Abstract: An optical inspection system, the system includes: (i) an image sensor; and (ii) a single optical element, that at least partially surrounds an edge of an inspected object; wherein the optical element is adapted to direct light from different areas of the edge of the inspected object towards the image sensor so that the image sensor concurrently obtains images of the different areas.

Abstract: There is provided a chuck that includes a supporting element that is connected to a closing element. An upper surface of the supporting element includes a chemically etched zone and an un-etched zone. The chemically etched zone includes multiple upper areas that are surrounded by trenches. At least one pressurized gas conduit is formed in the supporting element so as to enable pressurized gas provided to a lower surface of the supporting element to propagate through the trenches. The un-etched zone is shaped in response to a shape of an object to be placed on the supporting element. The un-etched zone reduces pressurized gas leakage from the un-etched zone and the closing element reduces pressurized gas leakage from a lower surface of the supporting element when the object is placed on the chuck in alignment with the un-etched zone and pressurized gas is provided to the chuck.

Abstract: A chuck that includes a supporting element that is connected to a closing element. An upper surface of the supporting element includes a chemically etched zone and an un-etched zone. The chemically etched zone includes multiple upper areas that are surrounded by trenches. At least one pressurized gas conduit is formed in the supporting element so as to enable pressurized gas provided to a lower surface of the supporting element to propagate through the trenches. The un-etched zone is shaped in response to a shape of an object to be placed on the supporting element. The un-etched zone reduces pressurized gas leakage from the un-etched zone and the closing element reduces pressurized gas leakage from a lower surface of the supporting element when the object is placed on the chuck in alignment with the un-etched zone and pressurized gas is provided to the chuck.

Abstract: A novel high-speed capillary/wedge bonding tool is provided for use on an automatic fine wire bonder which has either a rotating bonding head or a workstation which rotates relative to the bonding head. The novel working tip of the novel bonding tool is provided with two closely spaced parallel sides having substantially zero degree cone angle when viewed from the side. The bonding tool is further provided with a substantially rectangular shaped wedge foot which extends between a segment of the chamfer diameter and a segment of the tip diameter when viewed from the front. In the preferred embodiment, the novel chamfer recess in the novel capillary/wedge bonding tool is elongated so that balls bonded at first bond are more narrow in width than in length and occupy approximately the same area as prior art high speed gold ball bonds. The novel rectangular wedge shape foot produces second mashed wedge wire bonds which are as robust as, and/or stronger than prior art mashed wedge wire bonds.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the length of a fine wire tail made after the second bond of a fine wire interconnection includes a continuity circuit and a wire bond monitoring system (WBMS) in an automatic wire bonder. The Z axis position of the bonding tool is sensed to determined the height of the bonding tool on second bond and at the time the fine wire breaks from second bond. The monitoring circuit determines if the wire clamps are initiated and when and if the electronic flame-off control is fired. Logic circuit in the WBMS determine if wire tail after second bond is of a proper length to make a ball on the wire tail and if not, what remedial measures must be made to avoid damage to the semiconductor device being bonded.