Patent ID: 6878899

Claim:
A laser system for vaporizing and removing a target link structure on a semiconductor wafer, comprising: a laser assembly configurable to produce a laser beam having a pulse width less than about 8 nanoseconds, an operating repetition rate of 10 kilohertz or higher, and a wavelength of less than 1.2 microns; a computer programmed to control timing signals synchronized with position of the laser beam relative to a target link structure supported on a silicon substrate, the substrate being part of a semiconductor memory device; and an optical switch that is controllably switchable based on the timing signals so as to transmit an output pulse of the laser beam to the target link structure on demand, the output pulse rate being controllable by controlling the optical switch, the laser assembly being configured to focus the output pulse onto the target link structure into a spot diameter; wherein the spot size and depth of focus is improved relative to a longer wavelength greater than 1.2 microns, and the output pulse width limits damage to the substrate.