Press Release: Kurt J. Lesker Company Announces Groundbreaking Report in an ALD first!

Jefferson Hills, PA – January 8th, 2024 – Kurt J. Lesker Company is proud to announce the successful publication of our latest Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology in JVSTA. This groundbreaking innovation, featuring our patented Precursor Focusing Technique (PFT) and Ultra-High Purity (UHP) process capability, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing next-generation applications.

The new ALD research and development (R&D) represents the first successful demonstration of scandium nitride (ScN) deposition using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) on silicon, sapphire, and magnesium oxide substrates under UHP conditions. This innovative process utilizes a new scandium precursor, bis(ethylcyclopentadienyl)scandium-chloride [ClSc(EtCp)2], combined with N2-H2 plasma species, allowing for the deposition of conformal, high-quality ScN films at relatively low temperatures (200−300°C).

"We are thrilled by the prospects of this breakthrough, which underscores our dedication to innovation and excellence in the field of ALD," said Kurt Lesker IV. "This achievement is a testament to the hard work and expertise of our team, and we look forward to leveraging this technology to drive sustainable business growth."

The ScN films produced by this process exhibit high crystalline quality and excellent electrical properties, with high mobility and low resistivity. This makes them suitable for advanced electronic applications, including thermoelectric applications and as an interlayer for epitaxial gallium nitride (GaN) growth. The ability to conformally coat high aspect ratio (HAR) structures is particularly valuable for applications in 3D embedded memory and piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (piezoMEMS).

The new ALD breakthrough positions Kurt J. Lesker Company as a leader in the ALD market, providing a significant competitive edge. KJLC’s unique UHP technology equips researchers to meet the challenges of next generation 3D nanotechnology. 

The new ALD publication, in JVSTA, will be featured on www.lesker.com and stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push the boundaries of ALD technology.

For more information, please visit our website or contact our marketing team.

• Read more about First ScN Deposition Using PEALD

Pioneering Digital Manufacturing Technology Will Revolutionize Semiconductor Packaging, Display Manufacturing, and Consumer Electronics

Las Vegas, US, January 8, 2025 – SCRONA AG, a leader in microfabrication technologies and the proud holder of a World Record for the smallest printed color picture, has unveiled its revolutionary 128-nozzle electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printhead at CES 2025. This groundbreaking innovation achieves a three-digit nozzle count in digital EHD technology for the first time, marking a major milestone that transforms EHD printing into a mass-production-ready solution.

Launching with a newly developed print engine for seamless integration into production tools by the end of Q1 2025, the 128-nozzle printhead is poised to revolutionize high-precision manufacturing across industries. "The rapid development from 8 to 48 and now to 128 nozzles in such a short time is a testament to the scalability of our MEMS-based EHD Gen-3 platform and execution of our team," said Dr. Patrick Galliker, CTO and Co-Founder of SCRONA.

A Leap in Digital Manufacturing for Key Industries

The SCRONA 128-nozzle printhead brings unprecedented precision, material flexibility, and scalability to industries such as semiconductor advanced packaging, display manufacturing, and consumer electronics. Key benefits and applications include:

1. Semiconductor Manufacturing:
- Revolutionary die-attach applications, dispensing ultra-small adhesive volumes with unparalleled accuracy.
- High-resolution printing of conductive interconnects, vital for advanced AI chiplets and chip manufacturing innovations.

2. Display Technology:
- Unmatched precision in applying quantum dots and color filters for next-generation micro-LED and OLED displays, enabling vibrant, energy-efficient screens.
- High-accuracy printing of adhesives and sealants for display packaging, facilitating thinner and flexible substrates.

3. Versatility Across Sectors:
- Enhanced printing capabilities for consumer electronics, defense, and life sciences, with the ability to print on curved or challenging substrates.
- A versatile solution surpassing the limitations of traditional inkjet and screen printing technologies.

Accelerating Mass Production Ready for EHD Technology

The introduction of the 128-nozzle printhead represents a paradigm shift in production technology, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, speed, and material flexibility. This innovation addresses the long-standing challenges of scaling EHD technology to meet the rigorous demands of high-volume manufacturing. "We are thrilled to unveil our 128-nozzle EHD printhead at CES 2025," said Dr. Patrick Heissler, CEO, SCRONA AG. "This breakthrough paves the way for manufacturers to achieve greater performance, miniaturization, and efficiency in production processes while unlocking new opportunities for innovation in advanced technologies."

About Scrona AG
Scrona is a spin-off from ETH Zurich, one of the top 10 global research universities. Scrona has developed the industry's first multi-nozzle printing platform that can digitally print with sub-micron precision, on any material and at scale. Its patented electrostatic printing technology is transforming manufacturing processes in the field of semiconductors, displays and many other products. It is enabling new designs not feasible for implementation with today’s processes while significantly reducing material, energy and water consumption.
Learn more at www.Scrona.com

• Read more about SCRONA Unveils World's First 128-Nozzle EHD Printhead at CES 2025

From January 1, 2025 Heraeus is combining the high-performance materials expertise of Heraeus Conamic and Heraeus Comvance into a new operating company: Heraeus Covantics. The merged business will be led by a new management team. The legal entities will remain the same.

With the new operating company, Heraeus is further expanding its technology leadership in the manufacturing and processing of high-purity quartz, fused silica, and other high-end materials such as ceramics and innovative composites.

“We are creating a global powerhouse in which we drive innovation and exploit technological synergies,” explain Christoph Fark, Michael Werth and Nikolas Pojezny, Managing Directors of Heraeus Covantics. ”The new structure more closely aligns our combined capabilities and competencies with market requirements and customer needs. This enables our customers to strengthen their competitive advantage.”

Heraeus Covantics manufactures semi-finished products, complex system components and custom-tailored solutions made of quartz glass, fused silica and ceramic materials. They are used in the data transmission and telecommunication industry, the production of specialty optical fibers for industrial and medical applications, semiconductor manufacturing and optical applications among others.

About Heraeus
Heraeus is a family-owned global technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany. The company’s roots go back to a family pharmacy started in 1660. With its expertise and resources, Heraeus has been making meaningful contributions over generations and is committed to do so in the future. Today, the group bundles diverse activities in four Business Platforms: Metals and Recycling, Healthcare, Semiconductor and Electronics, as well as Industrials. Customers benefit from innovative technologies and solutions based on broad materials knowledge and technological leadership. In the 2023 financial year, the group generated revenues of €25.6 billion (US$27.7 billion*) with approximately 16,400 employees in 40 countries. Heraeus is one of the top 10 family-owned companies in Germany.

About Heraeus Covantics
Heraeus Covantics is a technology leader specializing in the manufacturing and processing of the industry’s highest purity quartz, fused silica and other high-end materials such as ceramics and composites. With locations in Europe, USA and Asia, Heraeus Covantics manufactures semi-finished products, complex system components and custom-tailored solutions made of quartz glass, fused silica and ceramic materials. They are used in the data transmission and telecommunication industry, the production of specialty optical fibers for industrial and medical applications, semiconductor manufacturing and optical applications among others.

• Read more about Heraeus Covantics: Materials specialist further expands its technology leadership

WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 18, 2024 – DuPont (NYSE: DD) today announced it has joined the SEMI Foundation’s Semiconductor PRIDE (Semiconductor Professionals for Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) initiative as a Founding Member. Semiconductor PRIDE, which launched earlier this year, is a coalition of companies who are committed to advancing LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion in the semiconductor workforce.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) projects that 58% of new semiconductor manufacturing and design jobs in the U.S. risk going unfilled by 2030 (SIA, 2023). This potential talent gap, along with shifting demographics where one in five Generation Z adults in the U.S. identifies as LGBTQ+, highlights the need to reevaluate strategies for preparing the future workforce (Gallup, 2024). Semiconductor PRIDE is a new working group within the SEMI Foundation, the workforce development arm of SEMI, that aims to broaden workforce development efforts to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion.

“Joining Semiconductor PRIDE reaffirms our commitment to fostering an inclusive supportive environment for LGBTQ+ employees and allies,” said Devon Benedict, Integrated Operations Program Leader, DuPont, and Events and Partnerships Co-Chair for the DuPont Pride employee network. “This partnership promotes the attraction of LGBTQ+ talent in the semiconductor workforce and is a natural fit with our values.”

The DuPont Pride network was instrumental in having the company join the SEMI Foundation’s efforts. Established in 1991, DuPont Pride embodies the company’s longstanding commitment to promote an inclusive, diverse, and innovative work environment. This is reflected in the company achieving a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, the foremost benchmark for corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality in the U.S.

In collaboration with industry partners, DuPont is committed to not only closing the talent gap in the semiconductor industry but also ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive environment.

About SEMI
SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.

About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

• Read more about DuPont Joins SEMI Foundation’s Semiconductor PRIDE Initiative as a Founding Member