High value crime involving mobile phones sometimes require examination of highly damaged, possibly exploded devices, currently beyond the capabilities of existing methods. In the pursuit of a forensically sound method to examine damaged memory devices we are investigating a number of techniques to access and analyse samples. Backside processing involving lapping steps, followed by a BOE / TMAH ...

A fluid-mechanical model is developed for the float-polishing process. In this model laminar flow between the sample and the lap results in pressure gradients at the grooves that support the sample on a fluid layer. The laminar fluid motion also produces supersmooth, damage-free surfaces. Quartz substrates for applications in high-stress environments were float polished, and their surfaces were...