Wooptix
Unlocking New Levels of Accuracy in Chip Manufacturing

The margin for error is razor-thin in semiconductor manufacturing, as the tiniest imperfection can disrupt an entire production cycle. This is an industry where precision and efficiency are not just desired—they are paramount. The companies that thrive in this landscape are those that master the art of seamless operations.

Wooptix, a company founded by José Manuel Ramos, with Javier Elizalde as COO, has positioned itself as a leader in semiconductor metrology by leveraging an innovative technology—wavefront phase, originally used in adaptive optics for astronomy. This enables Wooptix to provide an unprecedented level of precision and resolution in nanoscale inspection.

As Ramos explains, “Choosing Wooptix means opting for cutting-edge technological innovation and a team committed to the highest quality standards in the industry. Our metrology solutions offer an essential competitive advantage for chip manufacturers, helping them enhance both the quality and efficiency of their production processes.”

Wooptix helps tackle one of the most significant challenges semiconductor manufacturers face—detecting defects at the nanoscale level. Its wavefront phase technology allows for the measurement and detection of these defects with a superior lateral and vertical resolution and exceptional speed, reducing inspection times to less than a second per measurement. By addressing this critical need for rapid and accurate inspection, Wooptix has helped manufacturers streamline their production processes, significantly reducing bottlenecks.

Another advantage is that their systems allow for non-contact inspections, preserving the delicate surfaces of chips, which would otherwise be at risk during traditional inspection methods.

The success stories of Wooptix highlight the effectiveness of its technology from a research and development perspective. One example involved a leading chip manufacturer facing challenges in detecting defects in the upper layers of its wafers. Through research and the implementation of Wooptix’s wavefront phase technology, a notable improvement in detection accuracy and speed was achieved. However, it is important to note that this technology has only been applied in the realm of R&D and not in actual production. Another case involved an optical components manufacturer that, thanks to Wooptix’s research approaches, experienced a 25 percent improvement in measurement accuracy. This enhancement had a direct impact on product quality and contributed to reduced rejection rates, always within the context of research.

These examples demonstrate the tangible results that Wooptix’s technology can deliver. One of Wooptix’s standout products, Phemet®, exemplifies their commitment to pushing the boundaries of metrology. This system delivers unmatched vertical resolution, enabling manufacturers to detect even the smallest of defects, which could potentially lead to costly production failures. Moreover, Phemet®’s ability to perform inspections in under a second ensures that manufacturers can maintain fast production cycles without compromising on quality.

Elizalde says, “As technology nodes advance and devices shrink, it’s crucial to have precise metrology not only in terms of lateral (surface) resolution but also in vertical (depth) resolution. The results are crucial in three areas, including control of layer thickness, defect detection in-depth, and three-dimensional stacking processes. Basically, with the rise of 3D technologies like FinFET transistors and 3D NAND memory, precision in the third dimension (height) is critical.”

In addition to its groundbreaking metrology solutions, Wooptix is making strides in automation. The company is working towards developing automated tools that can be seamlessly integrated into production lines, offering real-time quality control without disrupting manufacturing processes. This focus on automation is set to further enhance operational efficiency for semiconductor manufacturers, ensuring that Wooptix remains a key player in the industry’s ongoing evolution.

The company is also committed to sustainability and continually explores ways to make its processes more eco-friendly. Wooptix is contributing to a responsible and sustainable semiconductor industry by improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing waste. It stands ready with its unique combination of wavefront phase technology, automation, and a client-centered approach. Backed by a multidisciplinary team, Wooptix is disrupting the metrology inspection industry in ways that promise to transform the future of semiconductor manufacturing.