DETROIT, MI - Wayne State University announced a collaboration with Applied Materials, Inc. on research to develop new thin film deposition processes needed for the fabrication of advanced semiconductors. These new processes may lead to the development of high-performance, nanoscale materials that can help improve the speed and power efficiency of next-generation chips, and have the potential to make advancements in emerging areas such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and autonomous vehicles.

To help facilitate the research, Applied Materials is setting up a lab at the university and providing state-of-the-art deposition tools and instrumentation for thin film analysis.

Applied Materials is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. The company's highly sophisticated manufacturing technologies and processes enable faster and more efficient processors, larger capacity memory chips and super high-resolution displays.

Researchers from Wayne State University and Applied Materials will explore the growth of thin film processes. Extremely thin films deposited using a controlled, precise process are required for an increasing number of chip-making applications as chip structures reach the atomic scale.

"Most metal and element films important in manufacturing microelectronics chips are difficult to grow and require development of powerful new chemical precursors," said Charles Winter, Ph.D., professor of chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wayne State University. "Over the past six years, our laboratory has pioneered new precursors capable of transforming metal and element precursors to thin films."

"We are excited to work with Dr. Winter and Wayne State University on this critically important research to help accelerate the readiness of new materials," said David Thompson, senior director of engineering management at Applied Materials. "Applied's strength in chemistry together with the industry's broadest portfolio of process technologies allows us to speed issue discovery, resolution and general learning around new materials."

"This is a very exciting development with tremendous potential for knowledge transfer to the broad communities we serve as a public research university," said Stephen M. Lanier, vice president for research at Wayne State University. "We look forward to working with Applied Materials in Detroit."

"This is an excellent example of industry recognition of our Wayne State University faculty expertise," said Joan Dunbar, associate vice president of Wayne State University's office of Technology Commercialization. "This innovative collaboration can catalyze the transfer of research discoveries from the lab to industrial processes that are beneficial to society. The joint R&D will strengthen the close relationship with Applied Materials and Dr. Winter's team, and enhance our students' learning opportunities by working with a world-class industry leader."

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About Wayne State University

Wayne State University is one of the nation's pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information about research at Wayne State University, visit research.wayne.edu.