis, the axis perpendicular to the top surface of the sample; applying a downward force on the sample wherein the downward force includes a left-side downward force and right-side downward force, each left-side and right-side downward force applied on opposite sides of the indentation on the top surface.

This process also includes pushing on the left and right breaker handles simultaneously causing the breaker assembly to move downward, causing the left and right breaker pins to press against the sample; contacting the sample on an underside by the breaking pin; and breaking the sample along the indentation by means of the breaking pin and left and right breaker pins.

This process further includes providing a camera system comprising a camera and software resident on a computer, the computer is in signal communication with camera the software adapted to display on the computer an image; and using the camera system to align the sample.

FIG. 25is a cross sectional view of a portion of a sample S having an Indentation I. The indentation is generally “V” shaped, matching that of the scribe48that made the indentation.

Those skilled in the art will realize that the process sequences described above may be equivalently performed in any order to achieve a desired result. Also, sub-processes may typically be omitted as desired without taking away from the overall functionality of the processes described above.