NanoMatrix is currently working with
manufacturers of MEMS/NEMS, photonic devices, and optical equipment
to solve problems inherent in fabricating products with feature
sizes that are often smaller than the wavelengths of visible light.
Our proprietary, environmentally friendly technology addresses
the need for advanced surface preparation with capabilities for
drilling, precision cutting, etching, and pattern development
on a nanoscale.
Small-Scale Fabrication
We have developed a new approach to performing small-scale fabrication.
By providing precise control of microscopic and nanoscopic, supersonic
jets of liquid, NanoMatrix delivers a prototyping and manufacturing
capability that will "supply and enable many new industrial
processes" in the high-growth field of nanotechnology. Currently,
we can control the high-energy liquid jets to cut and shape features
below 50 nanometers in size. At the scale at which we are working,
the jet's stream of individual molecules produces a precision
machining effect.
NanoMatrix products and processes
are applicable in any industry that requires micro and nanomachining.
Manufacturers' needs for micro and nanomachining are expanding
rapidly. We offer a new solution as well as a new capability in
manufacturing. We can machine specific geometries for sensors,
medical devices, and dielectrics; prepare surfaces for adhesion,
and replace certain lithography processes in semiconductors with
both lower cost and higher yields. We work with clients to develop
new applications for expanding markets, as well as improve existing
applications by helping reduce manufacturing costs for current
applications.
Our Solution
NanoMatrix provides a much-needed solution for industrial applications
and research and development labs throughout the world. A tool
that is specifically developed for small runs and rapid prototyping,
as well as larger operations, and that operates without reliance
on chemical processes or high-energy fields is desired but not
currently available. In response to these growing needs, NanoMatrix
has developed a purely mechanical process that requires minimal
setup and no harsh chemicals, vacuums, or high-energy fields.
The process is tolerant of contaminants and can be used in environments
with less stringent cleanliness controls. It is also much safer
than most other processes and much more cost-effective for the
majority of applications.
Currently available methods of making
micro and nanoscale prototypes (MEMS and NEMS) require thousands
of dollars and weeks or even months of development, resulting
in costly delays. Furthermore, technologies that use atomic force
microscopes (AFMs) for scraping or moving materials on a substrate
are not usually very cost-effective when the costs of training,
environment, and maintenance—such as frequent replacement
of expensive tips—are considered. In contrast, the NanoMatrix
products/processes provide rapid and low-cost fabrication of prototype
devices and equipment. Our products will become indispensable
to a large population of researchers and product developers in
not only nanotechnology applications but in a wide variety of
scientific, industrial, and business applications. Our current
focus is on the scale between 25 and 250 nanometers, although
NanoMatrix's processes have micron capabilities.
Although NanoMatrix can replace many
current lithography and e-beam processes, the NanoMatrix technology
also adds totally new capabilities that will make available new
applications for a variety of new materials that were not previously
possible. Because we use a mechanical process, NanoMatrix can
machine smaller feature sizes in a theoretically unlimited range
of materials. We are able to drill micro and nano holes according
to the client's needs. For example, a client might want holes
of a specific size, and in a specific pattern, on a specific material.
Most requests from clients are about machining materials that
are not semiconductor materials.
The NanoMatrix tools are self-contained
units that require only a power supply. The system is a compact,
desktop device that provides on-site, sub-micron rapid fabrication
capability for individual research efforts, enabling individuals
to reduce the time required to develop prototypes from months
to days. Larger production volume systems are under development.
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