Laser ion source produces a new generation of semiconductors

For ion implantation, that is 'hammering' ions into the surface layer of the material, conventional ion accelerators are commonly used. Laser ion sources are much simpler, cheaper and more universal. However, they emit wide energy ions usually accompanied by some admixtures. In the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion in Warsaw a unique laser ion source has been built which is equipped with a special system for accelerating ions to a chosen energy and for eliminating admixtures.

Significant step towards engineering contact modules with vertical carbon nanotube interconnects

Imec researchers, in collaboration with Tokyo Electron, have successfully integrated and characterized carbon nanotubes (CNT) into 150nm contact holes with a TiN underlayer and a Cu single damascene top contact module. The process steps are CMOS-compatible and the platform is designed for fast and automatic electrical testing and for benchmarking different CNT recipes and process conditions.

Adoption of the new definition of nanomaterials by the European Commission: first reactions and analyses

This Tuesday, October 18, the European Commission published its long-awaited definition of nanomaterials after a year of intense negotiations. The reactions were not long in coming, revealing power struggles so far mainly confined to Brussels area. Here is a first insight into the politics hidden behind this supposedly neutral and "scientific" definition, the next obstacles and important meetings.