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Albany
Nanotech, one of the world's leading complexes for
nanotechnology R&D and home to the College of
Nanoscale Science and Engineering at the University
at Albany – SUNY, and Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD)
have entered into a joint R&D project to develop
a new nanometrology capability for measuring the stress
state in strained silicon, a material at the heart
of high-performance microchips.
"Straining," or stretching, silicon speeds
the flow of electrons through transistors, increasing
the performance of semiconductors and decreasing power
consumption. The new technique seeks to enable the
stress state in strained silicon to be measured with
a target spatial resolution better than 10 nanometers
(nm), a critical capability for controlling and improving
the performance in semiconductor integrated circuits.
The project
will focus on near-field nano-optical techniques,
exploiting the enhancement of the optical field at
a nanoprobe tip. This new technique would facilitate
more accurate measurements, helping to enable chip
manufacturers to reduce costs as well as time to market
for leading-edge microprocessors.
AMD chose Albany Nanotech
as the headquarters for this research due to its on-site
scientists' extensive experience in the field of nanoanalytics.
The first developmental implementation for nano-optical
measurements will be assembled at Albany Nanotech
this year under the supervision of Robert Geer, CNSE
Associate Professor of Nanoscience . Opened in fall
2004, CNSE is the world's first college devoted to
the study of nanoscale science and engineering.
AMD personnel from
AMD-Saxony's Materials Analysis Laboratory in Dresden,
Germany will participate directly in the research
at Albany Nanotech. Findings will be relayed directly
to the Dresden laboratory to characterize the performance
of transistors for future technology nodes, which
are expected to be manufactured in AMD's upcoming
leading-edge 300mm fab in Dresden, Germany.
"This type of
research hinges on having the right talent at the
right facility, and Albany NanoTech has that critical
combination of infrastructure and expertise,"
said Dr. David Kyser, director of external research,
AMD Technology Development in Sunnyvale, California.
"By joining with Albany NanoTech, we've found
a cost-effective way to stay on the cutting edge in
this area of nanoscale research."
"Our collaboration
with AMD is a perfect example of how leading companies
in the semiconductor industry are recognizing the
clear value proposition of Albany NanoTech, which
provides the benefit of our extensive facilities while
working with researchers on the forefront of the field
through the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering,"
said Alain Kaloyeros, President of Albany NanoTech
and Vice President and Chief Administrative Office
of CNSE. "We believe this model is the perfect
formula for enhancing New York's high-tech economy."
About Albany NanoTech
One of the largest centers for nanotechnology research
in the country, Albany NanoTech is home to the College
of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and the
New York State Center of Excellence in Nanoelectronics
(NYSCEN) of the University at Albany-State University
of New York. Its 450,000 square foot complex houses
the only 200mm/300mm wafer facilities in the academic
world, encompasses nanoelectronics, system-on-a-chip
technologies, biochips, optoelectronics and photonics
devices, closed-loop sensors and ultra-high-speed
communication components.
With over 65,000 square
fee of Class 1 capable 300 mm wafer cleanrooms, as
well as on-site faculty and student researchers, Albany
NanoTech provides corporate partners with a unique
environment to pioneer, develop, and test new nanoscience
and nanoengineering innovations.
About AMD
AMD (NYSE:AMD) designs and produces innovative microprocessors,
Flash memory devices and low-power processor solutions
for the computer, communications and consumer electronics
industries. AMD is dedicated to delivering standards-based,
customer-focused solutions for technology users, ranging
from enterprises and governments to individual consumers.
For more information visit www.amd.com.
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