The Problem: Radioactivity

As semiconductor devices become more sophisticated, the alpha emissions from lead, lead/tin and lead-free alloys (i.e. solder), used in the packaging, can and do upset the electrical circuitry of the devices. These alpha particle releases interfere with the processing of data within the devices. In these random events the state of a logic element changes. This interference with data processing or "alpha induced soft errors" change zeros ("0") to ones ("1") and ones ("1") to zeros ("0") in the information circuitry.

The electronics industry has attempted to develop computer software to compensate for the soft error problem and, too, they have experimented with alternative products (metal and synthetic). Nothing can be assumed to be a reliable alpha emission-free alternative.

The Solution: Remove the Radioactivity

Pure Technologies has developed a proprietary technology that reduces the radioactivity in lead below levels that can be disruptive to high speed, small, dense, low voltage integrated circuits. Pure Technologies' Alpha-Lo™ products are used by chip manufacturers and assemblers without fear that their products, or the products in which their devices are to be used, will malfunction due to alpha emissions normally flowing from the lead or solders used in the circuitry and packaging. At critical intervals in the manufacturing process, Pure Technologies removes radioactive elements from lead, specifically lead 210 ( 210 Pb), thus reducing significantly or eliminating Polonium 210 (210 Po) the primary alpha emitter in the uranium decomposition chain to lead. (See Uranium Decay Chart. ) For metals and metal alloys not possessing radioactive isotopes, alpha contamination may occur. Pure Technologies' employees strict manufacturing and testing standards insure alpha emitter quality is maintained in all Alpha-Lo™ products.

Remove metallic and non metallic elements

Pure Technologies' low alpha lead and low alpha lead alloys represent part of the answer for producing reliable new generation microelectronic devices. Pure Technologies is fully aware that the presence of other elements in our Alpha-Lo™ products can profoundly affect the properties of our lead and alloys. These metallic and non-metallic properties, even in trace amounts, can have a behavioral impact in the manufacture and operation of devices. In addition to offering Alpha-Lo™ with customized alpha emitter quality, Pure Technologies offers customers a broad range of elemental purities in our Alpha-Lo™ products

Higher density circuitry and flip chip technology demand a careful evaluation of metallic and non-metallic impurities in lead and solders. Pure Technologies has in place the processes to ensure that our customers receive only the highest quality purity and lowest emitter levels in the industry.

Product Reliability and Liability

Product liability and reliability concerns are related to expanding integrated circuit applications, many involving life or death applications, coupled with the demand for faster, smaller, lower voltage and more intelligent devices. Pure Technologies' Alpha-Lo™ products can be utilized throughout the semiconductor industry to help insure design reliability and working functionality of those devices. In time there will be no aspect of life or commerce which can avoid the critical reliance upon the technology of the semiconductor industry. Pure Technologies' Alpha-Lo™ products can assist the industry in meeting this public responsibility by providing products that will enhance product reliability and reduce liability issues from device malfunctions from alpha emissions.

Is Lead-Free Soft Error Free?

Many of the lead-free solders can emit alpha particles. Typical lead-free alloys containing silver, tin, bismuth, antimony or copper could be contaminated with small amounts of lead and therefore alpha emitting Polonium210. The contamination of lead-free solders is particularly suspect for alpha particle emissions when derived from recycled metals. Pure Technologies certifies the alpha emitted quality of all its lead-free solders to <0.002 counts per hour per square centimeter, to ensure consistency with the customers' low alpha requirements.