Stealth Dicing Technology

Stealth dicing technology is a cutting process for low-k device chips, which are sensitive to external impacts and are commonly used in electronic devices. These devices are small mechanical electromechanical devices (MEMS) on a silicon substrate. While stealth dicing doesn’t cause chipping, it can produce sharp edges. In addition, this cutting technique is faster than traditional laser ablation. Read on to learn more about this cutting method.

Process flow of dicing a wafer

The process flow of stealth dicing a semiconductor wafer starts with the preparation of a silicon wafer. The first step is to determine the thickness of the wafer. Then, it is necessary to determine the width of the saw street, which is usually 90 to 120 mm. Then, a suitable decapsulation technique can be used to identify whether Stealth Laser dicing, Metal Stack Kerf, or Silicon Plasma Trench etch was performed.

This step is performed before the rest of the steps. The wafer is then taped to the dicing frame. In some cases, the process does not produce sufficient energy to separate the dies, so notching at the interface may weaken the die more than a mechanically diced wafer. Using a new tape and dicing frame is a good idea to avoid such issues.

Techniques used to perform dicing

A new technique for semiconductor manufacturing, Stealth Dicing, uses lasers to slice wafers in a dry process. This method offers several advantages including no chipping or kerf loss and high bending strength. Here is an overview of the technology and techniques used for Stealth Dicing. It’s not all about lasers. This technique also has an advantage of reducing or eliminating heat.

In the study presented here, a 25-mJ pulse energy was used in conjunction with a x100 objective lens to focus the beam at a depth of 330-270 mm below the top surface. The sample was exposed to the laser for 100 ms per step, with the minimum exposure time limited by the speed of the shutter that blocked the beam. This technique was found to yield a high yield.

The resulting wafer is shaped into a chip by expanding it mechanically. Then, a die is placed on top and processes it in a separate module of the Stealth Dicing machine. This technique is highly effective in maintaining high productivity while ensuring high quality. The technique is more difficult to implement than blade dicing, but is possible with a bit of effort. In the end, the technology ensures that silicon chips are high quality, sharp and reliable.

Cost of dicing compared to other dicing methods

Stealth dicing is a relatively new technique that was developed by Hamamatsu Photonics KK in Japan. It is used for dicing ultrathin semiconductor wafers and specialty wafers, such as low-k and MEMS materials. This process is gentler on the environment than conventional dicing methods, which can lead to chipping and delamination. Additionally, the process is dry, which greatly reduces water consumption.

The cost of stealth dicing technology is substantially lower than other dicing methods. Its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. It is relatively easy to implement, with minimal training. The process is also fast and accurate, making it the most suitable for production-scale productions. It also offers improved yield compared to other dicing methods. It is much faster than other dicing processes and produces a high-quality resulting product.

Stealth Dicing technology uses a special laser beam to cut the wafer from within. This results in a clean chip. With traditional dicing methods, debris is left behind that can damage a device or destroy valuable semiconductor material. Stealth dicing uses a subsurface laser to perforate the wafer and separate individual chips. Its high-quality chips can reduce wafer manufacturing costs by up to 90%.

Advantages of dicing over other dicing methods

Although the present disclosure focuses on the benefits of stealth dicing technology over traditional dicing methods, it is important to consider its drawbacks. The process of stealth dicing involves forming multiple modified layers on a material by repeatedly scanning it. However, this is time-consuming and inefficient. Moreover, the facet of the chip produced by stealth dicing technology may not be flat due to a shift in vertical focus points. However, the advantages outweigh the drawbacks of conventional dicing techniques, especially for sensitive materials.

In terms of productivity, stealth dicing technology is superior to conventional dicing methods. It has improved yields by up to ten times. Its unique design also allows engineers to create intricate parts from tiny components. The resulting product is millimeter-sized or smaller. It is stress-free and yields high-quality products. It is ideal for micro-dicing applications, where accuracy is essential.