Comparing identifying indicia formed using laser marking techniques to an identifying indicia model
AssigneeMicron Technology, Inc.
InventorTim J. Corbett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a semiconductor chip are described herein. A laser beam is directed to a location on the surface of the chip where a laser-reactive marking material, such as a pigment containing epoxy, is present. The heat associated with the laser beam causes the laser-reactive marking material to fuse to the surface of the chip, creating a visibly distinct mark in contrast to the rest of the surface of the chip. Only reactive material contacted by the laser fuses to the chip surface and the remaining residue on the non-irradiated portion can be readily removed.
Claims27
A method for producing semiconductor devices, comprising:
- marking at least one semiconductor device which has been characterized as suitable for use with identifying indicia by exposing selected locations of at least one of a surface of said at least one semiconductor device and an energy-reactive marking material to energy, causing said energy-reactive marking material to adhere to said surface;
- and
- comparing said identifying indicia to an identifying indicia model.
A method for producing semiconductor devices, comprising:
- marking at least one semiconductor device which has been characterized as suitable for use with identifying indicia by exposing selected locations of at least one of a surface of said at least one semiconductor device and an energy-reactive marking material to energy, causing said energy-reactive marking material to adhere to said surface;
- comparing said identifying indicia to an identifying indicia model;
- determining whether said identifying indicia substantially matches said identifying indicia model;
- and
- rejecting said at least one semiconductor device if its respective identifying indicia does not substantially match said identifying indicia model.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.