The DEP deliverable builds on the content generated in a device essentials (DEF) project. The purpose of the DEP is to extend coverage of chip analysis beyond the SEM-based imaging used for DEF projects, and to expand the analyst commentary. A DEP contains interpreted results from transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TEM-based energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDS), TEM-based electron energy loss spectroscopy (TEM-EELS), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) analyses (the DEP scope is target device dependent). The DEP report includes the following:
- Summary of salient features of the device
- TEM images of pre-metal dielectrics (PMD), deep trench isolation (DTI), back layers, microlenses, and microlens coating
- TEM-EDS spectra of dielectrics, metals, DTI, back dielectrics, color filters, microlenses, and microlens coating
- Scanning microwave impedance microscopy (sMIM) of the pixel photocathode (along horizontal and vertical planes of cross-section) and periphery
- SIMS analysis of the CMOS image sensor (CIS) die pixel array and periphery