The Semion Retarding Field Energy Analyser (RFEA) system measures the ion flux and ion energy distribution hitting a surface in real-time using an imitation substrate (holder plate) with integrated sensors. The Semion Multi Sensor system can have up to 13 sensing elements distributed around the imitation substrate, which is primarily used to investigate the uniformity of ion energy and ion flux at the substrate in industrial plasma applications. A range of replaceable sensing elements with different signal sensitivities are available to probe a wide range of plasma ion current densities. This is the industry standard for substrate level measurement of the ion energy distribution, used in over 100 publications for fundamental research and plasma process development.

Measure the key parameters of process performance; ion flux, ion energy distribution function, deposition rate and aspect ratio.

Measure the parameters in real time, allowing you to make changes and monitor the effects live, saving hours of unnecessary setup and waiting.

Our RFEA systems are very easy to install in any plasma chamber. The system is small enough to be easily portable meaning a single system can be used in multiple chambers. It has an electrical feedthrough, a detachable holder substrate and replaceable sensors. the electrical feedthrough comes with a CF40 flange but we can also provide adapters to alternative flanges as needed.

Our software has been designed to be easy to use and can be installed on any laptop or PC.

Once installed the software allows the user to configure the system, run the scan, visualize the data and import/export data as needed.

The system will automatically calculate the IEDF results and in the case of a multi sensor Semion system the software will generate contour maps of energy and flux uniformity over the wafer area.

Impedans Semion RFEA Sensors

The sensing elements and holder substrates are available in anodised aluminium, bare aluminium or stainless-steel options.

We also have holder substrate options with up to 13 sensors integrated into a single holder allowing uniformity measurements.

Holders with different shapes and designs available upon request.

Our RFEA systems have a range of replaceable sensing elements with different signal sensitivities to probe a wide range of plasma ion current densities. They also allow for a range of pressures meaning a single system can be used for multiple plasma densities and pressure ranges.

The replaceable sensing elements can be purchased as a spare part and can be easily replaced by the user when maintenance is required.

The Semion pDC enables measurement of the ion energy distribution function and the ion flux during the pulse with a 44nS resolution.

The substrate holder can be mounted on a pulsed DC biased electrode with up to 400V peak-to-peak applied.

System Components & Options

Impedans Semion RFEA System - Electronics Box

Electronics Unit

Impedans Semion RFEA System - Feedthrough

Electrical Vacuum Feedthrough

Substrate Holder

Sensing Elements (Button probes)

Part Number Description Current Range
02-0549-01
Semion pDC Electronics Unit
Compatible for all Semion pDC holders
02-0754-01
Semion pDC Feedthrough
Compatible with all Semion pDC holders
Part Number Product Name Description
02-0528-01

50mm Holder 

1 sensing element
02-0551-01

70mm Holder

1 sensing element
02-0531-01

100mm Holder

1 sensing element
02-0534-01

150mm Holder

1 sensing element
02-0537-01

200mm Holder

1 sensing element
02-0540-01
300mm Holder
1 sensing element

*Anodised Aluminium as standard. Bare Aluminium and Stainless-Steel available upon request.

Part Number Description Current Range
02-0342-01
Low Density
0.001 to 3 Am-2
02-0339-01
Standard Density
0.01 to 50 Am-2
02-0345-01
High Density
0.1 to 700 Am-2

*Anodised Aluminium as standard. Bare Aluminium and Stainless-Steel available upon request.