TEST & MEASUREMENT FEATURE
integral points of focus for the development of the industry. Maintaining control of the critical
dimensions of a nanomaterial is one of the most important factors when working with materials this small. Manufacturers need to constantly control all parameters and performance, otherwise the material is at risk of manipulation. Material quantities such as linewidth, pattern overlay error, composition and concentration all need to be closely measured as the slightest error can end in disaster, and this can only be done if metrology advances to keep up with this new technique.
"Manufacturers need to invest their time and resources into the development of nanometrology and the supporting metrology
technology to create a firm foundation for growth"
has released a report outlining its vision for nanotechnologies which includes guideline and information about nanometrology. The statement called for stakeholders to use the same terminology for the same product, properties and features in whichever country the product or material is studied or marketed. These guidelines ensure that legislation can be effective and, similarly, that industry can demonstrate to enforcement bodies and purchasers that they have reproducible processes for
their devices and materials. Until recently there
were almost no established
international standards for the nanotechnology fields. However,
NANOMETROLOGY STANDARDS Due to the high expectations of the nanotechnology industry, many countries have started to establish national standards for nanometrology. In the United Kingdom, the Government
the International Organisation for Standardisation TC-229 Technical Committee on Nanotechnology, which is chaired in the UK, has now published a set of standards for terminology. These standards focus on the characterisation of nanomaterials, nanoparticles and different tools for nanoscale measurement. Also, certain measurements for standardisation of electrical based nano measurements
have been published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
INVESTING IN NANOMETROLOGY While nanotechnology is a hugely exciting and rapidly advancing field, substantial progress is required before we see it reach its full potential. Manufacturers, including Starrett, need to invest their time and resources into the development of nanometrology and the supporting metrology technology to create a firm foundation for growth. Without investment in precision measurement, we will not achieve the impressive predictions set for nanotechnology in the future. Nanotechnology has come a long way since the accidental nanoscale manipulation of the 13th century stained glass windows. There is no denying that the technology has enormous potential, from the creation of medical devices to enabling high- tech IT innovations that will change the way we work, communicate and play. However, the development of nanotechnologies relies on progress in nanometrology first - and there is still a long way to go.
Starrett
www.starrett.co.uk
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