FTIR (Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy)
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) provides specific information about chemical bonding and molecular structures, making it useful for analyzing organic materials and certain inorganic materials. Chemical bonds vibrate at characteristic frequencies, and when exposed to infrared radiation, they absorb the radiation at frequencies that match their vibration modes. Measuring the radiation absorption as a function of frequency produces a spectrum that can be used to identify functional groups and compounds.
We primarily use FTIR to assist our customers with identifying and analyzing materials and/or contaminants. For example, we work with you to determine if a device component is contaminated. If it is, we can use FTIR to help determine what the contaminant is, so you can eliminate the source.
FTIR Technical Capabilities
Signal Detected:
Infrared absorption
Elements Detected:
Molecular groups
Detection Limits:
0.1 - 1 wt%
Depth Resolution:
0.1 - 2.5 µm
Imaging/Mapping:
No
Lateral Resolution/Probe Size:
>=15 µm
Ideal Uses for FTIR Analysis
- Identifying the molecular structure of organic compounds for contamination analysis
- Identification of organic particles, powders, films, and liquids (material identification)
- Quantification of O and H in Si, and H in SiN wafers (Si-H vs. N-H)
- Contamination analysis (extracts, outgassed products, residues)
Relevant Industries for FTIR Analysis
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Biomedical/biotechnology
- Compound Semiconductor
- Data Storage
- Defense
- Displays
- Electronics
- Industrial Products
- Lighting
- Pharmaceutical
- Photonics
- Polymer
- Semiconductor
- Solar Photovoltaics
- Telecommunications
Strengths of FTIR Analysis
- Capable of identifying organic functional groups and often specific organic compounds
- Extensive spectral libraries for compound identification
- Ambient conditions (not vacuum; good for volatile compounds)
- Typically non-destructive
- Minimum analysis area: ~15 micron
Limitations of FTIR Analysis
- Limited surface sensitivity (typical sampling volumes are ~0.8 µm)
- Minimum analysis area: ~15 micron
- Limited inorganic information
- Typically not quantitative (needs standards)