Semicon West, San Francisco, CA  -- July 16, 2001  -- IMEC, Europe’s largest independent center for the research and development for design, semiconductor and communications technologies, has announced a program that will investigate alternative devices which can replace conventional CMOS transistors. Codenamed “EMERALD”, for emerging alternative devices”, the IMEC industrial affiliation program (IIAP) will identify new device structures that will overcome the limits of classical CMOS transistors below 35nm.

Used by semiconductor companies worldwide, CMOS is the current manufacturing process technology for most of the chips used in electronic devices, from household items to massive communications and computing systems. However, at sub-35nm process geometries, CMOS based on classical devices reaches its limits as a viable mass-manufacturing industrial technology.  Anticipating that era, IMEC will explore innovative manufacturing processes, materials, and/or device architectures that will be required to overcome major bottlenecks in next-generation manufacturing processes.

The EMERALD IIAP will investigate technologies that have emerged in prior IMEC studies and have shown strong potential for future mass manufacturing technologies beyond classical CMOS.  These include fully depleted silicon-on-insulators; high-mobility CMOS based on strained silicon/silicon germanium (Si/SiGe) layers; vertical devices; and double-/triple-gate and gate-all-around devices.  Compatibility with current CMOS technology and transitional capabilities from conventional CMOS will also be investigated. In addition, the EMERALD IIAP will attempt to determine complexity levels of each process alternative.

The design and implementation of each of the structures to be studied will be supported by state-of-the-art equipment, including e-beam, high-k, and metal deposition systems. In addition, extensive simulation and characterization tools will also be used. 

The EMERALD IIAP complements the advanced device implementation program also announced today.

The IMEC Industrial Affiliation Programs (IIAP)

IMEC’s industrial affiliation program (IIAP) formula is recognized worldwide as one of the most successful partnership schemes in research and development. The collaborations are based on shared costs and risks and are built on sound intellectual property rules. Ten IIAPs in other research fields are already in progress. 

About IMEC

IMEC was founded in 1984 and today is Europe's leading independent research center for the development and licensing of microelectronics, and information and communication technologies (ICT). IMEC is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has a staff of more than 1000 people including more than 200 industrial residents. Its more than $100 million revenue is derived from agreements and contracts with Flemish government, the EC, MEDEA, the European Space Agency, equipment and material suppliers and semiconductor companies worldwide. IMEC's activities concentrate on design of integrated information and communication systems; silicon process technology; silicon technology and device integration; microsystems, components and packaging; advanced training in microelectronics. IMEC has a sub-0.25µm 200mm pilot line and is ISO9001 certified. News from IMEC is located at www.imec.be.

For more information:

Katrien Marent

Communication Manager

Public Relations and Marketing Communications

IMEC, Kapeldreef 75

B- 3001 Leuven, Belgium

Tel +32 16 28 18 80

Fax +32 16 28 16 37

Email: Katrien.Marent@imec.be