Semiconductor Characterization

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Engineer operating a cryogenic probe station for wafer-level semiconductor characterization.

In advanced semiconductor R&D, accurate data is the currency of innovation. Standard test setups often struggle with noise floors, thermal instability, or parasitic effects when characterizing next-gen devices like SiC, GaN, or quantum materials. AIMRSE Semiconductor Characterization Solutions eliminate these variables. We provide modular, high-precision probe systems capable of extreme environments—from cryogenic temperatures to high-voltage power testing. We bridge the gap between raw device physics and reliable, publishable data, ensuring your research validates your design.

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Critical Testing Challenges

Before selecting a solution, it is essential to understand the common pitfalls in semiconductor characterization that can compromise data integrity.

Signal Integrity & Noise

Measuring femto-ampere (fA) leakage currents requires more than just a sensitive meter. Environmental noise, cable leakage, and triboelectric effects can obscure real data. Our solutions integrate Triaxial Cabling and guarded fixtures to lower the noise floor, ensuring you capture the true IV/CV characteristics of your device without interference.

Extreme Environment Control

Device performance shifts dramatically under temperature stress or magnetic fields. Standard benches cannot simulate space, automotive, or quantum conditions. Our Cryogenic and Magnetic Field systems provide stable, vibration-isolated platforms that maintain precise thermal and magnetic conditions throughout long-duration tests.

High Power & Safety

Testing Wide Bandgap (SiC/GaN) devices involves high voltages that risk arcing and equipment damage. Conventional probers lack the insulation and safety interlocks needed for kV-range testing. Our High Power Systems feature specialized shielding and safe-contact architectures to protect both your expensive wafers and your operators.

Core Applications: Precision IV/CV & WLR

Our solutions are optimized for the most critical semiconductor characterization tasks, ensuring high fidelity from early device modeling to process qualification.

Femto-ampere leakage measurement setup with triaxial cabling

fA‑Level Leakage Measurement

Utilizing fully guarded thermal chucks, micro‑positioners, and triaxial interconnects to guarantee a noise floor in the femto‑ampere range. Essential for evaluating dark current and gate leakage in advanced logic and memory devices.

Capacitance-voltage measurement setup with optimized signal paths

Low Parasitic Capacitance CV

Optimized signal paths eliminate parasitic effects, ensuring precise Capacitance‑Voltage (CV) measurements even at high frequencies. Ideal for characterizing advanced gate stacks and RF devices.

High-temperature reliability test chamber with thermal chuck

High Stress Endurance (HTRB/TDDB)

Engineered for High‑Temperature Reverse Bias, Time‑Dependent Dielectric Breakdown, and electromigration testing. Our thermal solutions maintain ±0.1°C stability over hundreds of hours without drift.

High-voltage probe station with safety interlock and anti-arcing enclosure

Safety & Automation for High Voltage

Integrated safety enclosures and anti‑arcing environments provide secure probing for kV‑level breakdown testing. Vital for SiC and GaN power device qualification in automotive and energy sectors.

System Architecture Highlights

AIMRSE platforms are engineered with four core pillars to ensure precision, stability, and safety in every measurement.

Why Precision Architecture Matters

Standard probe stations are cost-effective, but they often become the bottleneck in high-performance characterization. We solve these critical engineering limitations.

Sub-Micron Positioning

Modern wafers have shrinking pad sizes. Standard positioners often lack the repeatability needed. We utilize high-stability Micro-Positioners to ensure repeatable contact placement, critical for multi-site testing and avoiding pad damage on expensive wafers.

Thermal Stability

Temperature drift ruins IV/CV curves. Without expert thermal design, measurements fluctuate. Our Thermal Chucks maintain temperature uniformity within ±0.1°C across the entire wafer surface, from liquid nitrogen cooling to resistive heating.

EMI & Vibration Isolation

External noise corrupts fA-level signals. Standard benches transmit floor vibrations. We counteract this by integrating proprietary Anti-Vibration Platforms and Faraday cage compatibility to isolate your DUT from mechanical and electromagnetic interference.

Core Advantages

Prec

Ultra‑Low Noise & Femto‑ampere Sensitivity

Environmental noise and cable leakage often bury true device characteristics. Our Low‑Noise Configuration combines triaxial cabling, guarded thermal chucks, and full Faraday shielding to achieve a verified noise floor in the femto‑ampere (fA) range. Capture real leakage currents in advanced logic (2nm GAAFET) and high‑k gate stacks without parasitic artifacts.

Therm

±0.1°C Thermal Uniformity Across Full Wafer

Temperature drift distorts IV/CV curves and reliability lifetime extrapolations. Our thermal chucks deliver wafer‑level uniformity of ±0.1°C from cryogenic (4K) up to 400°C, with integrated guarding to eliminate leakage currents. Whether performing HTRB or TDDB, you get stable, drift‑free data over hundreds of hours.

Safe

High‑Voltage Arcing Prevention (Up to 10 kV)

Standard probers risk flashover and equipment damage when testing SiC/GaN devices. Our High Power Systems utilize pressurized chambers and dielectric fluid options to safely perform wafer‑level testing up to 10 kV without arcing. Integrated safety interlocks protect both your operators and your valuable wafers.

Flex

Modular Architecture – From Manual to Fully Automated

One platform adapts to your evolving needs. Start with a manual probe station for failure analysis, then upgrade to full automation with motorized platen, temperature control, and RF/microwave capabilities up to 110 GHz. Seamless integration with Keysight, Tektronix, and other analyzers ensures you never outgrow your system.

Trusted by Research Labs & Industry Leaders

Our global footprint and track record demonstrate our commitment to supporting the world's most advanced semiconductor research across key sectors.

Advanced Foundries

Leading edge logic and memory development demands ultimate precision.

Node Scaling: Our systems support characterization of 2nm GAAFET structures and beyond, providing the stability needed for sub-fA leakage measurements.
Yield Analysis: High-throughput probing capabilities enable rapid failure analysis and process optimization for major foundries worldwide.

Quantum Research

Exploring the frontiers of physics requires extreme environments.

Extreme Conditions: Our Cryogenic and Magnetic Field systems enable breakthrough research in Quantum Spintronics at major national labs, operating reliably at 4K and below.
Signal Purity: Specialized low-noise architectures ensure that delicate quantum states are not disturbed by measurement equipment.

Automotive Power

The shift to EVs requires robust high-voltage testing solutions.

Safety & Reliability: Certified supplier for High Voltage SiC module testing in the automotive sector, compliant with ISO 9001 and SEMI standards.
High Stress Testing: Our High Power systems handle the rigorous HTRB and Power Cycling tests required for AEC-Q101 qualification.

RF & 5G/6G

Next-generation communication relies on accurate high-frequency data.

Frequency Range: Our RF/Microwave probe stations support frequencies up to 110GHz and beyond, essential for mmWave device validation.
Calibration Accuracy: Integrated on-wafer calibration solutions ensure S-parameter accuracy, reducing the need for costly re-spins.

Engagement Model

Our structured five-step workflow ensures a seamless transition from initial concept to full-scale production support.

Objective: Understand your DUT (Device Under Test) requirements and environmental constraints.

Services:

  • Technical Consultation: We analyze your voltage, current, frequency, and temperature ranges to recommend the right probe head and chuck.
  • Compatibility Check: Ensure seamless integration with your existing SMUs, VNAs, or Parametric Analyzers (Keysight, Tektronix, etc.).

Objective: Design a tailored system architecture that meets your precision goals.

Services:

  • Modular Selection: Choose from Vacuum, Cryogenic, RF, or High-Voltage modules.
  • Custom Engineering: Design special fixtures, optical windows for optoelectronics, or multi-probe arrays for specific wafer maps.

Objective: Deliver and install the system in your facility with minimal downtime.

Services:

  • Global Logistics: Secure shipping of sensitive precision instruments.
  • On-Site Installation: Our engineers level the system, connect utilities (gas, water, vacuum), and verify mechanical integrity.

Objective: Validate system performance and empower your team.

Services:

  • Performance Calibration: Verify positioning accuracy, temperature stability, and electrical noise floor against specs.
  • Operator Training: Comprehensive training on safe operation, probe care, and basic troubleshooting.

Objective: Maintain peak performance throughout the system lifecycle.

Services:

  • Preventive Maintenance: Annual check-ups for vacuum seals, thermal elements, and mechanical stages.
  • Consumables Supply: Reliable supply chain for Probe Tips, cables, and cleaning kits.

Semiconductor Characterization FAQ

What is the minimum current resolution your systems can support?
With our specialized Low-Noise Configuration (including triaxial cabling, guarded chucks, and isolation enclosures), our systems can support current measurements down to the femto-ampere (fA) range. This is ideal for leakage current testing in advanced logic and memory devices.
Can I integrate my own optical microscope or laser source?
Yes. Our Microscope Systems and probe stations are designed with standard optical ports and mounting interfaces. We frequently integrate customer-supplied lasers, spectrometers, and high-magnification objectives for Optoelectronic Characterization (e.g., EL/PL mapping).
Do you provide solutions for Wafer-Level Reliability (WLR) testing?
Absolutely. Our High Power and Thermal systems are specifically built for WLR applications like HTRB, HTGB, and Power Cycling. We offer safety interlocks and robust contacting solutions to handle the high stresses involved in reliability qualification for SiC and GaN devices.
How do you handle vibration sensitivity in cryogenic measurements?
Cryogenic systems often involve flowing fluids which can induce micro-vibrations. We counteract this by integrating our proprietary Anti-Vibration Platforms and designing rigid, low-thermal-mass probe arms. This ensures stable probe-to-pad contact even at 4K temperatures.
What wafer sizes do you support?
We offer standard chucks for 2-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch wafers. Additionally, we provide custom fixture services for non-standard substrates, diced wafers, or packaged devices (TO-can, QFN, etc.).

Need a Solution That Fits Perfectly?

Whether you are pushing the limits of quantum materials or validating the next generation of power electronics, our engineering team is ready to configure the perfect probe station for your lab. Don't let equipment limitations compromise your research.

Note: All AIMRSE probe systems and components are designed exclusively for professional semiconductor R&D and industrial testing. Equipment must be operated by trained personnel in accordance with standard laboratory safety protocols.

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