A High-Resolution Versatile Focused Ion Implantation Platform for Nanoscale Engineering

The ability to spatially control and modify material properties on the nanoscale, including within nanoscale objects themselves, is a fundamental requirement for the development of advanced nanotechnologies. The development of a platform for nanoscale advanced materials engineering (P-NAME) designed to meet this demand is demonstrated. P-NAME delivers a high-resolution focused ion beam system with a coincident scanning electron microscope and secondary electron detection of single-ion implantation events. The isotopic mass-resolution capability of the P-NAME system for a wide range of ion species is demonstrated, offering access to the implantation of isotopes that are vital for nanomaterials engineering and nanofunctionalization. The performance of the isotopic mass selection is independently validated using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) for a number of species implanted into intrinsic silicon. The SIMS results are shown to be in good agreement with dynamic ion implantation simulations, demonstrating the validity of this simulation approach. The wider performance capabilities of P-NAME, including sub-10 nm ion beam imaging resolution and the ability to perform direct-write ion beam doping and nanoscale ion lithography, are also demonstrated. The capabilities of a focused ion beam implantation system designed for nanoscale advanced materials engineering are showcased, highlighting the isotopic mass resolution achievable for a range of elements key for next-generation technology development. The performance is verified via secondary ion mass spectrometry, with the versatility of the system highlighted, including nanoscale lithography and single ion implantation.image & COPY; 2023 WILEY-VCH GmbH

Automated summary

A platform called P-NAME for nanoscale advanced materials engineering is introduced, which includes a high-resolution focused ion beam system, a scanning electron microscope, and a secondary electron detector. The system demonstrates the capability of isotopic mass-resolution for various ion species that are important for nanomaterials engineering and nanofunctionalization. The performance of the system is validated using secondary ion mass spectrometry, and other capabilities such as sub-10 nm ion beam imaging resolution, direct-write ion beam doping, and nanoscale ion lithography are also showcased.