Electronic Materials and Microsystems

Objectives
The aim of this research programme is to promote basic research at the highest possible level with a view to supporting Finnish R&D in electronics, maintaining and strengthening the competitiveness of the electronics industry and encouraging innovation of new applications. The electronics industry is developing by leaps and bounds, and there is a growing need for people with top qualifications in both the research community and the business sector. Therefore, this research programme is also aimed at creating appropriate research and training environments in universities.

The continuing growth and development of the electronics and electrical
industry is putting increased pressure on the need for basic research. From
the very outset the Finnish electronics industry has in its production
chain covered everything from silicon discs to microsystems for environment
measurements.

Themes
The programme is concerned with studying electronic materials, covering
the whole field from growing materials to processing them into devices.
One of the research themes is represented by silicon-based materials and
the processing of these materials. Another theme is the physical and
chemical compatibility of different materials and interface phenomena for
the needs of the semiconductor industry. Work is continuing to develop new
materials for the production of blue light and ultraviolet light sources
and components that can withstand high temperatures and high stresses.
Projects working in the third theme area are aimed at expanding the
application of silicon technology methods from the production of
microcircuits to the development of complex microsystems.

Extent
The programme comprises 11 projects, six of which are consortia involving
several research teams. A total of some 50 researchers are involved on a
full-time basis in the following organisations: Helsinki University of
Technology, Tampere University of Technology, the universities of Helsinki,
Jyväskylä and Turku, Åbo Akademi University and the Technical Research
Centre VTT. There is also a large number of part-time researchers.

Funding
Programme funding from the Academy of Finland amounts to EUR 5.1 million.

Duration
1999-2002