The paradigm of optical design is being completely upended by Engineered Optics, which is the fabrication of optical elements with micron and sub-micron sized features. Read our latest blog to learn more about why Applied Ventures is investing in this innovative technology and the exciting computing applications it can enable.

Applied Materials is reinventing process control with a new solution, unveiled today, that uses Big Data and AI to find yield-killing defects better, faster and more cost effectively than legacy approaches. The solution allows chipmakers to accelerate yields and time to market of semiconductor process technologies and fabs. 

This is the second blog in a series examining challenges around defect detection and correction. Here, I describe the ideal process control solution for the AI Era and discuss what it will take to make it a reality.

Getting from R&D to high-volume manufacturing of new technology nodes is a complex process gated primarily by the ability to detect and correct defects. The methods used by the industry to perform defect inspection and review have remained relatively the same for decades. It is now time for a new approach—one that is optimized for the AI Era.

Nonprofits funded by Applied Materials Foundation’s Generation Girl initiative provided high-quality programming for girls across the United States, despite a very difficult year.

While Applied Materials’ ESG ratings are improving, we’re not satisfied yet. Our aspiration is to help drive the semiconductor industry into a leadership role on climate change and supplier engagement.

Recently I participated in an engaging panel discussion on the topic of “Driving Decarbonization in Turbulent Times and Beyond.” What was clear from the discussion is that many businesses are innovating to improve not only their footprint but those of their value chain—suppliers and customers, and that these efforts present tech companies with opportunities for innovation and differentiation.

Applied Materials employees responded generously during our annual North America Fight Against Hunger—a month-long campaign, held virtually this year, to raise funds to help alleviate hunger in communities where we work and live.

2020 will be remembered most for the challenges of COVID-19. In the world of technology, it will be remembered for accelerating digital transformations that would have taken many more years to play out. Entering 2021, the dependency between the global economy and semiconductors is greater than it’s ever been. At the same time, the way chips are being made is changing as traditional Moore’s Law scaling slows. Applied Materials is dedicated to driving new ways to help our customers continue to deliver improvements in chip power, performance and cost, in record time.