FTIR is used to characterize the chemical bonding present in solids,
liquids and gases. As a beam of infrared radiation is passed through a
sample (or reflected off of a sample) certain frequencies are absorbed
by the sample's interatomic bonds through resonance. The absorbed
frequencies are measured by an interferometer and related to the
chemical bonding present in the sample. For many organic compounds the
infrared spectrum is a virtual fingerprint which may be used for
positive identification. Extensive databases of FTIR spectra may be
searched automatically to identify unknowns. The magnitude of infrared
absorption may be used for quantitation.
FTIR is frequently used to identify unknown compounds and contaminants found in process tools. Microscopic particles and residues measuring >20um can be examined with the microscope accessory. Other FTIR applications include measurement of interstitial oxygen content of silicon wafers, measurement of epitaxial film thicknesses, measurement of hydrogen and water in silicon oxide, silicon nitride and BPSG films and measurement of polymer film degree of cure.
FTIR is frequently used to identify unknown compounds and contaminants found in process tools. Microscopic particles and residues measuring >20um can be examined with the microscope accessory. Other FTIR applications include measurement of interstitial oxygen content of silicon wafers, measurement of epitaxial film thicknesses, measurement of hydrogen and water in silicon oxide, silicon nitride and BPSG films and measurement of polymer film degree of cure.