Nanotechnology Now

Our NanoNews Digest Sponsors
Heifer International



Home > Press > World’s First Proven Ultrasound Holographic Imaging Allows Correction of Nanoscale Subsurface Defects, Spurs Spin-off Company from SRC Work with North

New sub-surface, embedded defect analysis will be more accurate than any other imaging process, spurring a spin-off company to commercialize the technology. (Photo: Business Wire)
New sub-surface, embedded defect analysis will be more accurate than any other imaging process, spurring a spin-off company to commercialize the technology. (Photo: Business Wire)

Abstract:
New innovation to help enable semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries to evaluate and influence vital ultra-small structures

World’s First Proven Ultrasound Holographic Imaging Allows Correction of Nanoscale Subsurface Defects, Spurs Spin-off Company from SRC Work with North

Research Triangle Park, NC | Posted on March 4th, 2009

Just as x-ray technology, MRI and sonography transformed the practice of medicine, a newly created approach for seeing the invisible promises great potential for finding new ways to improve the health of human and microelectronic patients alike. Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), the world's leading university-research consortium for semiconductors and related technologies, today joined with Northwestern University to announce successful demonstration of a unique ultrasound holography approach that enables scientists to view the tiniest of buried structures.

The resulting three-dimensional information will provide benefits ranging from greater yields for semiconductor manufacturers to more effective treatments for medical patients.

Using a novel, non-destructive approach that combines, for the first time ever, scanning-probe microscopy (SPM) with ultrasound and holography, researchers at Northwestern University have demonstrated the ability to view subsurface particles as small as 15-20 nanometers (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter). Such capabilities have not previously been possible without slicing the sample, which changes both the composition and structure and sacrifices characteristics of the studied subject.

What makes the new approach revolutionary is the combined use of the SPM, ultrasound and holography. SPM offers nanoscale resolution. Ultrasound is non-destructive, transparent to all materials and sensitive to embedded structures, including nano-sized defects. Holography also can provide sophisticated three-dimensional representations of the buried information. Together, the three technologies offer unprecedented visibility to the increasingly important tiny parts of nature.

As there's neither a similar approach nor such a high class of result available anywhere, a high-tech start-up company has been launched to further the commercial applications for these methods. Named NanoSonix Inc., the spin-off will develop a nanoscale-imaging toolset capable of rapid evaluation of defects and flaws below the surfaces as well as valuable recognition of buried patterns and structures.

"Microelectronics, in particular, is a flaw-intolerant technology where even nanoscale defects can compromise the performance and yield of the devices," said Dr. Dan Herr, director of nanomanufacturing sciences for SRC-GRC, an entity of SRC. "The ability to see such defects is critical for yield enhancement as devices become smaller and such metrology techniques and tools become even more crucial. These results are very good news for multiple industries."

Utilizing the new technology, the microelectronics and nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) industries can improve performance of their devices, time to yield and, ultimately, yield rates by deploying this technique in process development and as an in-line quality control tool. Thanks to the non-destructive imaging approach, the pharmaceutical industry should benefit from better understanding of how drugs distribute, accumulate and clear from different parts of the body.

"Biomedicine is moving towards use of nano-bio-structures to interrogate cells and deliver therapeutic cargo. This requires a non-invasive view inside the cells to monitor what's happening under physiologically viable conditions," said Dr. Vinayak Dravid, professor of materials science and engineering and the director of the NUANCE Center at Northwestern University. "With the new imaging technology, it's possible to sharply increase our understanding of the bio-distribution of new drugs and the important interactions of nanoparticles and cells during intended or desirable therapeutic delivery or unintended environmental uptake."

Next steps in development of the technology include system integration, material handling, faster scanning and high through-put of results. In-line tools and methods for addressing these needs will be created by NanoSonix. For instance, in the next 12 months, the spin-off will develop an add-on module for existing commercial SPM equipment in order to meet associated off-line metrology requirements. Availability of such an add-on module will make this technology accessible to a wider community, not only in semiconductor metrology but also in bio-application for both academia and industry to look deep below surfaces non-destructively with nanoscale resolution.

####

About SRC-GRC
Global Research Collaboration (GRC) is one of three research program entities of SRC. Celebrating 27 years of collaborative research for the semiconductor industry, SRC defines industry needs, invests in and manages the research that gives its members a competitive advantage in the dynamic global marketplace. Awarded the National Medal of Technology, America’s highest recognition for contributions to technology, SRC expands the industry knowledge base and attracts premier students to help innovate and transfer semiconductor technology to the commercial industry.

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
SRC (Cardinal Communications)
Scott Stevens, +1-512-413-9540

Copyright © Business Wire 2009

If you have a comment, please Contact us.

Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.

Bookmark:
Delicious Digg Newsvine Google Yahoo Reddit Magnoliacom Furl Facebook

Related News Press

News and information

Researchers uncover strong light-matter interactions in quantum spin liquids: Groundbreaking experiment supported by Rice researcher reveals new insights into a mysterious phase of quantum matter December 13th, 2024

FSU researchers develop new methods to generate and improve magnetism of 2D materials December 13th, 2024

Innovative biomimetic superhydrophobic coating combines repair and buffering properties for superior anti-erosion December 13th, 2024

Groundbreaking research unveils unified theory for optical singularities in photonic microstructures December 13th, 2024

Imaging

New material to make next generation of electronics faster and more efficient With the increase of new technology and artificial intelligence, the demand for efficient and powerful semiconductors continues to grow November 8th, 2024

Turning up the signal November 8th, 2024

New discovery aims to improve the design of microelectronic devices September 13th, 2024

Quantum researchers cause controlled ‘wobble’ in the nucleus of a single atom September 13th, 2024

Chip Technology

Enhancing transverse thermoelectric conversion performance in magnetic materials with tilted structural design: A new approach to developing practical thermoelectric technologies December 13th, 2024

Bringing the power of tabletop precision lasers for quantum science to the chip scale December 13th, 2024

New material to make next generation of electronics faster and more efficient With the increase of new technology and artificial intelligence, the demand for efficient and powerful semiconductors continues to grow November 8th, 2024

Nanofibrous metal oxide semiconductor for sensory face November 8th, 2024

Nanomedicine

How cells repair DNA’s protective barrier: a pathway to address a rare genetic disorder characterized by rapid aging in children December 13th, 2024

Exosomes: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in diabetic cardiomyopathy November 8th, 2024

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop novel covalent organic frameworks for precise cancer treatment delivery: NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop novel covalent organic frameworks for precise cancer treatment delivery September 13th, 2024

Unveiling the power of hot carriers in plasmonic nanostructures August 16th, 2024

Discoveries

How cells repair DNA’s protective barrier: a pathway to address a rare genetic disorder characterized by rapid aging in children December 13th, 2024

Bringing the power of tabletop precision lasers for quantum science to the chip scale December 13th, 2024

Researchers succeed in controlling quantum states in a new energy range December 13th, 2024

Breakthrough brings body-heat powered wearable devices closer to reality December 13th, 2024

Announcements

Researchers uncover strong light-matter interactions in quantum spin liquids: Groundbreaking experiment supported by Rice researcher reveals new insights into a mysterious phase of quantum matter December 13th, 2024

FSU researchers develop new methods to generate and improve magnetism of 2D materials December 13th, 2024

Innovative biomimetic superhydrophobic coating combines repair and buffering properties for superior anti-erosion December 13th, 2024

Groundbreaking research unveils unified theory for optical singularities in photonic microstructures December 13th, 2024

Tools

New material to make next generation of electronics faster and more efficient With the increase of new technology and artificial intelligence, the demand for efficient and powerful semiconductors continues to grow November 8th, 2024

Turning up the signal November 8th, 2024

Quantum researchers cause controlled ‘wobble’ in the nucleus of a single atom September 13th, 2024

Faster than one pixel at a time – new imaging method for neutral atomic beam microscopes developed by Swansea researchers August 16th, 2024

Alliances/Trade associations/Partnerships/Distributorships

Manchester graphene spin-out signs $1billion game-changing deal to help tackle global sustainability challenges: Landmark deal for the commercialisation of graphene April 14th, 2023

Chicago Quantum Exchange welcomes six new partners highlighting quantum technology solutions, from Chicago and beyond September 23rd, 2022

CEA & Partners Present ‘Powerful Step Towards Industrialization’ Of Linear Si Quantum Dot Arrays Using FDSOI Material at VLSI Symposium: Invited paper reports 3-step characterization chain and resulting methodologies and metrics that accelerate learning, provide data on device pe June 17th, 2022

University of Illinois Chicago joins Brookhaven Lab's Quantum Center June 10th, 2022

NanoNews-Digest
The latest news from around the world, FREE




  Premium Products
NanoNews-Custom
Only the news you want to read!
 Learn More
NanoStrategies
Full-service, expert consulting
 Learn More











ASP
Nanotechnology Now Featured Books




NNN

The Hunger Project