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U.S. Department of Energy
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Light-induced voltage alteration for integrated circuit analysis

Patent ·
OSTI ID:87724

An apparatus and method are described for analyzing an integrated circuit (IC). The invention uses a focused light beam that is scanned over a surface of the IC to generate a light-induced voltage alteration (LIVA) signal for analysis of the IC. The LIVA signal may be used to generate an image of the IC showing the location of any defects in the IC; and it may be further used to image and control the logic states of the IC. The invention has uses for IC failure analysis, for the development of ICs, for production-line inspection of ICs, and for qualification of ICs. 18 figs.

Research Organization:
Sandia Corporation
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,430,305/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-225,021
OSTI ID:
87724
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English