FTIR and Raman microanalysis may be used as a powerful combination to determine the identity, and hence infer the source, of contaminant particles which diminish yields of semiconductor components and devices. The complimentarity of these techniques arises from the underlying spectroscopic selection rules.

Vibrational spectroscopic techniques are commonly used to characterize the molecular structure of bulk organic materials. These bulk materials typically represent purified fractions of components which may be further investigated with various classical instrumental techniques such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy. However, these classical technique may have limited value for the interrogation of small impure particles or materials of limited quantity(ng.).

Elemental techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled to Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy are enhanced by the specificity of FTIR Microprobe Spectroscopy and Raman Microprobe Spectroscopy which are now used in process laboratories to characterize and identify particulate and thin film residues with the intent of device yield enhancement.