IISER Bhopal researchers develop tech to support low-cost chip production

BHOPAL: A team of researchers Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal has developed a revolutionary new technology that could potentially bring down costs of making indigenous modern semiconductor chips.According to the research team, nanometre-to micron-scale patterning using photomasks and hard masks is a key part of making modern semiconductor chips. However, the usual methods used to make these masks require the involvement of very expensive machines, advanced cleanroom facilities, and harmful chemicals, the three-member research team said, adding that many researchers and colleges in India cannot easily access such technologies.However, this is where the low-cost and environmentally friendly microfabrication technique, developed by IISER associate professor Santanu Talukder, along with his PhD students Dr. Swapnendu Narayan Ghosh and Debjit De Sarkar. The project was partially supported by the department of science and technology of the Centre and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). According to the researchers, the method used to develop the new tech involved the use of a very thin layer of chromium, a material commonly used in the semiconductor industry. With the help of a very sharp metal probe, they can control a small electrochemical reaction on the chromium surface, the researchers said, allowing them to ‘write' tiny patterns directly on the surface, just like writing with a pen on paper. "The process does not require photoresist layers, costly UV Laser or electron-beam machines, or harmful chemicals. It also helps in two important steps of chip making: lithography and etching. The team has filed for two patents for this technology," Talukder told TOI. In traditional chip manufacturing, lithography is done using high-energy ultraviolet (UV) light or electron beams. These systems are costly and need special setups like ultra-high vacuum, Talukder informed, adding, "In contrast, this new electric-pen–based method is much simpler and more energy-efficient. It reduces the need for large machines and toxic chemicals, making it a greener option." He said this technology can help colleges, universities, and small research labs design and make their own prototype chips at a lower cost."Using a low-cost and low-carbon-emission-based mask manufacturing technology, scientists have made an excellent contribution to the nation. Once this technology is scaled up and transferred to the semiconductor industry, it will enable large quantities of electronic device production at low cost," said Prof. Gobardhan Das, Director IISER Bhopal.