Compositional Metrology of Atom Probe Applied to non-Metallic Materials

TL;DR

This paper reviews the principles, challenges, and correction methods for accurate compositional measurements in laser-assisted Atom Probe Tomography of non-metallic materials, emphasizing the role of surface electric fields.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of compositional biases in APT for non-metallic materials and proposes best practices and correction strategies.

Findings

Identification of key mechanisms causing compositional biases.

Assessment methods for measurement accuracy in non-metallic APT.

Recommendations for improving APT measurement reliability.

Abstract

Two decades after its introduction, laser-assisted Atom Probe Tomography (La-APT) has demonstrated a unique potential for the study of the 3D distribution of atomic species in semiconductor materials and devices, and in a growing list of inorganic non-metallic solids. A crucial and often underestimated issue with APT is its accuracy in compositional measurements of non-metallic systems. This work introduces the principles of APT as an experimental technique, recalling the aspects potentially leading to compositional biases and underlining in particular the role of the surface electric field in governing the different physical-chemical phenomena that enable the measurement. It reviews the possible mechanisms of specific losses, as well as the methods for assessing a compositional bias and proposing possible correction methods. Finally, it establishes a state of the art on compositional biases in APT of non-metallic materials, on the basis of which it will be possible to conclude on specific recommendations for best practices, and the perspective of application of APT to new materials.