Technical article - Technical library

Silicon electrode column damage layer detection technology

In our damage layer detection and analysis service, we have introduced the damage layer analysis process and detection methods for crystal rods and wafers. This article will further explain in detail the damage layer detection technology of silicon electrode columns.

As shown in the figure below (Figure 1), this is the object of our observation this time - the silicon electrode column. From the picture, we can clearly see the holes, grooves and cutting marks left on the surface after drilling and processing, and these locations are all areas where the damaged layer may appear (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Silicon electrode column


Figure 2: Schematic diagram of the damaged layer

• What is a “silicon electrode column”?

Silicon electrode column is a columnar silicon material made through high-precision processing and is often used in electrochemical devices, energy storage devices, or semiconductor-related components. They are often designed to be porous and have high surface area to increase conductivity or reactive surface area.

During the processing, mechanical actions such as cutting and drilling can easily cause damage to the surface or subsurface structure, such as microcracks, plastic deformation or amorphization. These damaged areas are called damage layers.

• Where might the damage layer form?

On the surface of silicon electrode pillars, the damage layer is commonly found in the following areas:

  • Drilling edge
  • Groove bottom and sidewalls
  • Cut or trim surfaces

If these damages are not discovered early, they may affect the subsequent process yield, conductivity performance, and even reduce the product life.

• Testing process and analysis method

To observe these damaged layers, we need to first segment the sample appropriately (Figure 3), cut the area to be observed into appropriate sizes, and then follow the following steps (Figure 4):

Figure 3: Segmented work

  1. Cut and segment
  2. Grinding and polishing
  3. Chemical etching
  4. Microscopic observation and analysis

Figure 4. Operation Procedure

•Observation results and illustrations

After processing, damage layers with depths ranging from tens to hundreds of microns can be observed in areas such as the grooves (Figure 5). When observed from the side, the thickness and range of the damaged layer can also be clearly identified (Figure 6).

These analyses help determine the effects of machining on the material, thereby improving process parameters or preventing defects.

Figure 5. Groove damage layer

Figure 6. Side analysis of damage

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