In-situ investigation of lead-free solder alloy formation using a hot-plate microscope

This work presents the advantages of using a hot-plate microscope for investigation of new (high-temperature) lead-free solders as in-situ analysis tool and preparation equipment. A description of the equipment and the preparation method is given and some examples are outlined. The formation of small AuSn-based, homogeneous and un-oxidized solder spheres will be demonstrated. Moreover the possibility of using this equipment as a sample preparation method to further investigation is shown. As example the equipment was used to produce samples for Vickers microhardness measurement of important phases of the Au-Sn system. The measured values are comparable to those found in the literature. An outlook to further research is also given.