MSA-650 IRIS Micro System Analyzer 

Optical characterization of dynamics inside Si-capped MEMS

MSA-650 IRIS Micro System Analyzer

Optical characterization of dynamics inside Si-capped MEMS

Dynamic characterization of MEMS devices to measure and visualize mechanical response is important for product development, trouble shooting and FE model validation. The MSA Micro System Analyzers from Polytec provide fast, accurate optical measurements of out-of-plane (OOP) and in-plane motion (IP). Until now, this has been limited to unpacked devices that are optically accessible. Now, the Polytec MSA-650 IRIS Micro System Analyzer allows even measuring through intact silicon caps on encapsulated microstructures like e.g. inertial sensors, MEMS microphones, pressure sensors and more.

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Highlights

IR capability to measure MEMS dynamics through different layers of Si-capped devices
Real-time out-of-plane response measurement up to 25 MHz (w/o post-processing)
Sub-picometer out-of-plane displacement resolution
Straighforward FE model validation of MEMS in final state
Superior separation of the individual device layers
Stroboscopic video microscope to measure in-plane motion up to 2.5 MHz
Automated system that integrates well for production (probe station compatibility)

Superior separation of the individual device layers

The MSA-650 IRIS turn-key measurement solution comprises a controller, function generator with additional reference channels, powerful optical scanning software suite and optical sensor head with a sophisticated IR-optical design. With its dedicated IR camera and a low-coherence SLD source it is the premier full-field vibration measurement system to capture entire sample layers through silicon caps under operating conditions. This patented interferometer technology delivers excellent data quality due to superior separation of the individual device layers.


 

MSA-650 IRIS Micro System Analyzer principle measuring through MEMS caps

Modal testing of silicon encapsulated MEMS

As silicon is transparent in the near infrared spectrum above wavelengths of 1050 nm, the underlying technology of infrared-interferometer-based vibration measurement opens up the possibility for inspecting of encapsulated MEMS for authentic and most representative analysis results. Polytec‘s brand new, patented state-of-the-art interferometer technology now delivers supreme data quality due to superior separation of individual device layers in the si-capped MEMS devices. With a dedicated SWIR camera and a low-coherence SLD source the MSA-650 IRIS is the worldwide first measurement system with this patented technology to visualize the si-encapsulated devices, measure in-plane vibration with down to 30 nm resolution and real-time out-of-plane vibrations up to 25 MHz with picometer resolution and below.

Probe station integration for MEMS measurement on wafer-level
2-axis accelerometer (FHG ENAS) pure SWIR camera image plus operational deflection shapes captured with scanning laser Doppler vibrometer
Planar motion analysis of 2-axis accelerometer (FHG ENAS) and zoom-in up to 50x for a detailed view
MSA-650 IRIS measurement principle for analysis inside capped MEMS
MSA-650 IRIS system comprising IR sensor head, front-end incl. function generator and DMS, analysis software, optional stand and XY positioning stage
Polytec MSA-650 IRIS integrated into a MPI probe station

Use the leading technology in vibration analysis

In order to use Laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) for a look into encapsulated MEMS, it is necessary to study the optical properties of silicon. While silicon is opaque for visible light, it shows a good transmission in the near- infrared range starting at around 1050 nm. A limitation for transmission however, is the high refractive index of around 3.4 at 1550 nm leading to considerable Fresnel reflections at boundary interfaces. 

The Poyltec patented approach uses short coherent light to improve accuracy. In contrast to laser light, low coherent light from a superluminescence diode only interferes if the light paths in the interferometer are balanced within the coherence length of the source. Thereby excluding light from outside the focus. This principle is utilized in white- light interferometers or for optical coherence tomography and now for the first time in the Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV). Enabling scanning LDV measurements with 25 MHz bandwidth and with an amplitude resolution of 100 fm/√Hz on encapsulated MEMS.

Relative intensity contribution of reflections from different surfaces (left) and out of focus light intensity over distance of reflection origin for different optical configurations (right)

MSA-650 IRIS optical characterization of SI-capped MEMS

Discover the unique capabilities of the Polytec MSA-650 IRIS Laser Doppler Vibrometer for precise, non-contact measurement of encapsulated MEMS devices. See how advanced IR technology enables accurate vibration analysis even through challenging materials.

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Accessories and components 

Related products 

MSA IRIS measurement service

This brand new, patented measurement technology allows for comprehensive and representative analysis of Si encapsulated MEMS, measuring dynamics right through silicon caps. Our PolyXperts are looking forward to receiving your capped MEMS samples for modal testing, feasibility studies and consulting throughout all phases from development over prototyping to manufacturing of your encapsulated microstructures.

MSA-600 Micro System Analyzer

The all-in-one optical measurement solution for static and dynamic 3D characterization of MEMS and microstructures- now for up to 8 GHz! The MSA-600 enhances microsystem development and quality inspections - also allowing testing on wafer-level when integrated into commercially available probe stations.

MSA-100-3D Micro System Analyzer

The 3D Micro System Analyzer records vibration components in all three spatial directions at once. The optical measurement system enables high-resolution 3D vibration analysis from DC up to 25 MHz with amplitude resolutions in the sub-picometer range, for both in-plane and out-of-plane vibration components.

PSV Software for acquisition, editing and analysis of vibration measurement data

PSV Software

The PSV Software is the heart of every Polytec full-field vibration measurement system. This comprehensive software package allows the fast and simple acquisition, display and editing of vibration measurement data gathered with all VibroScan QTec Scanning Vibrometers, the MSA Micro System Analyzer series for microscopic observations or the automated structural test station RoboVib®.

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