Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 March 2012
The versatility of confocal micro X-ray fluorescence (MXRF) in analyzing thin films on semiconductor wafers is demonstrated. Unlike conventional MXRF, confocal MXRF can depth profile sample layers and reduce spectral background. Nondestructive quantification of the silicon dioxide concentration in hafnium silicate thin films is an example of one application demonstrating the advantage of confocal MXRF. Additionally, the growth of titanium nitride films on various high-k gate dielectric substrates was analyzed with confocal MXRF due to its ability to detect sub-nm film thickness changes.