Sagitta Ltd. has released what it claims is the first fully automated cross-sectioning system designed to support the failure analysis, materials characterization, and yield enhancement activities of fiber-optic component manufacturers. With Integrated Image Processing optimized for failure analysis of photonic component samples, the Centar can cross-section fiber-optic components, planar devices, and integrated circuits to an accuracy of 0.1 micron to the targeted feature.
The Centar comes equipped with an image processing system that allows the user to pinpoint submicron features of interest in the device. According to the company, the system automatically registers the feature location and automatically proceeds to cross sectional polish through the sample until the targeted feature is reached to within an accuracy of plus or minus 0.1 micron. No manual intervention is required and all steps are completely recipe-driven from a user interface station.
The automated architecture and submicron control, derived from Sagitta's patented SMPT technology, permits preparation of parts within minutes, claims company representatives. The system is ideal for critical fiber-optic parts requiring physical examination during yield enhancement or process development, such as exposing the active area of laser diodes, defects in crystals, examination of the fiber cladding or core, examination of planar devices, and other applications.
Sagitta Ltd. (Hauppauge, NY) is a technology-based equipment supplier for the fiber-optic and semiconductor industries. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.sagitta.com.