EVG and SAL expand collaboration
EVG tools will accelerate development of optical technologies for heterogeneous integration applications
EV Group (EVG), a supplier of wafer bonding and lithography equipment, and Silicon Austria Labs (SAL), an electronics systems research centre, have strengthened their collaboration around heterogeneous integration.
SAL has received and installed multiple EVG lithography and resist processing systems at its MicroFab R&D cleanroom facility in Villach, Austria. The aim is to accelerate the development of new optical technologies for heterogeneous integration applications, including wafer-level optics used for micro cameras and micro-mirrors, diffractive optics, and automotive optics used to enable autonomous driving and automotive lighting.
The newly installed EVG systems include the LITHOSCALE maskless exposure system, the EVG7300 automated SmartNIL nanoimprint and wafer-level optics system, as well as multiple complementary resist processing systems.
These systems join SAL’s existing installed base of multiple EVG bonding, mask alignment and lithography systems, including the first installation of the next-generation 200-mm version of the EVG150 automated resist processing system.
In addition, SAL has been working closely with the technology development and application engineering team at EVG’s headquarters, including the NILPhotonics Competence centre, to build EVG’s equipment and process knowhow and develop processes that are transferrable and scalable to high-volume manufacturing.
According to Mohssen Moridi, head of research division microsystems at Silicon Austria Labs, “We have recently been immersed in a range of cutting-edge R&D projects spanning meta-optics, integrated photonics, and MEMS, necessitating the use of advanced lithography and bonding tools.
"Through our valued partnership with EVG, we have gained access to tools of exceptional reliability and precision, paramount for successful R&D endeavors. Notably, the EVG7300 SmartNIL system has emerged as a pivotal tool, enabling the mass production of nanostructures for emerging photonics and MEMS devices. Its applications extend to diverse fields such as smart lighting systems, AR/VR, automotive optics, telecommunication, and quantum technology.”
