AlixLabs ramps up activities and employs Dr. Mohammad Karimi as Principal Scientist

After successfully securing additional soft funding from VINOVA, AlixLabs AB ramps up activities in Lund, Sweden,  and employs Dr. Mohammad Karimi as Principal Scientist. Mohammad Karimi received his PhD in Physics from Lund University in 2020, where he worked on design, nano-fabrication and characterization of novel optoelectronic devices based on semiconductor nanowires. Dr. Karimi has authored and co-authored more than 20 journal publications and conference presentations in the field of solid-state physics and III-V semiconductor devices.

Mohammad Karimi Research Portal and publications at Lund University (LINK)

Dr. Mohammad Karimi as Principal Scientist, AlixLabs AB

Atomic Layer Etching for Nano Device Fabrication at AlixLabs

We provide an ALE-based method of manufacturing nanostructures with a characteristic size below 20 nm.

This is a new method of nanostructure fabrication using the atomic layer etching process, which is inherently a damage-free etch process. The recently discovered etching process selectivity to inclined surfaces, allows to use walls of tapered structures as a mask. The inclined surfaces can be readily fabricated by e.g. dry etching or epitaxial growth, and will provide masking during the atomic layer etching process.

The key Tool for ALE development - An Inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) system Apex SLR from Advanced Vacuum Systems AB. The system is designed for controlled nanoscale etching of Si, SiO₂, Si₃N₄, W, Mo and polymers (resists) with fluorine-based chemistry. Unprotected surfaces of the following materials are not allowed: glasses, noble metals (Au, Ag, Pt, Cu, Pd), heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn) and certain types of polymers (e.g. silicones). In total, 8 process gases are presently available: SF₆, CHF₃, CF₄, C₄F₈, Ar, O₂, H₂, N₂. LINK

The inclined surfaces can be readily fabricated by e.g. dry etching or epitaxial growth, and will provide masking during the atomic layer etching process. This process therefore provides access to fabrication of extremely small structures in a very precise and efficient way.

AlixLabs is a user at Lund Nanlo Lab, Lund University, Sweden

Lund Nano Lab (LNL) is an open research facility that is available to both academic research groups, start-up and company users. Our world-class clean room facility is equipped with state-of-the-art semiconductor processing and metrology equipment.

• ISO 5 and ISO 7 cleanroom facility for cutting edge nano- and micro-fabrication
• 24/7 access for accredited academic research and company users
• Fabrication and analysis of structures on the micro- and nanometer-scale
• Wide range of equipment for Growth, Lithography, Deposition, Etch and Characterisation
• Centre of excellence for Epitaxial growth of III-V materials
• Industrial product development and prototype testing
• Staffed by expert equipment and process experts available to provide user training

Lund Nano Lab is one of the main resources within NanoLund and provides support to research groups in strategically important areas of research such as:

• Nanowire growth and material science
• Fundamental and device physics, electronics and photonics
• Nano-bio and life science
• Exploratory nanotechnology
• Growth and physics of new materials
• Nanowire-based photovoltaics
• Processing of nanoelectronic devices and circuits

Lund Univeristy in Sweden moves ahead with Phase 1 for the Nano Pilot Production facility - ProNano

Lund University, Sweden, is the largest university in the Nordic Countries situated across the bridge from Copenhagen. ProNano is a pilot study of the market potential for a pilot production facility for nanotechnology and nano materials in Lund. The facility is aimed at researchers and companies wants to develop pilot production and products with industry standard, without having to invest in expensive equipment by themselves.

The project was initiated by NanoLund at Lund University, Sweden and is conducted in collaboration with Lund University, Region Skåne, RISE and Medicon Village with representation from industry, academia and authorities and Yvonne Mårtensson, former CEO Cellavision AB is the project manager of ProNano. This week the next steps have been announced by a press release from Lund University.

Science Village Scandinavia will consist of buildings aimed at research facilities, research institutes, research institutes for Lund University and other universities, companies related to innovation and research, a Science Centre and Business Centre, premises for laboratories, administration, service and accommodation (http://sciencevillage.com/)

Prof. Lars Samuelson, founder of NanoLund and the nanowire growth research and also founder of a number of spin-off companies and the driver of commercialization of nano materials at Lund University stated: "An effort for the industrialization of nano materials in Lund is a natural result of the world leading materials research with the establishment of a number of companies where the research is channeled all the way to the market". As a note for the readers here, Prof. Samuelson is the Keynote Speaker of ALD 2016 in Dublin, Ireland 24-27th of July.

 

Prof. Lars Samuelson (left) and Prof. Heiner Linke (right), the founder resp. the Director of NanoLund.

Prof. Heiner Linke, Director of NanoLund added "The goal with ProNano is to create a vertical integrated system around Swedish nanotechnology that stretches from education through basic and applied research all the way to production. The vision is to realize the foundation for a Swedish industry based on advanced nano materials"

The regional authorities of Skåne (Region Skåne, Southern part of Sweden part of greater Copenhagen) has now decided to fund the project ProNano Phase 1 with additional funds of 4 million SEK for 2016 and 2017.

Pontus Linberg (regional conservative politician) put it in a context by saying: "The world class infrastructure of ESS and MAX IV currently being constructed in Lund has to be followed up by additional support for the foundation for business development and commercialization. ProNano will be the first bid establishment of infrastructure placed between MaxIV and ESS. ProNano will be targeting developing existing and new companies and is a natural and highly important part of the push for smart materials."

The Region of Skåne will except for financially supporting ProNano facilitate the process and connect the player on the nano materials and nano technology arena.

The recently published white paper can be downloaded here (in Swedish)