SEM Lab, Inc.
Branded SEM examples organized for rapid interpretation and reuse.

Member Image Library

SLI Image Library

This library groups image-centered examples by mechanism so users can compare what they are seeing to documented patterns in electrical overstress, corrosion, fracture, and delamination.

Ed Hare portrait
Image-first interpretation Built to help engineers recognize mechanisms, not just collect figures.

Each image entry is intended to connect a visible feature to a likely mechanism and then tie that mechanism back to broader notes and report-quality reasoning.

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Image groups

The library is organized as a curated set of clear teaching images rather than a large, hard-to-navigate archive.

Electrical overstress

EOS examples

  • IC die-level EOS in an output metallization region
  • Fused-open bond wire after current overstress
  • Useful for primary-site interpretation and contrast teaching
Corrosion and migration

Corrosion signatures

  • Bond pad corrosion
  • Electromigration and dendritic growth
  • Corrosion and migration at functional contact surfaces
Fracture and cracking

Fracture mechanisms

  • Via barrel cracking
  • Vibration-fatigue solder-joint fracture
  • PCB pad cratering and internal MLCC fracture
Delamination

Interface separation

  • Lens-to-die delamination at package edge
  • Thermal de-bonding at the base of an LED cup
  • Useful as a visible interface-failure reference
Solder voids

Solder-joint voiding

  • Large interface voids, surface-open gas voids, and interfacial voiding
  • Useful for discussing void location, trapped residue, and process adequacy
  • Supports practical assembly-quality interpretation rather than simple void count
Packaging voids

Internal package voids

  • Die-attach void associated with later die cracking
  • Potting void that may change thermal behavior without being sole root cause
  • Useful for contributory-versus-causal teaching

Two Strong EOS Contrasts

One mechanism family, two very different visual outcomes.

The current EOS set already shows a useful comparison: one image where the damage is concentrated in an IC die region and another where the evidence is concentrated in a fused-open bond wire.

Die-level EOS Metallization context Fused-open bond wire Current overstress evidence Primary site interpretation Mechanism comparison

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Representative image cards

These cards show the mechanism-first approach of the library: visually clear and practical for comparison and training.

Inside the library

What image entries include

  • Observed feature and likely mechanism
  • Interpretation notes for practical teaching value
  • Links to related notes and failure-mode entries
  • Watermarked outward-facing image assets
Best use

How teams use it

  • Train engineers to recognize recurring patterns
  • Improve internal hypothesis quality before escalation
  • Support reports, presentations, and customer communication
  • Pair with consulting when a live case needs direct interpretation

Working Model

Use the image library to recognize patterns. Use consulting to interpret a live case.

The image library is strongest when it helps your team get closer to the right mechanism quickly. When the case still needs judgment, context, and written interpretation, move to a focused SEM Lab review.