2D Experimental Pilot Line offers developers the ability to test graphene-based sensors on a large scale and at a low cost #engineering #engineeringupdate

IN 2D experimental pilot line (2D-EPL), a project that grew out of Graphene flagship, launches its first customizable waffle release. As one of the five multi-project plates (MPW) operates, this first phase focuses on sensor applications. Companies, universities and research institutes can include their projects as matrices on joints to test their ideas for larger devices at a relatively low cost.

2D-EPL is a € 20 million project aimed at pioneering the production of prototype electronics and sensors based on graphene and related materials (GRM) and integrating them into established silicon semiconductor platforms. In addition, the project will refine and expand the production process of graphene-based electronics, including the development of critical tools, materials and processes.

2D-EPL includes partners from the entire value chain – from tool manufacturers to semiconductor production lines – including Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden; Aixtron, Germany and the United Kingdom; Interuniversity Center for Microelectronics (imec), Belgium; AMO, Germany; VTT, Finland; Süss MicroTec, Germany; Graphenea, Spain; Micro Resist Technology, Germany; Innovation for High Performance Microelectronics (IHP), Germany, and Oxford Instruments, UK.

The 2D-EPL project will offer several types of integration services, including multi-project wafer (MPW). The first run will take place in the 400th of AMO GmbH² most modern clean room. Targeted applications are applications for bio, gas or chemical sensors, Hall sensors or photodetectors, taking advantage of the exceptional sensitivity of graphene to the environment. The main process is a graphene field effect transistor (GFET) with several customization options.

The MPW run offers participants a unique chance to acquire a GFET of matrices manufactured to their own design. The cost of production is shared between the 2D-EPL project and the client, which means that companies, universities and research institutes can access this technology at a much lower cost. Currently available quantities are suitable for prototyping, research and development.

“This waffle release is a chance for academic groups, startups and other companies to test new ideas for devices with 2D materials on a larger scale at relatively low cost,” said Gordon Rinke, business developer at AMO. “As a result, they can collect more data about their devices and directly test larger production volumes – a necessary step to bring a product to market.

“MPW’s omissions are an important step in the 2D-EPL project,” added Cedric Huyhebart, Head of 2D-EPL. “Not only do they provide customers in both industry and academia with access to graphene-integrated plates, but they offer great training opportunities in the production of these devices. We plan to test and analyze each stage of the production process to increase and improve the production of graphene-integrated electronics.

The plate matrices for several projects can be customized within a set of specifications – the size and some critical dimensions are fixed, for example – and must be designed in accordance with the process design kit (PDK). AMO GmbH will support and collaborate with successful candidates in the design of matrices and offers a library of device designs to be used as a basis for modification.

“Electronics based on 2D materials can be a real tool for Europe to win stakes in the high-tech sector, but what is needed is the development of an entire ecosystem around this topic – from tool developers to potential customers. This is trying to achieve 2D-EPL. At AMO, we are really excited to contribute our experience and our production capabilities to this great project, ”says Max Leme, Research Director of AMO GmbH.

The first 2D-EPL MPW cycle is open for applications on 1 February 2022 and the call ends on 30 June 2022. The production phase of the MPW cycle will take place between 1 September and 31 October 2022. To apply to be part of the first MPD implementation of 2D-EPL, visit: 2dpilotline.eu Or follow these links for more information on 2D-EPL project of Graphene flagship or AMO.