A brand-new 1.25 million volts (MV) implanter will spark cutting-edge research and innovation in semiconductor and quantum technologies, say scientists at the University of Surrey. Surrey's Ion Beam Center was able to secure the highly-specialized device thanks to a £2,195,000 grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's strategic equipment initiative.
A 1.25 MV implanter can insert tiny ion particles into silicon wafers, which are the building blocks of computer chips. This process changes the electrical properties of the silicon, allowing manufacturers to create faster and more efficient circuits. This process is crucial for making the advanced technology that powers our everyday gadgets. Scientists also believe that perfecting and innovating this process could be key to breakthroughs in semiconductor fabrication in the future.
R&D in semiconductor technologies
The Surrey Ion Beam Center is the main site for the UK National Ion Beam Center (UKNIBC)
Professor Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, said: "Our Ion Beam Center has been a pioneer in its field for 30 years, supporting over £100 million in funding for more than 30 universities and UK businesses. The new implanter is the latest upgrade to our cutting-edge Center. This addition will help UK universities and industry accelerate research and development in semiconductor and quantum technologies."
The Surrey Ion Beam Center is the main site for the UK National Ion Beam Center (UKNIBC). It supports a variety of research projects using advanced techniques to study and modify materials with ion beams. Along with supporting universities and industry, the Center also provides training in ion beam technology and works to boost the success of UK businesses.
UK semiconductor industry and communities
Professor Satheesh Krishnamurthy, Director of UKNIBC and Surrey Ion Beam Center, said: "I want to thank the EPSRC for their continuous support in providing cutting-edge equipment to serve the UK semiconductor industry and communities. This exciting instrument is already having an impact; several academic researchers and industrial companies involved in semiconductor and quantum processing have been in touch about collaboration opportunities."
"The new implanter will not only accelerate research and development in this area but also promote multidisciplinary research to address UN Sustainable Development Goals."
new accelerator at the Ion Beam Center
Professor Jagadish Chennupathi, President of the Australian Academy of Sciences and Distinguished Professor of Australian National University, who officially switched on the implanter at a special ceremony, said: "Congratulations to Surrey University and the Ion Beam Center on the inauguration of the new 1.25MV accelerator. This upgrade will significantly enhance the Center's ability to serve the UK and global research and industry communities in the fields of semiconductors, energy, quantum technology, and biotechnology."
"It has been a great pleasure to open the new accelerator at the Ion Beam Center. I am impressed with the excellent facilities and expertise at the Ion Beam Center and the Advanced Technology Institute at Surrey University."