Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), which utilizes the strong localized optical field generated at the apex of a metallic
tip when illuminated, has been shown to successfully probe the vibrational spectrum of today’s and tomorrow’s state-of-the-art
silicon and next-generation semiconductor devices, such as quantum dots. Collecting and analyzing the vibrational spectrum
not only aids in material identification but also provides insight into strain distributions in semiconductors. Here, the
potential of TERS for nanoscale characterization of strain in silicon devices is reviewed. Emphasis will be placed on the
key challenges of obtaining spectroscopic images of strain in actual strained silicon devices.
Figure Figure Concept of Tip Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS), which utilizes the strong localized optical field generated at the
apex of a metallic tip when illuminated. TERS has been demonstrated to successfully probe the vibrational spectrum of today’s
and tomorrow’s state-of-the-art silicon and next generation semiconductor devices
Keywords IR spectroscopy - Raman spectroscopy - Laser spectroscopy - Nanoparticles/nanotechnology - Spectroscopy/instrumentation - UV/VIS