Technology · AMC Monitoring · Cleanroom

AMC Monitoring Technology

Advanced Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography solutions for comprehensive airborne molecular contamination detection in semiconductor and precision manufacturing environments.

< 0.1 ppb Detection Limits
25+ Compounds Simultaneous Detection
Cycle Times Minutes
Continuous Continuous Operation

The AMC Challenge in Cleanroom Environments

Airborne Molecular Contamination poses critical threats to high-technology manufacturing processes, especially in semiconductor production.

Critical Contamination Impact

AMC contaminations encompass various molecular groups with different damage mechanisms. These airborne contaminants cause expensive, yield-reducing problems that can impact entire manufacturing processes.

Contamination Effects

  • Film and Trace Corrosion: Equipment damage from acids
  • T-topping: Photoresist profile distortion
  • Bridging: Electrical connection failures
  • Unwanted Doping: Silicon property alteration
  • Optical Damage: Costly optics impairment

Molecular Contamination Sources

Contaminations as chemical films or layers, sometimes as thin as a single molecule, can alter electrical, optical, and physical properties of product surfaces.

Impact on Manufacturing

Yield Reduction Up to 30% losses
Quality Impact Device performance degradation
Cost Impact Equipment damage and downtime
Process Control Lost manufacturing precision

IMS Technology Solution

Ion Mobility Spectrometry provides superior sensitivity, selectivity, and speed for comprehensive AMC monitoring.

IMS Technology Advantages

  • Atmospheric Pressure Operation: No carrier gas required
  • High Sensitivity: ppb-range detection capabilities
  • Fast Response: Real-time contamination detection
  • Selective Detection: Time-of-flight separation
  • Solid-State Electronics: No moving parts or optics
  • Long-Term Stability: Minimal maintenance requirements

GC-IMS Enhancement

  • Gas Chromatographic Pre-Separation: Enhanced selectivity
  • Reduced Cross-Sensitivities: Improved accuracy
  • Outstanding Sensitivity: Enhanced detection limits
  • Repeatability: Consistent measurement cycles
  • Cycle Times: Analysis within minutes
  • Custom Configuration: Application-specific optimization

AMC Compound Categories & Detection Limits

Comprehensive detection capabilities across all critical AMC categories with specified detection limits for each compound class.

🧪 Total Acids

Detection Range: < 0.1 ppb (0-50 ppb)

Compound Formula CAS #
Sulphur Dioxide SO₂ 7446-09-5
Hydrogen Chloride HCl 7647-01-0
Hydrogen Fluoride HF 7664-39-3
Nitrogen Oxide NO₂ 10102-44-0
Bromine Br₂ 7726-95-6
Chlorine Cl₂ 7782-50-5

🧬 Total Amines/Bases

Detection Range: < 0.1 ppb (0-100 ppb)

Compound Formula CAS #
Dimethylamine C₂H₇N 124-40-3
Butylamine C₄H₁₁N 109-73-9
Triethylamine C₆H₁₅N 121-44-8

🧪 Total Solvents/Organics

Detection Range: < 0.1 ppb (0-50 ppb)

Compound Formula CAS #
NMP C₅H₉NO 872-50-4
Acetone C₃H₆O 67-64-1
Isopropylalcohol C₃H₈O 67-63-0
PGME C₄H₁₀O₂ 1320-67-8
PGMEA C₆H₁₂O₃ 108-65-6
Ethyllactate C₅H₁₀O₃ 97-64-3
HMDS C₆H₁₉NSi₂ 999-97-3

⚗️ Dopant Gases

Detection Range: < 1.0-1.5 ppb (0-500 ppb)

Compound Formula Detection Limit
Arsine AsH₃ < 1.0 ppb
Phosphine PH₃ < 1.0 ppb
Boron Trichloride BCl₃ 1.5 ppb

💨 Ammonia

Detection Range: < 0.1 ppb (0-100 ppb)

Compound Formula CAS # Applications
Ammonia NH₃ 7664-41-7 Semiconductor processing, cleanroom monitoring

System Configurations

Multiple analyzer configurations available from portable units to comprehensive multi-analyzer systems.

Standard IMS Configuration

Compact analyzer suitable for single-point monitoring and portable applications.

Housing Options Portable, 19", NEMA 4X
Temperature Range -10°C to +50°C
Power 16-40.7W depending on housing
Maintenance 1x yearly service

Multi-Analyzer System

Comprehensive 42 HU rack system combining GC-IMS, GC-PID and supplementary devices.

Configuration GC-IMS + GC-PID + MPS + Calibrator
Dimensions 600×1970×1000 mm (42 HU)
Weight 70kg empty, 250kg loaded
Power 250W average, 400W peak
Maintenance 2x yearly services (6 month each)

Technical Specifications

Comprehensive technical performance data for AMC monitoring systems.

Detection Performance

Principle IMS with GC pre-separation, no carrier gas
Resolution ±2% Full Scale
Detection Limits < 0.1 ppb (compound dependent)
Measurement Range ppb to ppm range
Cycle Time Minutes (depending on GC setup)
Repeatability Outstanding within cycle times

Operating Conditions

Operating Temperature -10°C to +50°C (depending on housing)
Sample Flow 250-300 ml/min atmospheric pressure
Sample Exhaust ± 3.5 kPa (0.5 psi) max at atmospheric
Power Supply 230(115) VAC; 50(60) Hz
Outputs Displays, RS 232/485, LAN/W-LAN, Digital I/O

Critical Applications

Custom-configured systems for diverse high-technology manufacturing environments.

🏭 Semiconductor Cleanrooms

  • Wafer fabrication facilities
  • Lithography areas
  • Chemical delivery systems
  • Tool exhaust monitoring
  • FOUP and mini-environment

🧪 Chemical Processing

  • Process chemical monitoring
  • Workplace safety compliance
  • Equipment leak detection
  • Storage area monitoring
  • Emergency response systems

🔬 Precision Manufacturing

  • Optical component production
  • Electronics assembly
  • Medical device manufacturing
  • Research laboratories
  • Quality control processes

Technology Features & Benefits

Advanced IMS technology advantages for comprehensive AMC monitoring solutions.

🎯 Superior Sensitivity

  • Detection limits in lower ppb range
  • Atmospheric pressure operation
  • No carrier gas requirements
  • Long-term stability

⚡ Fast Response

  • Real-time contamination detection
  • Cycle times in minutes
  • Immediate alarm capability
  • Continuous monitoring

🔧 Operational Excellence

  • Solid-state electronics
  • Few moving parts
  • Low maintenance requirements
  • High uptime reliability

Advanced AMC Monitoring Technology

Protect your high-value manufacturing processes with proven IMS technology for comprehensive airborne molecular contamination detection. Our systems deliver the sensitivity and reliability needed for critical cleanroom environments.

< 0.1 ppb detection limits · 25+ compound detection · Custom configurations · Technical support