In the semiconductor industry, accurate and efficient measurement of epitaxial (Epi) layer thickness is paramount. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique is often used to measure the thickness of those layers to help ensure quality. The Importance of Epitaxial Layers Thickness The US. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines epitaxy as “the process of growing thin films of crystals, in which the substrate determines the crystallinity and orientation of the grown layer. A variety of epitaxial growth techniques are used in III-IV display and device prod ..read more

In the world of semiconductor fabrication, understanding the hydrogen concentration within silicon nitride (SiNx:H) films has become increasingly important. These films exhibit excellent physical, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties, making them a popular choice in industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical devices. Understanding the hydrogen concentration within these films can influence their processing and performance, including aspects like etch rate, refractive index, and film stress. Traditionally, two techniques, Nuclear Resonance Analysis-Rutherford Backscattering Spectro ..read more

In the realm of lab-based X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis, there are two primary systems: energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). Each has unique capabilities and applications, making the choice between them essential for accurate chemical analysis. Understanding EDXRF EDXRF is renowned for its accessibility, rapid analysis, and minimal sample preparation requirements. It is adept at simultaneously processing groups of elements for both qualitative and quantitative analysis, making it a versatile front-end tool. An energy-dispersive ..read more

Products that need semiconductor materials to function include electronic devices and components, and these materials have specifically seen increased demand due to their use in many of the ‘clean energy’ items we see today, like solar cells, IoT sensors, and self-driving car circuits. The most used semiconductor materials, according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), are silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide. Because semiconductor materials have specific characteristics related to electrical conductivity, it is crucial that manufacturers have quality control t ..read more

The landscape of analytical technology has undergone a remarkable evolution over the years, and one significant transformation has been the extension of traditional lab-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) systems to revolutionary handheld XRF devices used in the field. This shift has changed the paradigm for industries, enabling them to perform rapid on-sight and accurate material analysis. Let’s explore the journey of XRF technology, from lab-based systems to handheld analyzers, and uncover the advantages, applications, and transformative impact industry. Lab-based XRF: From theory to practice In ..read more

Art conservation and art restoration are intricate fields requiring a blend of artistic sensitivity and scientific precision. Microspectroscopy has emerged as a revolutionary tool in this domain. It has transformed the way conservators understand and care for artworks, offering insights that were previously impossible to grasp. Microspectroscopy: A Deep Dive Spectroscopy, specifically Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, is a non-destructive method that examines the molecular composition of materials. Microspectroscopy, with its ability to obtain spectra of microscopic samples or sa ..read more

Solutions in spectroscopy encompass a wide range of options. Within your laboratory, FTIR, NIR, Raman, or UV-Vis spectroscopies may be employed, with each of these instruments serving a distinct purpose. Spectroscopic instruments may be utilized to provide comprehensive analyses of materials or for the purpose of product testing. In either scenario, a meticulous approach to compliance in daily operations is imperative. Upholding the utmost standards is crucial in order to realize the full value of spectroscopy solutions. Core Functions of Spectroscopy Instruments The Spectrum of Analyses The a ..read more

Lithium-ion batteries are made of a variety of materials utilizing many lithium-based chemistries – including lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, and lithium titanate – depending upon intended use.  The chemistries must contain the right elements in precise amounts to meet customer specifications and perform as expected. Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (HHXRF) is a technology that can identify the presence and measure the concentration of elements from magnesium (atomic ..read more

The collection of reflected light by our eyes leads to the perception of an object’s color, specifically light in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum (~400 nm – 700 nm). As our eyes are sensitive to variations in color and brightness,1 small changes in the color of an object can be easily observed. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, the color of a drug product is important to analyze for QA/QC purposes. Not only is it necessary to minimize batch-to-batch variations for aesthetic purposes, but changes to the color of a product can have implications for the quality of the products. S ..read more

Whether it’s identifying drug contaminants, designing new plastics, or verifying the chemical components of batteries, today’s busy labs need a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer that is fast, easy to use, and take up minimal space in the lab. The Thermo Scientific family of Nicolet Summit FTIR spectrometers is designed to meet these needs. And to expand the options for our customers, we recently added the Thermo Scientific Nicolet Summit X FTIR Spectrometer, which is a flexible, easy-to-use, high-performance FTIR. FTIR spectrometry using your own PC As with our other Summit models ..read more