SPTS Technologies, a supplier of advanced wafer processing solutions, and imec, a world-leading nanoelectronics research center have announced a joint partnership to further advance micro- and nanosized components for BioMEMS, using SPTS' Rapier silicon deep reactive ion etching (Si DRIE) technology.

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131008/643884-a )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131008/643884-b )

Micro and nanotechnologies are fast becoming key enablers in medical research, diagnosis and treatment, with rapid developments in areas like DNA sequencing and molecular diagnostics. Imec, as one of the pioneers in the field, is developing the underlying heterogeneous technology and components as the backbone to these life science tools.

One of the most important process techniques in BioMEMS manufacturing is deep silicon etching. It can be used to manufacture devices such as microfluidic channels, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) chambers, mixers and filters. As a leading institute in advanced micro and nanoelectronics research, imec is currently developing lab-on-chip technology for fast SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) detection in human DNA and a microsized detection system for circulating tumor cells in the human blood stream. The outcome of this research will be products that deliver a better quality of life for current and future generations.

"We chose SPTS as a partner after running extensive wafer demonstrations on their tool, challenging them on the demanding structures required by our current projects," says Deniz Sabuncuoglu Tezcan, who is leading imec's Novel Components Integration team. "The results convinced us that the Rapier module can help us create the devices we envisage. The demos also showed that the processes will deliver the high throughputs and repeatability necessary for cost-effective volume production."

"We are very pleased to be working with imec, a world-renowned institute with a global reputation for developing cutting-edge technology", said Kevin Crofton, Executive VP and COO of SPTS. "BioMEMS is one of the new frontiers of the MEMS industry and will deliver huge benefits to our health and wellbeing. We're proud that our technology will be used to develop life-changing devices that will benefit this and future generations".

About imec

Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China, India and Japan. Its staff of more than 2,000 people includes more than 650 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2012, imec's revenue (P&L) totaled 320 million euro. Further information on imec can be found at http://www.imec.be.  

Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a "stichting van openbaar nut"), imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting IMEC Nederland, part of Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch Government), imec Taiwan (IMEC Taiwan Co.) and imec China (IMEC Microelectronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.) and imec India (Imec India Private Limited).

About SPTS Technologies

SPTS Technologies (a Bridgepoint portfolio company) designs, manufactures, sells, and supports etch, PVD, CVD and thermal wafer processing solutions for the MEMS, advanced packaging, LEDs, high speed RF on GaAs, and power management device markets. With manufacturing facilities in Newport, Wales, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and San Jose, California, the company operates across 19 countries in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. For more information about SPTS Technologies, please visit http://www.spts.com

SOURCE SPTS Technologies Ltd