Materials Innovation Platform (MIP)

Novel materials with unique properties are key enablers for new, disruptive technologies. Of special interest are nanomaterials, which can be engineered for specific physical, electrical, and chemical properties by exploitation of quantum size effects. Understanding cause-effect correlations of these materials' growth and structure supports the systematic discovery and optimisation of the desired properties. A proven and effective approach for this research is to use a 'Materials Innovation Platform'.

Materials Innovation Platforms (MIP) integrate instrumentation for growth and detailed characterisation of samples in-situ. Not only is sample quality preserved by maintaining UHV conditions, but analysis and growth can be done at intermediate process steps and performed far more rapidly than if the instrumentation was separated. Further, appropriate design of a MIP provides for expansion and exchange of capabilities as the research evolves. Working with a single supplier and partner to design, produce and support these MIPs ensures highest instrument uptime, ease-of-use, and productivity.

 Enabling Forefront Research

Modern application fields need both, a fundamental understanding of the underlying physics and chemistry, as well as an integrated approach towards device implementation. A Materials Innovation Platform is the key to success whenever one of these topics is required:

• Multiple deposition modules and/or different deposition technologies
• Ultra-clean UHV environment during transfer between modules at any time
• Surface analysis between process steps for the chemical, electronical and structural investigation of surfaces and interfaces
• Extendability for additional deposition or analysis techniques