This work demonstrates the capability of E-beam probing, combined with optical techniques, to effectively monitor the activity of the IC structures and extract the signals from a 16nm technology device through the silicon backside. We conducted optical probing to localize the area of interest on the device, where we aimed the E-beam probing to gather the signal. Once the target was located, a trench down to the STI level was opened on the device. This enables the use of E-beam probing, which has a much higher resolution than the optical methods.

In this paper, the failure analysis of InGaAs/GaAs-on-Si nanoridge laser diodes using the electron beam based nano-probing technique is presented. These III-V laser devices are fabricated using the nano-ridge engineering approach where the misfit dislocations generated during the growth of InGaAs/GaAs layers on silicon substrate are confined away from the active region. It is observed that the applied electrical stress causes degradation of electrical properties of the laser devices. We demonstrate the application of the electron beam induced current (EBIC) technique for failure analysis of nano-ridge lasers. This high-resolution technique helps to visualize the local distribution of the electric field in a nano-ridge p-i-n diode. The EBIC signal from the reference (electrically unstressed) device and the electrically stressed device is compared and hence can be used to identify the defective region. Furthermore, in-situ electrical stress experiments are performed for systematic analysis of the impact of electrical stress on the EBIC results.

Contactless probing methods through the chip backside have been demonstrated to be powerful attack techniques in the field of electronic security. However, these attacks typically require the adversary to run the circuit under specific conditions, such as enforcing the switching of gates or registers with certain frequencies or repeating measurements over multiple executions to achieve an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Fulfilling such requirements may not always be feasible due to challenges such as low-frequency switching or inaccessibility of the control signals. In this work, we assess these requirements for contactless electron- and photon-based probing attacks by performing extensive experiments. Our findings demonstrate that E-beam probing, in particular, has the potential to outperform optical methods in scenarios involving static or low-frequency circuit activities.

Key improvements to data acquisition, visualization and analysis are presented for Electrical Failure Analysis (EFA). Multi-channel image acquisition is introduced, where every nanoprobe is used for simultaneous imaging, in combination with color coding either by probe or by current. This new approach improves visualization of new device technologies with increasing three-dimensional complexity, in particular for overlapping structures and fields. Further, this new multichannel method opens opportunities for image mixing to improve data quality and signal interpretation.

This work presents advanced resistance mapping techniques based on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with nanoprobing systems and the related embedded electronics. Focus is placed on recent advances to reduce noise and increase speed, such as integration of dedicated in situ electronics into the nanoprobing platform, as well as an important transition from current-sensitive to voltagesensitive amplification. We show that it is now possible to record resistance maps with a resistance sensitivity in the 10W range, even when the total resistance of the mapped structures is in the range of 100W. A reference structure is used to illustrate the improved performance, and a lowresistance failure case is presented as an example of analysis made possible by these developments.

A novel approach for the localization of weak points in thin transistor and capacitor oxides before electrical breakdown will be presented in this paper. The proposed approach utilizes Electron Beam Absorbed Current (EBAC) imaging based on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). This technique uses the generation of additional charge carriers within the semiconductor substrate level by scanning with a focused electron beam. Over a thin transistor or capacitor oxide layer inside the interaction volume of the electron beam an increased tunnel current is visualized by EBAC and shows areas with different current intensities indicating weak points. These soft defect areas are investigated in comparison to references which were analyzed by using cross sectioning in a dual beam FIB/SEM system followed by a high resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) investigation. The feasibility of this new technique is demonstrated on a defective transistor gate oxide test structure.

In this paper a novel approach for precise localisation of thin oxide breakdowns in transistor or capacitor structures by electron beam absorbed current (EBAC) imaging based on Scanning Electron Microscopy will be presented. The technique significantly improves sensitivity and lateral resolution of short localisation in comparison to standard techniques, e.g. Photoemission Microscopy, and provides direct defect navigation within a combined FIB/SEM system for further cross section analysis. The oxide short is minimal affected by electrical stimulation preserving its original defect structure for further physical root cause analysis. The feasibility of this new technique is demonstrated on a gate oxide (GOX) and two capacitor oxide (COX) breakdown failures.