Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Riber and imec extend successful collaboration on next-generation III-V logic CMOS

Home > Press > Riber and imec extend successful collaboration on next-generation III-V logic CMOS

Abstract:
Riber, a leading supplier of Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) equipment and services to the compound semiconductor industry, today signed an agreement with imec to further collaborate on epitaxy process technologies for next-generation III-V CMOS devices. The agreement follows a successful collaboration in the field of advanced channel materials for high-performance CMOS scaling, germanium and compound semiconductor (III-V) materials.

Riber and imec extend successful collaboration on next-generation III-V logic CMOS

Bezons, France and Leuven, Belgium | Posted on March 13th, 2012

In the quest for miniaturization, technology has come to a point where CMOS scaling beyond the 45nm node cannot be achieved by simply reducing transistor dimensions. Moreover, the need for small form factors coupled with the stringent requirement of low current leakage/low energy performance has become critical, especially in next-generation mobile devices. Within imec's Germanium and III-V devices program, imec and its core partners are exploring the efficacy of high-mobility channel materials for CMOS devices for advanced nodes. Together with Riber, the bottleneck issue of gate stack passivation was tackled, resulting in effective passivation techniques for Ge and GaAs. Riber's 200mm III-V and metal oxide MBE cluster offered the required extremely clean background and absence of any interfering gas phase components, enabling material and interface control on the atomic level. This resulted in the successful development of a passivation scheme for the MOS gate stack module. Amongst others, it was shown that controlling the GaAs surface reconstruction followed by a H2S passivation treatment and in-situ high-k deposition was crucial to create a well-passivated MOS structure with record-low interfacial state density. Moreover, the world's first successful MOS capacitors on a new high-mobility candidate material, GeSn, were made in the 200mm Riber MBE cluster.

In the new project, the suitability of Riber's 300 mm UHV chamber (ISA300), equipped with in-situ tools for surface analysis, and clustered with state-of-the-art 300mm Si CMOS production equipment, will be evaluated for the production of advanced CMOS devices based on high-mobility Ge and IIIV channels. The aim of the project is threefold 1) use Riber's UHV chamber for study and control of surface structures; 2) bring knowledge on gate stack passivation from a 200mm research environment to a 300mm fab compatible platform; 3) demonstrate the technological viability of a 300mm MBE-module, clustered with ‘standard' 300mm Si CMOS production equipment.

Frédérick Goutard, Riber CEO: "Participating in early stage research is intrinsic to Riber's aim to strengthen our leading position in the compound semiconductor industry. Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) is considered to be most efficient technology to leverage compound semiconductors towards high-end applications with a tremendous market potential, such as mobile phones, telecom, automotive, satellite, .... Using our ISA300 chamber in a 300mm cluster configuration will allow for higher performance in terms of devices operating at high frequencies with reduced energy consumption, etc. We are therefore convinced that this project will clearly demonstrate the attractiveness of our technology in the production of next generations CMOS devices."

Hans Lebon VP fab operations and process step R&D at imec: "Through the collaboration with Riber, imec can integrate the power of UHV-systems into state-of-the-art semiconductors production equipment on large diameter wafers. This will allow the application of powerful in-situ surface analysis tools in CVD and ALD equipment which so far was not feasible due to the gas phase environment. Also, MBE-like UHV-techniques for interface control and passivation come in reach which will benefit the development of next generation CMOS technologies."

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About IMEC
Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China, India and Japan. Its staff of about 1,900 people includes more than 500 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2010, imec's revenue (P&L) was 285 million euro. Further information on imec can be found at www.imec.be.

Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a "stichting van openbaar nut”), imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting IMEC Nederland, part of Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch Government), imec Taiwan (IMEC Taiwan Co.) and imec China (IMEC Microelectronics (Shangai) Co. Ltd.) and imec India (Imec India Private Limited).

About Riber:

Riber designs and produces Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) systems as well as evaporation sources and cells for the semiconductor industry. This high-tech equipment is essential for the manufacturing of compound semiconductor materials and new materials that are used in numerous consumer applications, such as new information technologies, OLED flat screens and new generation solar cells.

Riber is listed on Euronext Paris Compartment “C” and is part of the CAC Small, CAC Mid & Small and CAC IT indexes.

ISIN: FR0000075954 Reuters code: RIBE.PA Bloomberg code: RIB: FP

Riber has been innovation certified by OSEO, the dedicated French innovation agency, enabling it to qualify for French innovation mutual funds (FCPI).

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Contacts:
Riber:
Alpana Kar / Cyril Combe

T: +33 153 65 68 68

Imec:
Hanne Degans
External Communications Officer

T: +32 16 28 17 69
M: +32 486 06 51 75

For Imec:
Barbara Kalkis
Maestro Marketing & PR
T: +1 408 996 9975
M: +1 408 529 4210