Quinas advances ULTRARAM with atomic-level processing
Quinas Technology, the UK developer of the ULTRARAM non-volatile memory, has announced another milestone in its R&D programme, confirming the use of Atomic Layer Etching (ALE) to fabricate and refine its quantum-engineered device structures at KAUST Core Labs in Saudi Arabia.
The work builds on more than a decade of quantum device research conducted at Lancaster University in the UK, with atomic-scale processing now being carried out at KAUST Core Labs using Oxford Instruments’ ALE technology. This combination provides sub-nanometre control with ultra-low damage processing, a critical requirement for the precisely engineered quantum well heterostructures that underpin ULTRARAM, according to Quinas.
ULTRARAM is a novel memory technology designed to combine DRAM-class speed with non-volatile data retention, offering the potential for significant improvements in energy efficiency and system performance. Achieving this requires exceptional control of interfaces and layer thickness within complex III–V semiconductor structures, making atomic-scale fabrication techniques ideal.
“Atomic-scale control of our quantum well structures is fundamental to ULTRARAM,” said James Ashforth-Pook, CEO and co-founder of Quinas Technology. “Working with KAUST Core Labs and leveraging Oxford Instruments’ Atomic Layer Etching technology gives us access to one of the world’s most advanced and credible environments for low-damage semiconductor R&D.”
KAUST Core Labs are recognised for their advanced nanofabrication, plasma processing, and compound semiconductor research. “KAUST Core Labs support cutting-edge semiconductor research through advanced nanofabrication facilities and atomic-scale processing tools designed for low-damage device development,” said Kenneth Kennedy, director of the KAUST Nanofabrication Core Lab.
“Atomic Layer Etching enables precise, low-damage fabrication of nanoscale device features and is increasingly used in advanced semiconductor research and production environments worldwide. We are pleased that Quinas are using Oxford Instruments ALE systems at KAUST Core Labs to fabricate their ULTRARAM devices - KAUST is a long time customer of Plasma Technology with a suite of ALE and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) systems including the latest in ALD technology, the PlasmaPro ASP,” said Harriet van der Vliet, head ofsStrategic R&D markets, Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology.
