The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) at the University
at Albany, and Novellus Systems,
Inc. (NASDAQ:NVLS) , a Silicon Valley-based provider of advanced process
equipment for the global nanoelectronics industry, announced today that they
have formed a $20 million partnership to conduct next-generation research and
development in sub-22nm semiconductor manufacturing technology. As part of the
agreement, Novellus will install three advanced thin film deposition tools --
a VECTOR® plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system (PECVD), a SABRE®
copper electrochemical deposition system, and an ALTUS® tungsten chemical
vapor deposition (CVD-W) system -- at CNSE's world-class Albany NanoTech Complex.
A team of Novellus researchers will be located with CNSE staff at Albany NanoTech,
where they'll conduct leading-edge research into advanced nanofabrication processes,
including copper fill for interconnects, copper through-silicon via fill for
three-dimensional packaging applications, tungsten deposition for transistor
contacts, and thin dielectric film deposition. The development and commercialization
of these technologies is critical to ensure continued progress in the manufacturing
of advanced electronic devices, while also enabling improvements in nanoscale
fabrication that can be applied to emerging applications in telecommunications,
biotechnology, medicine, energy, and the environment, among others.
"Novellus Systems is pleased to engage in this next-generation research
and development program in collaboration with the College of Nanoscale Science
and Engineering," said Dr. Tom Caulfield, Novellus executive vice president
of sales, marketing, and customer satisfaction. "Combining the technological
expertise of Novellus, with the intellectual know-how and assets of CNSE, will
accelerate the development of innovations needed to drive our industry forward."
"I am delighted to welcome Novellus Systems to the UAlbany NanoCollege,
where it joins an ever-expanding list of global companies engaged in world-class
nanoscale research, development and product commercialization," said Dr.
Alain E. Kaloyeros, senior vice president and chief executive officer of CNSE.
"Under the leadership of chairman and CEO Richard Hill, Novellus has established
itself as an international leader in nanoelectronics manufacturing technology.
This partnership once again demonstrates the success of the vision, strategy
and investments of Governor Paterson and Assembly Speaker Silver in supporting
New York's globally-recognized nanotechnology industry, which is attracting
high-tech jobs, companies and investments while providing new and exciting career
opportunities for New Yorkers in our 21st century innovation economy."
The agreement between Novellus and CNSE also includes the potential for further
R&D initiatives in the future, which may involve the location of additional
Novellus employees and tools at CNSE's Albany NanoTech.