Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tribology Test Specimens and Gaming in a PDF
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Hello all,
Hope you're well. The start of the year is always a busy time. We're all getting back into our routines after Christmas and planning the year ahead. We're putting together an exciting lineup of Keynotes and Mini-Symposia for the year ahead starting with Prof Guo's Keynote on biomimetic surfaces. Make sure you're registered, as always we'll send you a replay link even if you can't attend live. Wishing you the best for the next couple of weeks and catch our next issue on the 31st of January.
Research highlights: Highly Cited Review
The scale of the dies for semiconductors (the block of semiconducting material where a circuit is fabricated) has been steadily decreasing as the performance of processors skyrockets. The current scale for manufacturers like Samsung, TSMC and Intel is 3 nm. To enable the growth of silicon-based dielectric films, manufacturers are transitioning from chemical vapour deposition (CVD) to atomic layer deposition (ALD). In "Atomic layer deposition of silicon-based dielectrics for semiconductor manufacturing: Current status and future outlook", Ovanesyan et al. summarise progress on carbon-containing silicon films and speculate on the possibility of new precursors for these films.
Tribology Resources: Test specimens
Precision and reliability in tribological testing: Optimol Instruments′ test specimens set new standards
In the world of tribological testing, where accuracy and repeatability are crucial, standard tests are often accompanied by problems: inaccurate results, high error rates and unpredictable costs. But one company has taken on the challenge of revolutionizing the way tribology testing is carried out: Optimol Instruments
With more than 50 years of experience in developing and manufacturing precision test specimens, Optimol Instruments offers solutions that make a real difference in the industry. “We understand the importance of high-quality reference test specimens,” says Gregor Patzer, spokesman of the company. “Our experience and understanding of the details of tribological testing have prompted us to develop the perfect solution.”
The problem regarding conventional tests is their unreliability. Several repeat tests have to be often carried out to achieve usable results, which not only takes time but also results in high operating costs. The risk of failures and unnecessary material costs is particularly high.
Optimol Instruments has recognized this problem and offers reference test specimens that consistently meet the specifications set forth in the international ISO, ASTM and DIN standards for many years. The result: Test accuracy increases significantly and risk of failures decreases to less than 1%.
And more: Optimol Instruments not only provides standardized test specimens, but also customized solutions made from a wide range of materials such as gear steel, stainless steel, aluminium and even ceramics. These test specimens are 100% traceable and are supplied with a certificate confirming compliance with all relevant specifications.
What makes Optimol Instruments special: not only its precision, but also its cost efficiency. Thanks to the innovative design, the test specimens can be used several times, reducing the cost of consumables per test to less than 10 euros - an unbeatable advantage for companies that depend on high test frequencies.
Optimol Instruments not only provides accurate results, but also a solution that helps you to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of your tests. In the world of tribology, there is no compromise - and Optimol is setting new standards.
You can find all the specimens online: www.triboshop.de
Optimol Instruments - precision you can rely on.
Interesting Infographics
The scale of the surface engineering to enable the miniaturisation of semiconductor devices is incredibly impressive but seeing how the transistors build to the densely packed 3D structures enabling modern chip performance is fascinating. This infographic explores the length scales of semiconductor manufacturing and shows how chips are assembled. View the Visual Story from the Financial Times here.
From our Partner
Optimol Instruments is a leading provider of tribological model systems and test benches. The SRV? platform is their leading system able to perform tests to DIN, ASTM and ISO standards with over 30 standard holders and adapters specialised for fretting tests under dry and lubricated conditions.
To further the abilities of this platform, the Hydrogen/Fuel Measuring Cell is available to meet the tribological challenges posed by hydrogen. Due to the change in performance with a different atmosphere, materials and lubricants for hydrogen infrastructures must undergo testing in conditions akin to their operating environment. The cell integrates into existing SRV?5 tribometers and is able to test at pressures up to 100 bar. The test is designed with a low volume that avoids the Pressure Vessels Safety Regulation and features gas supply regulation and fundamental safety monitoring. It is able to operate at temperatures from -40°Cto +150°C.
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Notable and quotable
“You don't understand anything until you learn it more than one way.” – Marvin Minsky
What we’re reading
How much productive time do you think you have each day? I mean actual productive time, where you can turn off outside distractions and get some focused work done. It's probably less than you would like to have. Constantly being connected and having an excess of emails, calls, and messages tend to hurt researchers' productivity. Cal Newport, author of Slow Productivity argues that scientists need to slow down and spend more time thinking to improve the quality of their work. Read more in this editorial from Nature.
An app a day
I'm always looking for ways to integrate my phone and tablet with my desktop and laptop. Quickly moving text between a PC and a smart device can be awkward but Alt-C is a simple way to quickly and securely send data between devices. The services works on any network, both devices just need to be connected to the internet somehow.
The Lighter Side of the Internet
The videogame Doom has a permenant place in popular culture having impressively innovated in its game engine while also popularising the action game. To the programmers among you, you may have read about how beautiful and optimised the code of the game is. This has lead to the ongoing meme of running the game on ever more ridiculous devices. Famously it can run on the TI-83 calculator. More recently a GitHub developer has got the game to run in a PDF taking advantage of the scripting available in the document format.
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Curated By Dr Samuel McMaster
Content Manager – Surface Ventures
Materials Science & Engineering Expert | R&D Manager | Vacuum Coatings scientific fellow| Thin Films Researcher | Tribology Specialist| CTO| Space Simulation expert
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