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Atomic scale processing (ASP)

Wafer-scale processing with control at the atomic scale

PlasmaPro ASP

Delivers a step-change in capability with rapid, high-rate deposition of conformal, tunable oxides and nitrides

Atomic scale processing (ASP)

Atomic Scale Processing (ASP) means wafer-scale processing with control at the atomic scale. This atomic-level control extends to deposition of thin films, removal or etching of material, and growth of 1D and 2D materials with their distinctive unique properties such as graphene.

Our range of plasma processing systems provides a complete solution to Atomic Scale Processing. We provide unique cluster capability or stand alone systems enabling the manipulation of matter with atomic scale precision on a production scale.

  • 1D & 2D materials growth - Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) & ALD of atomically thin structures

ALD overview


ALD of dielectrics

ALD of dielectrics, nitrides and metals with low damage. Our unique cluster capability provides the ability to cover surfaces directly without exposure to air. For instance these could be etched interfaces or freshly grown 2D materials such as MoS2 or graphene covered by ALD dielectrics or capping layers which can be a big advantage for a wide range of devices.

ALD of dielectrics & metals with low damage

CVD overview


CVD & ALD of atomically thin structures: 1D and 2D materials.

Unique devices can be constructed by covering nanowires with ALD films or etching 1D and 2D materials to tune their properties.

CVD growth of ZnO nanowires using DEZn precursors.
(Courtesy of Nanoscience Centre, Univ. of Cambridge)

CVD growth of hBN

ALE overview


ALE of Silicon, GaN & 2D materials. As these materials perform essential functions in a wide range of devices, our ability to etch these with extreme control and low damage can be an enabling technology. Furthermore combining ALE with deposition and growth will provide unique advantages in your device making.

Featured ASP products

PlasmaPro ASP

Based on production-proven platform for corporate/specialised R&D, PlasmaPro ASP has been designed to ensure high quality materials that can be deposited at speed with flexibility to run multiple chemistries to give excellent layers for incorporation into devices. Our cutting-edge plasma enhanced ALD (PEALD) system offers flexibility, conformality, and tunability of ALD with speed for higher throughput and thicker films.

  • Faster than conventional remote plasma

  • Reduced precursor consumption which is beneficial for the environment and cost of running
  • High material quality
  • Low cost of ownership

  • Improved serviceability and maintenance

  • Low volume chamber for speed

  • Low substrate damage

  • Higher process stability


PlasmaPro ASP overview


PlasmaPro ASP has shared platform with Atomfab to deliver fast and low damage remote PEALD. Remote PEALD offers superior device performance compared to thermal ALD and direct plasma ALD. It is compact to limit the effective chamber volume for rapid gas exchange and it is effective over the full 200 mm wafer diameter.​

PlasmaPro ASP features


  • High speed remote plasma source
    - High and uniform radical density and low ion energies for low damage, fast saturation
    - PLC and AMU control allows rapid striking
  • Excellent precursor and process control
    - Up to 6 precursors, bubbled or vapour drawn
  • Wafer electrode
    - 200 mm wafer electrode with bias
    - Up to 400 °C deposition temp.
    - 200 °C heated inner chamber
  • Control system
    - Ease of service and simplified wiring
    - Improved diagnostics for service
    - No separate ‘electronics’ rack
  • Ease of cleaning
    - Removable metal surfaces in chamber
    - Purged outer chamber and lower pumping areas

PlasmaPro ASP applications


  • Low damage GaN HEMT passivation for power electronics and RF devices
    • Low-oxygen content conductive nitrides with all-metal plasma source enabling fast cycle times, suitable for quantum devices
    • Low damage graphene encapsulation for datacom applications

    450 nm conformal SiO2 deposited in 32:1 aspect ratio trench using PlasmaPro ASP.

    130 nm conformal superconducting NbN deposited in 8:1 aspect ratio trench using PlasmaPro ASP.

    PlasmaPro ASP Specifications


    Specifications

    PlasmaPro ASP

    Precursor lines

    Maximum 6 (any combination)​

    Precursor size (ml)

    200

    Precursor type

    • Vapour draw - cooled ​
    • Vapour draw - heated ​
    • Bubbled – heated

    Handling

    Loadlock

    Gas pod

    4 Process + 1 Ar (onboard) ​

    Electrode

    400 °C grounded/ biased

    Roughing pump

    600 m3/hr

    Compliance

    UL Standard, designed for SEM 2S

    Software

    PTIQ

    PEALD process library

    Al2O3, SiO2, NbN, TiN, more in development

    Global customer support

    Oxford Instruments is committed to providing a comprehensive, flexible and reliable global customer support. We offer excellent quality service throughout the life of your system.

    • Remote diagnostics software provides quick and easy fault diagnosis and resolution.
    • Support contracts are available to suit the budget and situation.
    • Global spares in strategic locations for quick response.
    Find out more

    NEW: PTIQ software

    PTIQ is the latest intelligent software solution for PlasmaPro and Ionfab processing equipment.

    • Exceptional level of responsive system control
    • Optimise system and process performance
    • Different levels of software to suit your requirements
    • Brand new intuitive layout and design
    Find out more

    Explore our comprehensive technical training courses

    At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we offer a wide range of technical training courses designed to suit all skill levels and needs.

    • Level 1 (Introductory): New system users for all platforms
    • Level 2 (Intermediate): Equipment and maintenance training for all platforms
    • Level 3 (Advanced): for plasma etch and deposition, ion beam and PEALD systems
    • Specialist technical modules: process and handler technical training for all platforms
    Find out more

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