Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Optical stress generator and detector

Patent ·
OSTI ID:20013841

Disclosed is a system for the characterization of thin films and interfaces between thin films through measurements of their mechanical and thermal properties. In the system light is absorbed in a thin film or in a structure made up of several thin films, and the change in optical transmission or reflection is measured and analyzed. The change in reflection or transmission is used to give information about the ultrasonic waves that are produced in the structure. The information that is obtained from the use of the measurement methods and apparatus of this invention can include: (a) a determination of the thickness of thin films with a speed and accuracy that is improved compared to earlier methods; (b) a determination of the thermal, elastic, and optical properties of thin films; (c) a determination of the stress in thin films; and (d) a characterization of the properties of interfaces, including the presence of roughness and defects.

Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-86ER45267
OSTI ID:
20013841
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Optical stress generator and detector
Patent · Mon May 04 20:00:00 EDT 1998 · OSTI ID:871532

Optical stress generator and detector
Patent · Sun Dec 31 19:00:00 EST 2000 · OSTI ID:873503

Optical stress generator and detector
Patent · Sun Dec 31 19:00:00 EST 2000 · OSTI ID:873635