Abstract: A physical property of a test sample with a conductive or semi-conductive material (line/area/volume) is obtained. Periodic Joule heating is induced within the test sample by passing an AC current across a first pair of probe terminals electrically connected to the test sample, measuring the voltage drop across a second pair of probe terminals electrically connected to the test sample at one and three times the fundamental excitation frequency of the current-conducting terminals, and calculating the temperature-modulated property/properties of the test sample as a function of the potential drop measurement(s). This includes: a) determining a value proportional to the TCR of the test sample, b) a geometric parameter of the test sample (affected by coupling of its TCR to heat transport to/from the test sample), or c) the true resistivity of the test sample at the ambient experimental temperature by subtracting measurable and accountable TCR offset(s).

Abstract: A probe for direct nano- and micro-scale electrical characterization of materials and semi conductor wafers. The probe comprises a probe body, a first cantilever extending from the probe body, and a first thermal detector extending from the probe body. The thermal detector is used to position the cantilever with respect to a test sample.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a physical property of a test sample, comprising a conductive or semi-conductive material (line/area/volume), by performing electric measurements using a multi-terminal microprobe. Periodic Joule heating within the test sample is induced by passing an ac current across a first pair of probe terminals electrically connected to the test sample, measuring the voltage at one and three times the power supply frequency of the current-conducting terminals across a second pair of probe terminals electrically connected to the test sample, and calculating the temperature-modulated property(ies) of the test sample as a function of the voltage measurements at said frequencies. A value proportional to the Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity (TCR), an Electrical Critical Dimension (ECD), or the true resistivity of the test sample at the ambient experimental temperature by subtracting a measurable TCR offset from the apparent (heating-affected) resistivity of the test sample can be determined.

Abstract: A physical property of a test sample with a conductive or semi-conductive material (line/area/volume) is obtained. Periodic Joule heating is induced within the test sample by passing an AC current across a first pair of probe terminals electrically connected to the test sample, measuring the voltage drop across a second pair of probe terminals electrically connected to the test sample at one and three times the fundamental excitation frequency of the current-conducting terminals, and calculating the temperature-modulated property/properties of the test sample as a function of the potential drop measurement(s). This includes: a) determining a value proportional to the TCR of the test sample, b) a geometric parameter of the test sample (affected by coupling of its TCR to heat transport to/from the test sample), or c) the true resistivity of the test sample at the ambient experimental temperature by subtracting measurable and accountable TCR offset(s).

Abstract: A probe for direct nano- and micro-scale electrical characterization of materials and semi conductor wafers. The probe comprises a probe body, a first cantilever extending from the probe body, and a first thermal detector extending from the probe body. The thermal detector is used to position the cantilever with respect to a test sample.