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TU Delft and ASML take ultrasound to the nanoscale

A new imaging technique being developed by TU Delft and ASML, augmenting an atomic force microscope with ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound functionality, could reveal sub-surface structures with single-digit nanometer resolution, making it an excellent candidate to expand the semiconductor industry’s metrology toolkit.

Forging the Dutch industrial ALD hub

By fostering collaboration between companies focusing on atomic layer deposition as well as infusing them with the latest research results, a new TUE-led project aims to take the already strong Dutch presence in this field to the next level.

How ASML is planning to continue the shrink

ASML’s senior vice president technology Jos Benschop recently revealed how the EUV ecosystem centered around his company’s lithography scanners will continue to shrink chip structures for the decade to come.

Put on your sustainability glasses once in a while and go blue

It’s only a matter of time before sustainability becomes a requirement for all machines and systems. Jeroen Rondeel of Blue Engineering explains how developers can make a world of difference with just a few simple tools.

Young ASML had electrons on its roadmap

In its early days, ASML was convinced that optical litho would only last for another decade. It seriously considered investing in next-generation lithography and even sold direct-write systems.

In other news

Strong quarter ends another strong year for ASMI (press release)
Besi sees results exceed expectations (press release)
Chinese chip flagship sinks before it opens a factory (The Register)
Tesla restarts production after part shortage shutdown (Business Insider)
Volvo to go all electric by 2030 (Reuters)
Tech giants are moving in on the electric car industry (The Driven)

Bits&Chips podcasts: Hans van den Vlekkert and Rob Hoeben

René Raaijmakers talks to the innovators driving the high-tech industry. Listen (in Dutch) to researchers, developers and decision-makers speak about trends, technology, business and their motivations. In editions 4 and 5 of the Bits&Chips podcast, serial entrepreneur and Quix CEO Hans van den Vlekkert, and NXP’s Rob Hoeben about Wi-Fi 6.

Ask the headhunter

After 15 years, my job no longer challenges me. To improve my opportunities on the labor market, I’ve started a part-time MBA. I’ve asked my boss if I could work less, but he doesn’t see any options.

Good ideas scale with ease

Developing a next-generation CMOS IC, software of M-lines of code, big data projects, instruments like a TEM, printer, medical scanner, stepper – all greatly benefit from Kuijk’s Criterion.

What it means to have a platform

Platforms are great but discussions easily get confusing when different platform definitions are used without the participants being aware.