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Spatially and Temporally Resolved Thermal Imaging of Cyclically Heated Interconnects by Use of Scanning Thermal Microscopy
Published
Author(s)
Nicholas Barbosa, Andrew J. Slifka
Abstract
A scanning thermal microscope (SThM) was used to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of temperature in electrical interconnect structures designed for measuring the mechanical properties of thin films. Knowledge of the thermal behavior of the interconnect structures is required to understand the imposed strain state during mechanical property measurements. A Wollaston wire probe was utilized in passive temperature sensing mode for SThM measurements. The probe was calibrated through a novel method utilizing a microfabricated single layer heater and sensor structure. Results show a diffuse temperature distribution with an average temperature and peak-to-valley temperature that both increased from a minimum value at the end of the line-length to a maximum at the center of the line-length. Time-resolved temperature measurements were performed and used to determine the maximum temperature swings at several locations in the linewidth. Temperature was shown to vary in both the width and length of the lines.
Barbosa, N.
and Slifka, A.
(2008),
Spatially and Temporally Resolved Thermal Imaging of Cyclically Heated Interconnects by Use of Scanning Thermal Microscopy, Microscopy Research and Technique, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=50398
(Accessed October 17, 2025)