Chipmakers Struggle to Inspect Tiny Structures

Seeing Beyond the Surface

Invisix, a startup spun out of ASML, has raised €20M to develop new technology to inspect the intricate structures within modern chips. The Eindhoven-based company is tackling a growing problem in the chip industry. As chips become increasingly complex and shrink in size, traditional optical inspection tools are no longer effective.

The issue arises because modern logic and memory devices are stacked into three dimensions and have features measuring just a few nanometres. Optical tools that check each layer can no longer resolve the structures buried inside, making it difficult to detect defects.

Invisix's technology aims to overcome this limitation by using alternative methods to inspect the internal structures of chips. The company's innovative approach is expected to improve the yield and reliability of chip production.

Can New Tech Keep Pace with Chip Complexity?

The €20M funding will enable Invisix to further develop its technology and bring it to market. With the increasing demand for advanced chips in applications such as AI, 5G, and autonomous vehicles, the need for effective inspection tools is becoming more pressing.

As chipmakers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the challenge of inspecting these complex devices will only grow. Invisix's technology has the potential to play a crucial role in addressing this challenge.

The development of more effective inspection tools will be critical to the continued advancement of the chip industry. With companies like Invisix leading the way, the industry is likely to see significant improvements in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main problem that Invisix is trying to solve? Invisix is addressing the challenge of inspecting the intricate structures within modern chips, which have become too complex for traditional optical inspection tools.

How does Invisix's technology differ from existing inspection methods? Invisix's technology uses alternative methods to inspect the internal structures of chips, going beyond the capabilities of traditional optical tools.

What are the potential applications of Invisix's technology? Invisix's technology is expected to improve the yield and reliability of chip production, benefiting industries such as AI, 5G, and autonomous vehicles.