Dimension IconIR300
Dimension IconIR300
The Dimension IconIR300™ large-sample nanoIR system delivers rapid, high-accuracy nanoscale characterization for semiconductor applications, supporting a broad spectrum of material types and sample sizes up to 300 mm wafers. By combining proprietary photothermal IR spectroscopy with advanced AFM property mapping, IconIR300 enables automated wafer inspection and defect identification on samples that challenge conventional techniques. The system’s architecture supports rapid chemical imaging and quantitative analysis, extending AFM-IR capabilities to new semiconductor segments and materials. Integrated recipe-based measurement automation and robust data analysis software streamline workflows, ensuring reproducible, high-throughput measurements for process development, quality control, and production environments.
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Superior Nanoscale IR Spectroscopy and Chemical Imaging for the Semiconductor Industry
Only the Dimension IconIR300 system provides:
- Whole-wafer, non-destructive measurement of 200 mm and 300 mm wafers;
- Unambiguous identification of organic and inorganic nano-contaminants on semiconductor wafers and photomasks with data directly correlating to FTIR libraries;
- Non-destructive step-height measurement and nanoscale material property mapping; and
- Automated, recipe-based measurements and KLARF file support for user-friendly access to comprehensive data.
Whole-Wafer Measurement of 200 mm and 300 mm Wafers
Our patented, unique suite of AFM-IR modes and proprietary PeakForce Tapping® property mapping modes, together with IconIR300's large sample architecture, provide ultimate sample flexibility for the broadest range of semiconductor applications. IconIR300 delivers whole-wafer measurement of samples up to 300 mm in diameter in a wide range of thicknesses and material types, including:
- Both organic and inorganic samples;
- Patterned wafers;
- Bare wafers;
- Photomasks; and
- Data storage media wafers.
Additionally, Surface Sensitive AFM-IR mode enables IconIR300 to provide unique, reliable surface-sensitive chemical measurements of polymeric films deposited on semiconductor materials.
Push-Button AFM and AFM-IR Imaging Automation
Bruker’s AutoMET software on Dimension IconIR systems provides the only AFM-IR measurement automation capability on the market. It supports recipe-driven, push-button nanoscale chemical imaging, AFM imaging, and KLARF-based navigation. IR spectroscopy steps can also be inserted into automated imaging recipes.
AutoMET recipes allow the user to:
- Choose sites of interest
- Define measurements per site
- Set analyses per measurement
This level of automation is essential for routine industrial applications, from semiconductors to pharmaceuticals and polymers. Key benefits include:
- Increased throughput without repetitive manual imaging setup
- Consistent data acquisition from operators of any experience level
- Customizability for a large breadth of materials and analysis needs
Highest Performance Nanoscale IR Spectroscopy for Semiconductor Applications
Bruker is the innovator for photothermal AFM-IR-based nanoIR spectroscopy, the preferred technique for the nanoIR community.
Dimension IconIR300 delivers:
- Highly accurate, rich, detailed spectra with FT-IR correlation, achieving nanometer-level measurement of thin contaminants;
- A variety of advanced operational modes supporting the measurement of a wide range of samples for both industrial and academic users;
- Highest performance AFM-IR spectroscopy, the leading nanoIR mode in semiconductor applications; and
- Reliable surface-sensitive chemical measurements for polymeric films.
Highest Resolution Chemical Imaging On Wafers and Photomasks
The Dimension IconIR300’s industry-leading AFM performance and Bruker’s patented Tapping AFM-IR imaging together enhance the spatial resolution and sample accessibility of our nanoIR technology.
Dimension IconIR300 provides:
- <5 nm chemical spatial resolution for imaging over a broad range of sample types, including soft organic and inorganic contaminants;
- Consistent, reliable, and high-quality data; and
- AFM-IR technology for removing any and all mechanical artifacts, ensuring only true chemical composition is collected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this system is purpose-built for photothermal AFM-IR and property mapping on 200 mm and 300 mm wafers. It supports recipe automation and defect mapping for semiconductor workflows.
IconIR300 can detect and chemically identify both organic and inorganic nano-contaminants on wafers and photomasks. Its AFM-IR spectra can be directly correlated with FTIR reference libraries.
Yes. Dimension IconIR300 supports Bruker’s AutoMET® software and KLARF-based navigation. This enables user-defined automated nanoscale measurements at user-defined locations on wafers, grids, or arrays of multiple samples. IR spectroscopy steps can also be inserted into automated imaging recipes.
AutoMET® recipes allow the user to choose sites, then define measurements per site and analyses per measurement. This capability is essential for routine industrial applications, from semiconductors to pharmaceuticals and polymers.
More About Bruker's Nanoscale Infrared Technology
Yes. Bruker’s photothermal AFM-IR technology produces spectra that are directly comparable to FTIR spectra, as demonstrated in published documentation and peer-reviewed articles. AFM-IR spectra can be searched directly against FTIR spectral databases. If FTIR-like spectral analysis is critical for your application, our experts can provide evidence showing spectral correlation.
Photothermal AFM-IR provides direct absorption-based spectra that closely match FTIR results and are easier to interpret than Raman-AFM or s-SNOM. Further, Photothermal AFM-IR signals are amplified by the resonant enhancement of the cantilever providing the best signal-to-noise of those techniques. Bruker offers s-SNOM as a separate option for advanced near-field studies.
Bruker nanoIR systems routinely achieve chemical imaging with spatial resolution below 10 nm and can detect single molecular layers. Actual performance depends on your sample and selected measurement mode.
Yes, photothermal AFM-IR can chemically map and identify particles smaller than one micron, including nanoplastics and environmental contaminants. Direct correlation to FTIR provides ready interpretation in particles as small as 10 nm.
Bruker’s photothermal AFM-IR systems typically require a single socket of standard electrical power,and CDA. Specific requirements may vary by model, so request a site preparation guide from your Bruker representative.
Bruker photothermal AFM-IR systems primarily use quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) that deliver stable, reliable performance and broad coverage across the mid-infrared fingerprint region as well as optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) for the C-H, O-H, N-H stretching region. Multiple QCL chips can be combined to access all key spectral windows required for routine and advanced research, and additional sources are available for specialized applications. Bruker’s application experts can help you select the optimal laser configuration to match your measurement needs and ensure sufficient spectral resolution for both standard and demanding experiments.
Measurement times vary by application, but point spectra can be acquired in seconds, chemical maps in minutes, and automated recipes can be tailored for high-throughput workflows.
Routine maintenance includes probe replacement, laser alignment checks, and calibration with reference samples. Bruker provides detailed maintenance protocols and support plans.