Understanding Semiconductors: Modern Metrology from Lab to Fab Rigaku

Ever wondered how atom probe tomography advances our understanding of semiconductors and improves device performance?

In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of semiconductors as we explore the fascinating realm of atom probe tomography. Our guest expert, David Larson, sheds light on the intricacies of this powerful materials characterization technique. From minimizing damage and improving yield to overcoming challenges in data reconstruction, David shares insights on the latest advancements and future possibilities in the field. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of semiconductors and atom probe technology's role in their analysis.

Join us as we discuss the following:
The use of a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) at liquid nitrogen temperature to minimize damage and improve yieldChallenges of yield and spatial distortion in atom probe technologyHow different laser wavelengths can enhance reconstruction and yield in heterogeneous structuresHow modeling and in situ measurements play a crucial role in predicting the field of operationThe limitations, growth, and future improvements of atom probe technology, including its application in analyzing real devicesContact Markus Kuhn on LinkedIn for any potential guest requests or episode ideas.

To ensure you never miss an episode of the Understanding Semiconductor podcast, subscribe to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Understanding Semiconductors in your favorite podcast player.

Join Markus Kuhn for this episode of Understanding Semiconductors with Chris Miller, the historian behind Chip War: The Fight For the World's Most Critical Technology. This conversation delves deep into the world of semiconductors as these two experts dissect how technology, geopolitics, supply chain, and resources play a role in semiconductor development and manufacturing.
Reach out to the host, Markus Kuhn, with potential guest requests or episode ideas on LinkedIn Markus Kuhn - Senior Director of Semiconductor Metrology and Fellow - Rigaku | LinkedIn
For the latest in new Metrology Techniques and Solutions, visit Rigaku Semiconductor Metrology Division
Never miss an episode of Understanding Semiconductors, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Just search for Understanding Semiconductors in your favorite podcast player.

This mini-episode is taken from episode 2, How the Semiconductor Industry can Regain the Hearts and Minds of Innovators; in that episode, Markus spoke with Todd Younkin, the President, and CEO at Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC).
They discuss the concept of the "valley of death," where innovative ideas get stuck in the middle between research and industry. They also touch on the need for a more continuous and fluid pipeline between basic research, applied research, and early development to create a technology advantage for the US and other like-minded nations. This episode provides a fascinating insight into the world of semiconductors and the vital role played by organizations such as SRC in driving innovation forward.
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Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Understanding Semiconductors in your favorite podcast player.

Reach out to Markus for any potential guest requests or episode ideas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-kuhn-4b502110/
For the latest in new Metrology Techniques and Solutions check out https://rsmd.rigaku.com/ To make sure you never miss an episode of Understanding Semiconductors, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Understanding Semiconductors in your favorite podcast player.

This mini-episode is taken from episode 8, in which Markus spoke with Suman Datta, Joseph M. Pettit Chair Professor in Advanced Computing at Georgia Tech, about the future of transistors in the industry. In this clip, Suman explains how FinFETs are currently the workhorse of the industry and how the transition to nanosheet transistors could lead to better performance and lower operating voltage.
He also touches upon the challenges of delivering power to these transistors and how backside power delivery and conversion on the chip itself could mitigate these issues. Suman's passion for transistors extends beyond just the channel, gate stack, and other components; he is also exploring alternative transistors, efficient power delivery networks, and low-temperature processed transistors for integration in interconnects and memory elements.
If you like what you heard, check out the full conversation here: https://plinkhq.com/i/1627760297/e/1000582983023
Reach out to Markus for any potential guest requests or episode ideas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-kuhn-4b502110/
For the latest in new Metrology Techniques and Solutions check out https://rsmd.rigaku.com/ To ensure you never miss an episode of Understanding Semiconductors, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Understanding Semiconductors in your favorite podcast player.

Here is part two of Markus’ conversation with Suman Datta. This episode is a thorough examination of his current research and how metrology envisions the Path Beyond CMOS:
What’s going to change in the transistor structure in the future?
The importance of power delivery
How to utilize the front and backside for vertical scaling?
Using a representative stack and metrology and correlating it to real-world performance
What’s the penalty from the bonding approach?
The importance of reliability is a function of not only the material, but also the use case
Suman is the Joseph M Pettit Chair of Advanced Computing and Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), an Eminent Scholar, and a Professor in the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech. His research group focuses on semiconductor devices that enable new computing models such as in-memory computing, brain-inspired computing, cryogenic computing, resilient computing, etc. (source)
Reach out to Markus for any potential guest requests or episode ideas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-kuhn-4b502110/
For the latest in new Metrology Techniques and Solutions check out https://rsmd.rigaku.com/
To make sure you never miss an episode of Understanding Semiconductors, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Understanding Semiconductors in your favorite podcast player.

This episode is one of two parts. Stay tuned for part two coming soon!
Suman Datta is the Joseph M Pettit Chair of Advanced Computing and Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), an Eminent Scholar and Professor in the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech. His research group focuses on semiconductor devices that enable new computing models such as in-memory computing, brain-inspired computing, cryogenic computing, resilient computing, etc. " (source)
This episode covers -
Suman’s Career Journey
Today’s Talent Pipeline in the Semiconductor IndustryHow to attract the best and brightest into electrical engineering?

What is the Next Big Thing in the Semiconductor Industry?The Increasing Importance of Chip Security
Advanced Bonding Techniques and Packaging Solutions creating more complex and groundbreaking chips  



Reach out to Markus for any potential guest requests or episode ideas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-kuhn-4b502110/
For the latest in new Metrology Techniques and Solutions check out https://rsmd.rigaku.com/
To make sure you never miss an episode of Understanding Semiconductors, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Understanding Semiconductors in your favorite podcast player.