Doug,
What do you think of this?
Semitool and IMEC enter into Strategic Research Agreement
SUNNYVALE, CALIF. (April 2) BUSINESS WIRE -April 2, 1997--IMEC, Europe's
leading microelectronics research center, and Semitool Inc., a
Montana-based manufacturer of advanced wet and thermal processors, have
entered into a joint strategic research project to develop new
techniques for wet resist and polymer removal in front end and back end
processing.
Deep-UV Lithography and new etch processes are essential for dimensions
below 0.35 micron and will replace conventional i-line lithography.
This creates an urgent demand for new removal techniques which can
ensure efficient polymer removal and yield optimization as well as
meeting Environmental, Safety and Health (ESH) standards.
Under the agreement, Semitool will install its Wet Process Platform,
"Magnum", at IMEC and this system will be used to develop complete
strip procedures. The initial contract will run for two years but can
be extended by additional one-year periods.
Commenting on the significance of the agreement, Ian Sharp, Product
Manager of Semitool Europe said, "IMEC's long term relationships with
major international semiconductor manufacturers provides Semitool with
an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the capability of our
equipment. Its expertise in process integration will be of enormous
benefit in the further evaluation of the Magnum System."
Gilbert Declerck, Vice-President of IMEC's Advanced Semiconductor
Processing Division noted that the collaboration and use of Semitool's
advanced equipment to develop strategic wet etch and polymer removal
techniques will contribute significantly to higher performance for the
next generation of semiconductor technologies. "This agreement makes
our process development even more valuable to our industry research
partners." IMEC
IMEC was founded in 1984 and today is the largest independent research
and development center of its kind in Europe. IMEC employs almost 700
people. Its 36,000 sq.ft. clean room is dedicated to advanced
research and development into semiconductor processing technologies.
Its nearly $70 million revenue is derived from agreements and contracts
with government agencies, aerospace and semiconductor industry
companies worldwide. IMEC's web site is located at: imec.be
. SEMITOOL |
