Microchip Imaging: What Magnification is Needed for Electron Microscopy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the magnification required for imaging computer microchips using electron microscopy, specifically at the micrometer level. Participants explore the implications of different levels of magnification and the capabilities of various microscopy techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the necessary magnification for imaging microchips at the micrometer level.
  • Another participant suggests that the required magnification could range from x10,000 to x100,000, noting that modern scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) can achieve this.
  • A different participant questions the relevance of micrometer-level imaging, pointing out that current integrated circuits (ICs) are often designed with features in the low nanometer range.
  • One participant shares their experience with finding SEM images that include magnification details, mentioning difficulty in finding comparable images of microchips.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance and requirements of magnification for imaging microchips, with no consensus reached on the specific needs or the implications of current technology.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference varying definitions of "micrometer level" and the evolution of IC geometries, indicating potential limitations in understanding the scope of the inquiry.

Dr Wu
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TL;DR
Magnification needed to view microchips
Assuming the use of an electron microscope, what magnification would be needed to image a computer microchip at the micrometer level?

Thanks in advance.
 
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That obviously depends on what you want to look at "micrometer level" can mean many different things.
I'd say from a x10000 to about x100 000 or so. Any modern SEM will be able to do this.

Note that "micron level" isn't very difficult; a good optical microscope will resolve features down to about 2 um without problem.
Try doing an image search using Google, many SEM images will include a scale and often also the magnification
 
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Dr Wu said:
image a computer microchip at the micrometer level?
My goodness. How old are these ICs that you want to image? We are in the low nanometer (nm) geometries now...
 
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One of the few images Google coughed up that actually included its magnification was this one by NASA. No such luck when it came to tracking down comparable images of microchips, though. Odd that. Could still be looking in the wrong places, of course.
6747_Send-Your-Name-Journey-To-Mars-Orion-Microchi-100_000X-Magnification-full2.jpg
 
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