Chemicals innovation and collaboration are key in next generation semiconductor technology
SAFC, a member of the Sigma-Aldrich Group, has unveiled the new identity of its SAFC Hitech brand following the acquisition of UK-based chemicals supplier Epichem.
Citing the growing importance of the role chemicals are playing in advanced semiconductor applications, the company outlined its business proposition, offering a total supply chain partner capability with global sales and local service to deliver market-leading chemicals expertise to the silicon and compound semiconductor industries worldwide.
With the addition of Epichem, SAFC Hitech now offers a rich compound and silicon semiconductor skill set for the development, integration and large-scale manufacture of chemical vapour deposition precursors for conductive films, barrier layers, high-k dielectrics for advanced gate stacks, low-k dielectrics for inter-level dielectric layer (IDL) applications and specialty optical or surface modification coatings.
"We acquired Epichem because of its unique understanding of advanced chemistries for the silicon and compound semiconductor markets," said Frank Wicks, president of SAFC. "This is a valuable extension of our own understanding of manufacturing production-scale high-purity chemicals, our global supply chain infrastructure and financial strength.
“Combined, we offer our customers access to chemicals expertise, close collaboration on the development of new materials and process integration schemes, and the ability to scale-up quickly to volume production levels. This unique business model accelerates technology progression and time-to-market, giving SAFC Hitech a strong competitive edge in serving the semiconductor industry."
The role of chemistry in semiconductor manufacturing is rapidly evolving as the industry strives to keep pace with Moore's Law. The need for increased performance and smaller design rules brings greater complexity in device manufacturing, especially on the gate level where molecular chemistry is being applied.
Going forward, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), chemical companies and Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs) will need to interface directly with one another to develop the best chemistries, process technologies and integration schemes for particular applications.
"As we continue to find innovative materials for next generation technology nodes, the need for greater collaboration between process engineers, tool manufacturers and chemical companies becomes critical," said Barry Leese, president of SAFC Hitech. "What we will experience moving forward is an increased commitment to a turnkey approach through increasing levels of co-operation. This signals a change in the traditional business model.
“SAFC Hitech is well positioned to capitalise on this market opportunity, guiding customers successfully through the entire supply chain and production process, from research and development through pilot production to commercialisation and materials disposal."