Patent · US Expired

Lift-out probe having an extension tip, methods of making and using, and analytical instruments employing same

US7009188B2 · kind B2 · utility

98Cited by
11References
38Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 4, 2004
Grant dateMar 7, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 4, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01J2237/31745
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Extension tips for lift-out probes used in conjunction with focused ion beam (FIB) systems and analytical instruments employing such probes are disclosed. Methods of forming the extension tips from a variety of materials such as a silicon wafer, preformed whiskers of conductive material, and metal lines or contacts removed from integrated circuits are also disclosed. Methods of using a variety of extension tips pre-placed within the FIB system to enable reconditioning worn or damaged lift-out probes are also disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.