3D NAND Process Variation
Problem: unexpected electrical or yield signature.
Analysis: cross section, localization, TEM/STEM, EDS and dimensional comparison.
Result: compare physical construction with expected process conditions.
Global Insight. Real-World Impact.
Advanced analysis for the systems people rely on every day.
ISS Analytical Research Centers help engineers understand the materials, devices and physical evidence behind safer transportation, reliable aviation, cleaner energy, advanced computing and the technologies shaping modern life.
How ISS Impacts the World
Better physical evidence supports better engineering decisions.
The work may begin with a cross section, a failure site, a material interface or an atomic-scale image. The value shows up in the products and systems people trust every day.
ISS provides analytical evidence and engineering support. Product safety, certification and final design decisions remain the responsibility of the product manufacturer and system owner.
Safer Mobility
Helping engineers investigate the electronics behind vehicle safety.
From airbag and sensing electronics to power devices and control systems, physical analysis can help identify defects, material changes and failure evidence.
Automotive & Power →Reliable Aviation
Supporting the hardware that keeps aircraft connected and controlled.
Microscopy, failure analysis and physical assurance can support avionics, communications, control electronics and other mission-critical hardware.
Aerospace & Defense →Cleaner Energy
Understanding the materials and electronics behind efficient energy systems.
ISS analysis can support solar, power-conversion and energy technologies by revealing interfaces, degradation, materials behavior and device-level failure evidence.
Battery & Energy →Explore ISS
Start with the question. Go deeper when you need to.
The homepage tells the impact story. The rest of the site provides the technical depth.
What We Do
Capabilities
Advanced microscopy, failure analysis, metrology, circuit edit, sample preparation and physical assurance.
How We InvestigateTechnologies
TEM/STEM, SEM, FIB-SEM, EDS, EELS, diffraction, tomography and analytical measurement.
Where It MattersIndustries
Semiconductor, AI, automotive, aerospace, energy, materials and emerging research markets.
Where We WorkResearch Centers
A growing network of specialized ISS Analytical Research Centers with complementary expertise.
A Growing Analytical Network
ISS Analytical Research Centers.
ISS is building a distributed network of specialized Analytical Research Centers, each designed around complementary analytical capabilities and a common ISS operating model.
ARC01 · ACTIVE
Vancouver, WA
FIB-SEM · Metrology · Failure Analysis · TEM-STEM
ARC02 · PLANNEDQueen Creek, AZ
Circuit Edit · Advanced Characterization · TEM-STEM · Security
FUTURE ARCMinnesota
Second Materials Research Center supporting ARC01.
FUTURE ARCTexas
Geological & Earth Materials research specialization.
FUTURE ARCNorth Carolina
Biological & Life Sciences research specialization.
Start with the question.
Your sample. Your question. Our job is to find the answer.
Capabilities
What ISS provides.
Six integrated service lines support semiconductor engineering from physical access and high-resolution imaging through measurement, failure analysis, circuit modification and authorized hardware assurance.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us the engineering question. We will build the workflow.
Technologies
The right technique for the right question.
ISS combines imaging, preparation, spectroscopy, diffraction, metrology and analytical workflows to reveal structure, composition, dimensions and failure evidence across multiple scales.
What do you need to know?
Start with the information you need.
Technique Comparison
How the technologies complement one another.
| Technique | Best For | Structural Info | Chemical Info | Dimensional Data |
|---|
One question may require more than one tool.
Start with the question. We will select the technology.
Industries
Analytical insight across advanced industries.
From semiconductor devices and AI infrastructure to energy systems, advanced materials and emerging research markets, ISS combines microscopy, characterization, metrology and engineering analysis to answer complex physical questions.
Markets We Serve
Start with your industry. We will build the analytical path.
Connected Network
Industry expertise mapped to specialized ARC capabilities.
ISS is building each Analytical Research Center around a distinct technical role. Semiconductor and materials work is anchored by Vancouver; Queen Creek expands modification, characterization and security; future centers extend the network into materials research, geological research and biological sciences.
Start with the market and the question.
ISS will route the work to the right capability and research center.
Applications
Advanced analysis for the technologies shaping tomorrow.
From 3D NAND and advanced packaging to AI processors and power devices, ISS builds the analytical workflow around the device and the engineering question.
Decapsulation & Die Exposure
Open with control. Preserve what matters.
01 - PACKAGED DEVICE
Document package condition, orientation and analytical objective.
02 - DECAPSULATION
Remove package material incrementally while protecting critical structures.
03 - ANALYSIS READY
Transfer the exposed device into SEM, FIB, TEM, circuit edit or downstream analysis.
Engineering Decisions
From observation to measurable impact.
Advanced Package Voiding
Problem: intermittent or reliability-related behavior.
Analysis: mechanical preparation, SEM, site-specific FIB and metrology.
Result: quantify voiding and characterize surrounding interfaces.
Logic Process Variation
Problem: suspect device differs from control material.
Analysis: site-specific preparation, TEM/STEM and film measurement.
Result: direct structural comparison between process conditions.
Start with the device.
Show us the challenge. We will build the analysis path.
ISS Analytical Research Centers
A national network for advanced analytical research.
ISS Analytical Research Centers bring specialized microscopy, analysis, modification and physical-device assurance closer to the engineering teams that need them. Each ARC shares a common ISS operating model while developing a distinct technical specialization.
The ARC Network
Specialized centers. One integrated ISS network.
Vancouver skyline photo: RodSager64 / CC BY-SA 4.0
ARC01 · Active
Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver is the structural-analysis and failure-investigation hub of the ARC network, combining site-specific access, quantitative measurement and high-resolution microscopy.
FIB-SEMMetrologyFailure AnalysisTEM-STEM
Queen Creek aerial image: Town of Queen Creek, Arizona
ARC02 · Planned
Queen Creek, Arizona
Queen Creek is planned as the modification, advanced-characterization and physical-security hub of the ARC network, complementing Vancouver with specialized engineering capabilities.
Circuit EditAdvanced CharacterizationTEM-STEMSilicon Security
Future Expansion
Specialized future centers built around distinct research missions.
These locations are future ARC expansion markets and are not yet operating ISS facilities. Representative city imagery is shown until final site selection is announced.
Representative Minnesota cityscape · Guywelch2000 / CC BY 4.0
Future ARC
Minnesota
Materials Research Center
A second materials-focused center intended to expand research capacity, provide network redundancy and support ARC01 Vancouver.
Explore Minnesota ARC
Representative Texas cityscape · Hensbread / CC BY 4.0
Future ARC
Texas
Geological & Earth Materials
Planned around geological materials, mineral and earth-material research, and advanced physical characterization.
Explore Texas ARC
Representative North Carolina cityscape · Abhiram Juvvadi / CC BY-SA 4.0
Future ARC
North Carolina
Biological & Life Sciences
Planned as the network's biological and life-sciences research specialization as ISS expands beyond its semiconductor core.
Explore North Carolina ARCOne network. Multiple specialties.
Send the question to ISS. We will route the work to the right analytical center.
ARC01 · Vancouver, Washington
Structural analysis. Quantitative measurement. Failure evidence.
The Vancouver ARC is ISS's flagship center for FIB-SEM, semiconductor metrology, failure analysis and TEM-STEM workflows.
Active ARC
Vancouver Specialization
Built around structural understanding and failure investigation.
FIB-SEM
Site-specific cross-sectioning, buried-feature access, serial investigation and preparation for downstream analysis.
Metrology
Critical dimensions, layer thickness, pitch, geometry and recurring process-monitoring measurements.
Failure Analysis
Evidence-driven investigation connecting symptoms with structural, material and process observations.
TEM-STEM
High-resolution internal structure, interfaces, defects and analytical characterization at nanometer-to-atomic scales.
Integrated Vancouver Workflow
Localize → Prepare → Measure → Characterize → Compare → Understand
Vancouver is designed for investigations where physical localization, controlled preparation, quantitative measurement and high-resolution microscopy must work as one coordinated path.
ARC01 · Vancouver
Start your project with the Vancouver analytical team.
ARC02 · Queen Creek, Arizona
Modify. Characterize. Challenge. Verify.
The planned Queen Creek ARC is being positioned around circuit edit, advanced characterization, TEM-STEM and silicon security / physical assurance.
Planned ARCQueen Creek Specialization
Built around physical modification, advanced characterization and security.
Circuit Edit
Precision cut, isolate, deposition, access and engineering-debug workflows using dedicated circuit-edit technology.
Advanced Characterization
Complementary analytical techniques including elemental, chemical and crystallographic characterization as projects require.
TEM-STEM
Nanoscale and atomic-scale imaging for device structures, interfaces, materials and security-sensitive investigations.
Silicon Security
Authorized invasive hardware assessment, physical-device assurance, secure teardown and FIB-based security validation.
Integrated Queen Creek Workflow
Define → Access → Modify / Challenge → Characterize → Verify → Report
Queen Creek is planned as a complementary ARC for projects that require active physical modification, deeper analytical characterization and authorized security evaluation.
ARC02 · Queen Creek
Discuss projects intended for the planned Arizona center.
Future ARC · Minnesota
A second Materials Research Center supporting ARC01.
Minnesota is planned as a future ISS Materials Research Center designed to expand materials-characterization capacity, provide network redundancy and support the Vancouver flagship.
Future ARC MarketPlanned Specialization
Materials research capacity with network redundancy.
Advanced Materials
Thin films, coatings, metals, oxides, ceramics, particles and engineered interfaces.
TEM-STEM
High-resolution structural and analytical characterization for materials research.
SEM / FIB-SEM
Microstructure, cross-sectioning, site-specific access and materials preparation.
EDS / EELS / Diffraction
Elemental, chemical and crystallographic characterization as the center develops.
Network Role
Designed to strengthen ARC01, not duplicate it.
The Minnesota center is planned as a second materials-focused node that can absorb research demand, broaden materials capability and provide operating redundancy across the ISS ARC network.
Future Minnesota ARC
Discuss future materials-research programs with ISS.
Future ARC · Texas
Geological and earth-materials research at analytical scale.
Texas is planned as the geological and earth-materials specialization within the future ISS ARC network.
Future ARC MarketPlanned Specialization
Physical evidence for minerals, particles and complex earth materials.
Microstructural Analysis
Characterize grains, pores, interfaces, inclusions and morphology.
Elemental Characterization
EDS and related workflows for composition and spatial distribution.
Diffraction & Phase Analysis
Support crystallographic and phase questions in complex geological materials.
3D Characterization
Tomographic and serial workflows for structures that cannot be understood from a single section.
Network Role
Extending ISS analytical discipline into earth science.
The Texas ARC is planned to adapt the preparation, imaging, measurement and characterization discipline developed in semiconductor analysis to geological research.
Future Texas ARC
Discuss geological and earth-material research opportunities with ISS.
Future ARC · North Carolina
High-resolution research for biological and life-science questions.
North Carolina is planned as the biological and life-sciences research specialization within the future ISS ARC network.
Future ARC MarketPlanned Specialization
Microscopy workflows designed around biological structure and evidence preservation.
High-Resolution Microscopy
Advanced imaging for structures and interfaces that require nanoscale investigation.
Specialized Sample Preparation
Preparation workflows adapted to preserve the structures required for meaningful analysis.
Correlative Characterization
Combine multiple imaging and analytical techniques when one method does not answer the full question.
Research Programs
Support repeatable research workflows where consistency, documentation and comparative analysis matter.
Network Role
Expanding the ARC model beyond the semiconductor core.
The North Carolina ARC is planned to bring ISS's evidence-first analytical model into biological and life-sciences research while developing domain-specific preparation and characterization expertise.
Future North Carolina ARC
Discuss biological and life-science research opportunities with ISS.
About ISS
Advanced analysis built around the engineering question.
Innovative Semiconductor Solutions combines semiconductor failure analysis, advanced microscopy, precision sample preparation, metrology, circuit edit and physical-device assurance inside a growing network of specialized Analytical Research Centers.
Our Direction
From a laboratory to an analytical research network.
ISS began with a semiconductor-analysis foundation: prepare the device correctly, image the right feature, measure what matters and preserve enough context to support a defensible engineering decision.
The Analytical Research Center model expands that discipline into specialized centers. Each ARC can develop deep technical expertise while operating within one ISS framework for project intake, sample control, analytical workflow, communication and secure data handling.
Our role is not simply to provide instrument time. We start with what the customer needs to understand and build the analytical path around that objective.
What Defines ISS
Technical depth without losing the customer question.
Engineering First
The starting point is the decision the customer must make—not a predefined instrument menu.
Integrated Workflows
Preparation, imaging, metrology, characterization and interpretation are connected into one analytical path.
Specialized ARCs
Research centers develop distinct specialties while remaining part of one operating and technical network.
Secure Collaboration
Sensitive devices, data and intellectual property are handled with controlled access and customer-approved workflows.
Explore ISS
How we operate, grow and support customer programs.
People
Careers
Current technical openings and what it means to build expertise inside an Analytical Research Center.
InfrastructureEquipment & Infrastructure
How microscopy, preparation, characterization and facility systems work together.
ExecutionQuality & Process Discipline
Documented methods, traceability, review and repeatable technical execution.
SecuritySecure Sample Handling
Controlled sample movement, confidential project handling and approved data exchange.
PartnershipWhy ISS
Why customers choose one integrated analytical organization instead of disconnected services.
NetworkResearch Centers
Explore Vancouver, Queen Creek and the future ARC expansion network.
The ISS Model
Question → Evidence → Analysis → Decision
Every project begins with what the customer needs to understand. The preparation method, analytical technologies and research center are selected around that objective.
A partner, not just a lab.
See deeper. Understand more.
Resources
Technical information for better analytical decisions.
ISS resources are designed to help engineers and researchers understand analytical options, prepare projects, communicate targets and select the right path before samples arrive.
Resource Library
Start with the information you need.
Problem Focused
Application Notes
Examples of how analytical workflows address semiconductor, packaging, materials and reliability questions.
OverviewCapability Statements
Concise overviews of ISS service lines, security capabilities and analytical infrastructure.
DocumentsDownloads
Approved public documents, brochures and technical materials organized in one place.
Before You ShipSample Submission Guide
How to identify, document, package and communicate samples for technical review.
LearnTechnical Guides
Plain-language explainers covering microscopy, FIB preparation, metrology, EDS/EELS and related methods.
Technique SelectionTechnology Guide
Start with the question and compare the technologies ISS may use to answer it.
Featured Resources
Common starting points.
ISS Capability Statement
Overview of advanced microscopy, failure analysis, sample preparation and analytical capabilities.
Explore Capability Statements →Silicon Security & Physical Assurance
Authorized physical-device security evaluation and hardware assurance capabilities.
View Security Resources →Sample Submission Guide
What to send, how to label it and what project information helps ISS start efficiently.
View Guide →Need help selecting a technique?
You do not need to know the instrument before contacting ISS.
Submit a Project
Tell us what you need to understand.
You do not need to know which microscope, preparation method or analytical technique your project requires. Start with the sample and engineering question.