The AI Era of computing is fueling exponential growth in data generation, and the entire technology ecosystem depends on the semiconductor industry finding new ways to scale DRAM architectures to keep pace with bit demand. New hard mask patterning films can enable thinner capacitors with the highest possible aspect ratios, while new dielectric insulating materials can reduce the spacing between metal lines, both resulting in new ways to shrink.

During Applied’s annual EarthWorks campaign, employees across the globe are encouraged to learn about and take action dedicated to environmental sustainability.

We are now at the start of the next display technology wave, as OLEDs replace LCDs in consumer devices. There are also other interesting technologies forthcoming, each with different strengths, challenges, applications and time horizons.

Every AI chip in the world has been built using Applied’s systems. Now we are looking at how AI can be used holistically throughout our business to help solve complex challenges and provide engineers and technologists with “Actionable Insights” from R&D to high-volume manufacturing.

Applied Materials employees around the world joined together in March to celebrate International Women’s Day.

In 2020, only seven suppliers in the entire Intel supply chain earned an Intel SCQI Award, making them truly the best of the best. Applied’s recognition includes distinguished performance in supplier diversity.

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.