The ORION NanoFab is a focused ion beam (FIB) system capable of generating three different ion beams – helium & neon from the gas field ion source (GFIS) that is aligned on the main optical axis, and gallium offset by 54°, as in a more traditional "dual beam" FIB/SEM (scanning electron microscope). The He beam, which can be formed into a sub-0.5 nm probe size, is capable of high-resolution imaging, lithography and etching, with each performing in the sub-5 nm regime. The Ne beam, with a 1.9 nm probe size, can etch sub-15 nm features with order-of-magnitude higher volume-removal rates than He, and perform sub-10 nm lithography on resist. The Ga beam, with a 5 nm minimum probe size, can remove relatively large volumes of material by direct etching. In all, the three beams, each operating over large energy ranges (see specifications below for details), provide multitudes of nanofabrication opportunities in a single system.
Imaging Applications
Ultra-High-Resolution imaging (capable of resolving sub-5 nm features)
High depth of field imaging (compared to SEM)
Image non-conductive specimens using an electron flood gun for charge compensation
Etching Applications
Directly etch patterns into material with all three beams – He, Ne & Ga
Cutting & Imaging Cross-Sections (using Ga)
Final thinning of TEM lamellae (using Ne)
Pattern with Raith ELPHY MultiBeam Pattern Generator or Nanometer Patterning & Visualization Engine (NPVE)
Lithography Applications
High-resolution patterning on resist (35 keV He ions can perform better than 100 keV electrons)
Automatic alignment to markers and automated processing (manually confirmed alignment also available)
Resist patterning on non-conductive specimens
Resist Pattering on curved substrates due to high depth of field
Pattern with Raith ELPHY MultiBeam Pattern Generator or Nanometer Patterning & Visualization Engine (NPVE)
The KNI has a NIST-traceable standard against which FIB measurements can be compared. See Slides 54-55 of the SEM Presentation for details. Ask staff for help finding and using the standard in the lab.
Sample Preparation
Use the Carbon Evaporator to make non-conductive samples conductive by applying 2-10 nm of evaporated carbon (first try using the in-chamber electron flood gun to alleviate charge artifacts).
Use the
O2/Ar Plasma Cleaner to remove hydrocarbons from the sample surface to avoid creating dark contamination spots on your features while imaging them (the ORION's in-chamber plasma cleaner can be used in extreme cases where the sample must be cleaned directly before the experiment is conducted, without exposing it to the atmosphere while transferring it from the outside cleaner to the ORION chamber; excessive numbers of chamber cleanings can have adverse effects on the ORION over time so consult with staff on how and when to do this).
Order Your Own Stubs
Stubs used for mounting specimens are considered a personal, consumable item in the KNI. There are some old stubs at each SEM & FIB, yet you should buy your own so that you can keep them clean and available to you. There are many stub geometries and configurations, some of which will be right for you to purchase and keep with your other cleanroom items.
