XRTmicron (Near-Fab)

Bridging R&D and production


X-ray topography solution for seamless transition from Lab to Fab

The XRTmicron (Near-Fab) system is Rigaku’s hybrid solution for semiconductor manufacturers who need a flexible tool that serves both research and pilot production lines. By offering both manual and automated wafer transfer, the Near-Fab configuration delivers the versatility required for evolving workflows.

Engineered for minimized contamination,, non-destructive wafer evaluation, the system supports a wide range of wafer sizes (75–300 mm) and substrates, including Si, SiC, GaN, GaAs, InP, AlN, and Ga₂O₃. With advanced optics, detectors, and 3D cross-section topography capabilities, the XRTmicron (Near-Fab) ensures precise defect visualization while preparing processes for fab-scale deployment.

XRTmicron with loader XTRAIA XT Series image 2

XRTmicron (Near-Fab) Overview

The XRTmicron (Near-Fab) is designed for semiconductor manufacturers who require a flexible evaluation system that works across both R&D environments, pilot production lines, and high-volume production. Positioned between the Lab and Fab configurations, it combines research-level precision with the automation and reliability needed for process integration and quality control.

Supporting wafers up to 300 mm, the Near-Fab system offers both manual and automated wafer transfer, making it ideal for fabs in transition—from early material studies to process qualification and in-line quality monitoring. Its non-destructive, high-resolution imaging provides detailed visualization of dislocations, slip lines, and other crystallographic defects that directly impact device yield and reliability.

With SEMI-compliant defect analysis software, the XRTmicron (Near-Fab) enables engineers to bridge the gap between discovery and high-volume manufacturing, ensuring that materials and processes are production-ready.

Applications

  1. SiC for power devices: TSD and BPD mapping (SEMI M91/M93 compliant)
  2. GaN & AlN for RF, optoelectronics and power devices: Process development and quality control
  3. InP & GaAs for VCSEL and photonics: defect mapping on substrate and epi-level
  4. GaO for power devices: Substrate and epitaxy quality improvement
  5. AlO as optoelectronic substrates: process improvement and quality control
  6. Si/SiGe superlattices for 3D-DRAM and advanced logic structures: Process development and misfit dislocation detection

XRTmicron (Near-Fab) Features

Flexible wafer handling
Manual or automated transfer with multiple holder options (Kapton, glassy carbon, aluminum alloy)
Broad sample compatibility
Supports full wafers, epitaxial stacks, and crystal ingots/boules
High brilliance
Dual-wavelength MicroMax-007 source with parabolic multilayer optics
Detector suite
XTOP (5.4 μm/pixel), HR-XTOP (2.4 μm/pixel, optional), and HyPix-3000HE (100 μm/pixel, high-speed)
Production control ready
Designed for pilot-line integration with low contamination risk. Can be installed within a gas flow unit.
XRT Toolbox integration
SEMI-compliant defect classification and quantification, KLARF export, batch analysis.

XRTmicron (Near-Fab) Specifications

Technique X-ray topography imaging
Purpose Non-destructive evaluation of single-crystalline materials
Technology Switch between transmission and reflection topography
Key components High-brightness micro X-ray source; Specialized X-ray mirror optics; High-resolution, high-sensitivity X-ray camera; Transfer system
Options HR-XTOP camera, Crystal collimator,​Defect inspection done with XRT Toolbox Software
Wafer transfer / Sample handling Supports both automated and manual wafer handling

XRTmicron (Near-Fab) Resources

Webinars

Non-Destructive Dislocation Characterization in SiC Substrates Using XRTmicron Technology Watch the Recording
Investigating Crystalline Defects of Semiconductors Using X-ray Topography Watch the Recording

Rigaku Journal articles

adobeCrystal defects in SiC wafers and a new X-ray topography system Read the Article
adobeHigh-throughput, high-resolution X-ray topography imaging system: XRTmicron Read the Article
adobeNon-destructive characterization of crystallographic defects of SiC substrates using X-ray topography for R&D and quality assurance in production Read the Article
adobeDefect structure analysis in single crystal substrates using XRTmicron Read the Article
adobeDramatic improvement in the throughput of X-ray topography Read the Article

Publications

XRTmicron (Near-Fab) Events

Learn more about our products at these events

  • Rigaku Taiwan professional training courses (XRD)
    January 23 2026 - January 23 2026
    Rigaku Taiwan (RTC-TW)
  • Rigaku School for Practical Crystallography
    January 26 2026 - February 6 2026
  • SEMICON Korea 2026
    February 11 2026 - February 13 2026
    COEX, South Korea
  • SPIE Advanced Lithography + Patterning
    February 22 2026 - February 26 2026
    San Jose, CA, USA 
  • Florida Semiconductor Summit
    February 23 2026 - February 25 2026
    Orlando, FL, USA
  • Rigaku Taiwan professional training courses (SCX)
    February 26 2026 - February 26 2026
    Rigaku Taiwan (RTC-TW)
  • Applied Physics Society Autumn Nagoya
    March 15 2026 - March 16 2026
    Tokyo, Japan
  • The 2026 International Conference on Frontiers of Characterization and Metrology for Nanoelectronics (FCMN) Platinum Sponsors
    March 16 2026 - March 19 2026
     Monterey, CA ,USA
  • SEMICON China 2026
    March 25 2026 - March 27 2026
    SNIEC, Shanghai, China
  • Rigaku Taiwan professional training courses (XRD)
    March 27 2026 - March 27 2026
    Rigaku Taiwan (RTC-TW)
  • CS International 2026
    April 20 2026 - April 22 2026
    Brussels, Belgium
  • SEMICON SEA 2026
    May 5 2026 - May 7 2026
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • ASMC – Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Conference
    May 11 2026 - May 14 2026
    Albany, NY, USA
  • The 2026 IEEE 76th Electronic Components and Technology Conference
    May 26 2026 - May 29 2026
    Orlando, Fl, USA
  • CEIA Leti Innovation Days
    June 23 2026 - June 25 2026
    Maison Minatec, Grenoble, France 
  • The International Workshop on Gallium Oxide and Related Materials (IWGO-6)
    August 2 2026 - August 7 2026
     College Park, MD, USA.
  • SEMICON Taiwan 2026
    September 2 2026 - September 4 2026
    Taipei, Taiwan
  • ICSCRM Japan 2026 (Silver Sponsor)
    September 27 2026 - October 2 2026
    Yokohama, Japan
  • SEMICON West 2026
    October 13 2026 - October 15 2026
    San Francisco, CA, USA 
  • SEMICON Europa
    November 10 2026 - November 13 2026
    Munich, Germany
  • SEMICON Japan 2026
    December 9 2026 - December 11 2026
    Tokyo, Japan

Contact Us

Whether you are interested in getting a quote, want a demo, need technical support, or simply have a question, we're here to help.