Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/X041166/1
Title:	Capability for wafer-level sub-nanometre scale imaging
Principal Investigator:	Mashanovich, Professor G
Other Investigators:	Muskens, Professor O Chong, Professor HMH Ou, Dr J
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Adaptix Ltd Imperial College London Newcastle University Nottingham Trent University Pointcloud The Rockley Group UK UCL University of Bath University of Bristol University of Cambridge University of Huddersfield University of Liverpool University of St Andrews University of Surrey Wave Photonics Waveoptics
Department:	Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC)
Organisation:	University of Southampton
Scheme:	Standard Research
Starts:	01 October 2023	Ends:	30 September 2026	Value (£):	1,633,565
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Characterisation Optoelect. Devices & Circuits
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 26 Mar 2023 EPSRC RI Strategic Equipment Interview Panel March 2023 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
The critical importance of capabilities for semiconductor research in the UK is recognised as part of a national strategy, as stressed in the recent BEIS Report 'The semiconductor industry in the UK'. Particular strength in research is centred around a number of cleanroom facilities located at academic institutuions. The University of Southampton hosts a range of cutting-edge nanofabrication tools which enable a range of research activities in electronic and photonic devices. Fabrication of semiconductor devices and circuits becomes cost effective when processed on a large wafer. However, process efficiency can only be achieved if an ultra-high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) with material characterisation system is available to provide high throughput feedback results to improve fabrication and facilitate novel process development. Manually operated SEMs are a common imaging tool for characterisation used in academic research but automated in-line imaging of wafers throughout a process flow is required to achieve fast imaging and shorten inspection time from fabrication processes. The aim of the proposal is to acquire an ultra-high-resolution SEM (UHR-SEM) capable of material characterisation for wafers up to 200 mm in diameter at the University of Southampton. As device feature sizes are reduced, dimension and performance variations across the wafer become an issue which must be mitigated at the early stage of the fabrication. Therefore, the proposed UHR-SEM will be unique within the UK academic landscape since it will perform automated in-line imaging and analysis of entire wafers up to 200 mm in diameter at sub-nm resolution. The system will also have a low landing voltage on samples to reduce surface damage during imaging of delicate devices and patterned resists, as well as a good depth of focus for the inspection of thick multi-stack materials. The UHR-SEM will address the main challenges in large wafer imaging such as generating relevant surface metrology information at nanoscale dimensions and creating a detailed map showing various material parameters such as chemical composition and defect distribution.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Organisation Website:	http://www.soton.ac.uk