Bron: E-magine

Holst Centre, MiPlaza and ASM are joining forces in a research project involving the application of materials on an atomic scale, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD).
Such atomic layers may have a key role in future products. The system can apply layers with the thickness – or rather thinness – of a single or a few atoms. ALD is already a proven technology in the manufacturing of increasingly smaller transistors on computer chips. The Holst Centre is now introducing the ALD system to entirely different applications. For instance, it is possible to use the system to create functional layers in sensors that can detect gasses. By doing this at atomic level, it is possible to make highly sensitive sensors, which also use so little electricity that they can be incorporated almost anywhere. If this proves to be successful, they may be used in smart packaging to detect food freshness – to mention just one of the many possible applications. For ASM, this application area may open up a new market for their advanced systems. The company will use the research results to further refine the ALD system. MiPlaza provides the research space and will promote the system in its own network. This will ensure maximum utilisation and adds to MiPlaza’s portfolio in the nano and pico technology domain. The open innovation model that Holst Centre is using here proves its efficiency.
It is grafted on the IMEC model in Louvain. ASM has already been part of the IMEC network that centres on chip process technology for many years. MiPlaza is also fully involved in the flexible model of sharing a high-tech infrastructure and knowledge to achieve new research results more quickly. It is no coincidence that Holst Centre and MiPlaza are neighbours at High Tech Campus Eindhoven and it certainly makes collaboration easier.