Dundee University
Dundee University is committed to excellence in both teaching and research. The University’s School of Engineering and Physics division boasts a proud tradition with endeavours dating back over one hundred years when the first Physics Department was opened by J.J. Thomson.
Compugraphics has worked closely with Dundee University’s School of Engineering and Physics over the years. Today the University’s research is based around areas in photonics, biophysics, computational physics and materials science.
Working with Dundee University
The University required Compugraphics help when designing a low-cost laser technology device based on THz (Terahertz) frequencies. THz frequencies – commonly referred to as T-rays — are non-ionising so have none of the inherent health risks which x-ray radiation can potentially cause. Such technology could eventually replace conventional x-ray equipment for medical/dental applications and for full body and baggage scanners at airports.
Designing the laser diode device required Dundee University to try out a number of different designs which required a wide variety of photomasks to fabricate the wafer.
Solution
Compugraphics partnered with Dundee in collaboration with the Photonics Group and Nanoscience Group under the leadership of Professor Edik Rafailov to define and manufacture the photomasks needed to fabricate the wafer.
Microelectronics
Most integrated circuits are produced by transferring an Image, by optical lithography from a photomask to silicon. High resolution patterns can be produced in Si/Ge layers. Dundee University demonstrated, in collaboration with Compugraphics International, that such photomasks can be used successfully to transfer high resolution Images.
Fine line writing for advanced photomasks has also been pioneered together with the Physical Chemistry Group. As integrated circuits continue to increase in complexity there is a growing need for new techniques to produce high resolution conductive metal tracks in a simple reproducible process. Dundee University’s School of Engineering and Physics division synthesized a new range of organometallic compounds with gold, palladium and copper which can be spin coated on glass where subsequent electron bombardment produces sub-micron metal tracks.
Designing the laser diode device has required us to try out a number of different designs which has required a wide variety of photomasks to fabricate the wafer.
– Professor Rafailov
Compugraphics has offered us invaluable advice and help in the selection and design of the photomasks. We know that the photomasks supplied are of the highest quality. Many of our designs are extremely complex and we are confident that our specifications will be replicated with 100% accuracy.
– Dr David McGloin, Dundee University
For further information about Dundee University School of Photonics and Nanoscience Group please visit http://www.dundee.ac.uk/elecengphysics/research/photonics/photonicsnanoscience/.
