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During winter, when I can't take pictures of the stars, I tend to take pictures of decapsulated computer chips. As my technique improves, I'm able to find things that had been destroyed in earlier attempts- for example, I can now decapsulate MEMS devices leaving intact the suspended Si membrane, which makes for some good in-class discussions. Most recently, while processing an old iPhone, I've uncovered a bunch of 'things' that I hope PF-ers here can help identify.
First up are small ICs that seem to be printed as thin films on quartz or sapphire- not sure which:
Some of these circuits are fairly complex:
Does anyone know what the substrate material is and what the function of these circuits are? They are typically located within ceramic enclosures.
Next are small blocks of Si (again, located within ceramic enclosures) that have Au traces on them, and there seems to be a thin film between the traces and the Si. Not sure what these are for:
The traces came off of these during the final Nitric Acid wash.
Last are some more complex thin-film circuits, and again the substrate is not Si (maybe Ge?). These are incredibly fragile and little bits regularly break off whenever I try to handle them:
Any info/guidance about these would be most appreciated! Thanks in advance...
First up are small ICs that seem to be printed as thin films on quartz or sapphire- not sure which:
Some of these circuits are fairly complex:
Does anyone know what the substrate material is and what the function of these circuits are? They are typically located within ceramic enclosures.
Next are small blocks of Si (again, located within ceramic enclosures) that have Au traces on them, and there seems to be a thin film between the traces and the Si. Not sure what these are for:
The traces came off of these during the final Nitric Acid wash.
Last are some more complex thin-film circuits, and again the substrate is not Si (maybe Ge?). These are incredibly fragile and little bits regularly break off whenever I try to handle them:
Any info/guidance about these would be most appreciated! Thanks in advance...
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