Services

ADL offers a broad spectrum of problem-solving analytical services, ranging from materials and device characterization, process evaluation, quality control, reliability and failure analysis, to specialized testing based on customer needs. ADL’s multidisciplinary team of dedicated staff and instrument resources provide support in the fields of electronics, chemicals, materials, aerospace and defense, additive manufacturing, medical applications and more. The lab’s array of more than 50 state-of-the-art instruments, all under one roof, allows multi-technique analysis with a quick turnaround time and a thorough understanding of the problem at hand. By providing accurate and reliable solutions, ADL has helped its customers reach the highest standards of product quality and reliability. Our experience and problem-solving focus allow us to work with you to develop an approach that meets your needs on your timeline and budget. Our goal is to provide you not only data, but to deliver results with insight and understanding for action.

  • Materials Testing & Analysis
    • Micro/Nano-structural analysis using electron microscopy, optical microscopy and AFM.
    • Identification of unknown materials such as surface (or buried) contaminants, inclusions, impurities, surface stains, corrosion products, etc. for their elemental composition, chemical analysis, organic functional groups and depth profiling using EDS, XPS, FTIR and TGA-MS techniques.
    • Non-destructive testing of products for their internal structure/construction, quality control and defect analysis with techniques such as 2D X-ray imaging, 3D X-ray computer tomography and acoustic microscopy (C-SAM).
    • Analysis of internal layers, features and embedded defects with precise sample delayering and deprocessing through cross- and flat- sectioning using mechanical, chemical and ion polishing, microtome and FIB’s targeted micro- sectioning capabilities.
    • Measurement of surface topography, roughness, waviness, 3D size of micro/ nano features, film thickness and optical constants using techniques such as AFM, stylus and optical profilometry and spectroscopic ellipsometry.
    • Determination of crystallinity and phase identification and crystal orientation mapping using XRD, TEM and EBSD.
    • Polymer curing profile, measurement of thermal properties such as phase transitions, glass transition temperature, specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermal expansion, thermal decomposition using tools such as DSC, TGA, TG-MS, TMA, TDS and DMA.

  • Failure Analysis
    • Non-destructive testing of products to identify failed site location and size using techniques such as optical microscopy, 2D X-ray imaging, 3D X-ray CT scans and C-SAM.
    • ADL owns an extensive set of sample prep tools and expertise to perform precise cross-sectioning and/or flat sectioning to expose the failed site. Precision cutting, mechanical, chemical and ion polishing, microsurgery, microtome slicing and localized micro cross-sectioning are performed.
    • The exposed failed site is analyzed for its microstructure, chemical composition and other properties to determine its nature and source.
    • The ADL team performs accurate data analysis to determine possible failure modes and the root cause.
    • A comprehensive report describes the failure analysis results and guidance for preventive measures.
  • Equipment Access
    • ADL users have access to over 50 instruments, all located under one roof.
      Instruments are available 24/7 to all trained and authorized users.
    • Instrument training is provided with no additional cost.
    • Training materials are available online.
    • Fast and easy equipment reservation and access is provided with the Facility Online Management (FOM) system.
    • Online data storage, secured access and data sharing.
    • Instruments are regularly maintained by the staff.
  • Consulting Services
    • ADL’s team includes dedicated scientists and engineers with background in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry and mechanical engineering.
    • The team has extensive experience in the electronics industry and academia. Some are the leaders in electronics packaging research.
    • ADL’s expertise is available to solve industry R&D and manufacturing problems.
    • The ADL team provides consultation on technical matters such as appropriate techniques/instruments to use for testing, appropriate sample preparation, data analysis and product and process development.
  • Collaboration
    • The ADL is available to collaborate on long-term and short-term projects on product, process and materials R&D.
    • Research in improvising existing techniques/instrumentation and developing new ones to characterize newest technologies and meet customer needs.
    • Over the years, ADL has collaborated with its partners on different fields ranging from development of 2.5/3D electronic packages, Pb-free solders, temperature sensors to quality control of connectors and cables.
    • Some examples of major ADL collaborations with published research
      • Cu wirebond reliability studies with ASE
        • Two peer-reviewed journal articles and Two ECTC conference papers
    • Testing of flash memory devices with NTSB
      • Non-destructive evaluation of memory devices
      • Studies of effects of x-ray exposure on flash memories - IMAPS symposium paper
    • Strain engineering on epitaxial BiFeO3 film with Tohoku University and Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
      • Six peer-reviewed journal articles and five conference presentations
    • ADL also taps into faculty resources for consultation and collaborations as needed.
  • Training and Workforce Development
    • ADL staff provides extensive user training with user-scheduled training sessions.
    • ADL experts are also available for off-site training at customer locations on their lab instrumentation and techniques of interest.
    • ADL’s graduate assistants are given extensive training for working on industry-funded projects to help them prepare for their industry jobs.
    • ADL participates in community outreach programs by giving lectures in Binghamton University’s graduate programs, lab tours and demos for local K-12 schools, Scouts and local residents to promote awareness of the importance of research/careers in science, engineering and mathematics.