Two interferometric methods for the mechanical characterization of thin films by bulging tests. Application to single crystal of silicon

Two optical methods are presented for the mechanical characterization of thin films, namely real time holographic interferometry and a fringe projection method called “contouring.” These two methods are coupled to the interferometry by the phase measurements, thus allowing the displacement field to be measured at all points on the membrane. We discuss the solutions retained in terms of their precision and sensitivity. These methods are then applied to membrane bulging tests, a type of test that is widely used in micro-mechanical studies. The measurements are performed on silicon single crystal and the results are compared to the solutions calculated by finite element methods. In both cases, the good agreement between theory and experiments allows the experimental apparatus to be validated.