Abstract:
An imaging optical arrangement serves to image an object illuminated by X-rays. An imaging optics serves to image a transfer field in a field plane into a detection field in a detection plane. A layer of scintillator material is arranged at the transfer field. A stop is arranged in a pupil plane of the imaging optics. The imaging optics has an optical axis. A center of a stop opening of the stop is arranged at a decentering distance with respect to the optical axis. Such imaging optical arrangement ensures a high quality imaging of the object irrespective of a tilt of X-rays entering the transfer field. The imaging optical arrangement is part of a detection assembly further comprising a detection array and an object mount. Such detection assembly is part of a detection system further comprising a X-ray source.
Abstract:
An inspection apparatus for inspecting an inspection target surface arranged on an inspection plane, includes an X-ray generation tube having a target including an X-ray generation portion that generates X-rays by irradiation with an electron beam, and configured to emit X-rays to the inspection plane; and an X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays emitted from a foreign substance existing on the inspection target surface irradiated with the X-rays from the X-ray generation portion and totally reflected by the inspection target surface. The X-ray detector has an energy resolution not less than 1 keV or the X-ray detector has no energy analysis function.
Abstract:
A method of investigating a specimen using X-ray tomography, comprising (a) mounting the specimen to a specimen holder, (b) irradiating the specimen with a beam of X-rays along a first line of sight through the specimen, and (c) detecting a flux of X-rays transmitted through the specimen and forming a first image. Then (d) repeating the steps (b) and (c) for a series of different lines of sight through the specimen, thereby producing a corresponding series of images. The method further comprises (e) performing a mathematical reconstruction on said series of images, so as produce a tomogram of at least part of the specimen, wherein the specimen is disposed within a substantially cylindrical metallic shell with an associated cylindrical axis, the beam of X-rays is produced by directing a beam of charged particles onto a zone of said metallic shell, so as to produce a confined X-ray source at said zone, and the series of different lines of sight is achieved by rotating said shell about said cylindrical axis, thereby causing relative motion of said zone relative to the specimen.
Abstract:
Improved system and method of X-ray laser microscopy that combines information obtained from both X-ray diffraction and X-ray imaging methods. The sample is placed in an ultra-cold, ultra-low pressure vacuum chamber, and exposed to brief bursts of coherent X-ray illumination further concentrated using X-ray mirrors and pinhole collimation methods. Higher resolution data from a sample is obtained using hard X-ray lasers, such as free electron X-ray lasers, and X-ray diffraction methods. Lower resolution data from the same sample can be obtained using any of hard or soft X-ray laser sources, and X-ray imaging methods employing nanoscale etched zone plate technology. In some embodiments both diffraction and imaging data can be obtained simultaneously. Data from both sources are combined to create a more complete representation of the sample. Methods to further improve performance, such as concave or curved detectors, improved temperature control, and alternative X-ray optics are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Improved system and method of X-ray laser microscopy that combines information obtained from both X-ray diffraction and X-ray imaging methods. At least one sample is placed in an ultra-cold, ultra-low pressure vacuum chamber, often using a sample administration device configured to present a plurality of samples. The sample is exposed to brief bursts of coherent X-ray illumination, often further concentrated using X-ray mirrors and pinhole collimation methods. Higher resolution data from the samples is obtained using hard X-ray lasers, such as free electron X-ray lasers, and X-ray diffraction methods. Lower resolution data from the same samples can be obtained using any of hard or soft X-ray laser sources, and X-ray imaging methods employing nanoscale etched zone plate technology. In some embodiments both diffraction and imaging data can be obtained simultaneously. Data from both sources are combined to create a more complete representation of the samples.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for realizing a high brightness, compact x-ray source suitable for high throughput, in-line x-ray metrology are presented herein. A compact electron beam accelerator is coupled to a compact undulator to produce a high brightness, compact x-ray source capable of generating x-ray radiation with wavelengths of approximately one Angstrom or less with a flux of at least 1e10 photons/s*mm^2. In some embodiments, the electron path length through the electron beam accelerator is less than ten meters and the electron path length through the undulator is also less than 10 meters. The compact x-ray source is tunable, allowing for adjustments of both wavelength and flux of the generated x-ray radiation. The x-ray radiation generated by the compact x-ray source is delivered to the specimen over a small spot, thus enabling measurements of modern semiconductor structures.
Abstract:
Objects undergoing processing by a high resolution x-ray microscope with a high flux x-ray source that allows high speed metrology or inspection of objects such as integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), and other IC packaging technologies. The object to be investigated is illuminated by collimated, high-flux x-rays from an extended source having a designated x-ray spectrum. The system also comprises a stage to control the position and orientation of the object; a scintillator that absorbs x-rays and emits visible photons positioned in very close proximity to (or in contact with) the object; an optical imaging system that forms a highly magnified, high-resolution image of the photons emitted by the scintillator; and a detector such as a CCD array to convert the image to electronic signals.
Abstract:
The invention provides a positive/negative phase shift bimetallic zone plate and production method thereof, wherein the positive/negative phase shift bimetallic zone plate comprises: a first metallic material having a positive phase shift; a second metallic material having a negative phase shift at a working energy point; wherein the first metallic material and the second metallic material are alternately arranged, so that the second metallic material replaces the blank portion in a cycle of a traditional zone plate.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an illumination and imaging device for high-resolution X-ray microscopy with high photon energy, comprising an X-ray source (1) for emitting X-ray radiation and an area detector (4) for detecting the X-ray radiation. Moreover, the device comprises a monochromatizing and two-dimensionally focussing condenser-based optical system (2) arranged in the optical path of X-ray radiation with two reflective elements (6) being arranged side-by-side for focussing impinging X-ray radiation on an object to be imaged (5) and a diffractive X-ray lens (3) for imaging the object to be imaged (5) on the X-ray detector (4). Typically, the illumination and imaging device is used for performing radiography, tomography and examination of a micro-electronic component or an iron-based material.
Abstract:
A high resolution x-ray microscope with a high flux x-ray source that allows high speed metrology or inspection of objects such as integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), and other IC packaging technologies. The object to be investigated is illuminated by collimated, high-flux x-rays from a movable, extended source having a designated x-ray spectrum. The system also comprises a means to control the relative positions of the x-ray source and the object; a scintillator that absorbs x-rays and emits visible photons positioned in very close proximity to (or in contact with) the object; an optical imaging system that forms a highly magnified, high-resolution image of the photons emitted by the scintillator; and a detector such as a CCD array to convert the image to electronic signals.