White Paper for:
Modeling & Simulation of Ultimately Scaled Nanoelectronic Materials & Devices

Overview

SRC's Device Sciences area is soliciting white papers in the area of modeling and simulation (M&S) of nanoelectronic materials and devices. The principal goal of this discovery-driven program will be to apply M&S techniques to understand and overcome fundamental scientific barriers to extending CMOS and related technologies to the limits of ultimate scaling. This goal will be accomplished by linking the proposed theoretical modeling and simulation program with on-going experimental studies of nanoelectronic materials and devices, with a focus on ultimately scaled CMOS.

This call for white papers, issued to universities worldwide, may be addressed by an individual investigator or by a research team. A successful white paper submission is expected to result in an invitation to submit a full proposal, in a competitive procurement, leading to several 3-year modeling and simulation research contracts. The number and size of the contracts awarded will be determined by the amount of available funds and by the number of high quality proposals received. The funding amount or anticipated level of effort has typically been in the range of $50,000 to $250,000 per year. It is intentionally not prescribed to allow a bidder flexibility to propose sufficient effort and resources to accomplish the objectives of this solicitation. Proposals offering substantial funding leverage are strongly encouraged.

Research Needs

Specific, prioritized Modeling and Simulation Research Needs are detailed in a report (see link below) recently prepared by Device Science's Modeling and Simulation Thrust Task Force. Needs in the Compact Modeling area are being addressed by a separate Task Force and are not included in this solicitation.

Although these Research Needs are divided into Evolutionary and Revolutionary CMOS categories, and between process modeling and device modeling areas, we strongly encourage comprehensive research that bridges across areas to deliver fundamental understanding of the relationships between processing conditions and device performance, including coupling to experimental work. We also encourage research across the modeling hierarchy from very detailed physical descriptions to approaches more directly applicable for industrial technology analysis. Specific Modeling and Simulation research needs related to memory technology are also addressed.

Looking at the overall Research Needs prioritization by area, one notable outcome is the clear weighting of Evolutionary CMOS process modeling topics above other areas. This reflects our assessment that the state-of-the-art in process modeling is significantly further behind current industrial needs than is the case for device modeling. Additional research investment is required to address this gap and will also strengthen the foundation for extending process modeling into the Revolutionary CMOS regime.

• Research Needs Document

White Paper Guidelines

Responses are to be submitted as single PDF (or MS-Word) documents generated with 10 point or larger fonts and must be submitted via the SRC Web site. Limit document size to 2 pages sized to the US standard (8.5 by 11 inches). Non-compliance with these guidelines may exclude white papers from consideration.

Please include the following identifying information in your white paper:

• Project title
• Investigator(s)
• University
• Principal Author telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address

Please address the following topics in your white paper:

• Background/context: emphasis area and problem to be addressed; describe why research is being done
• Objective: what you plan to accomplish in a 3-year program
• Rationale: value in terms of semiconductor industry needs
• Novelty: role of this research in advancing knowledge and state-of-the-art
• Approach: strategy for addressing the problem; describe important findings from your research to date
• Results: anticipated output of a successful effort
• Funding Request Amount: plan for 3-year program funded by a research contract.
• IP: identify any preexisting intellectual property

Awardees will be expected to:

• Provide information about participating students
• Submit publications resulting from sponsored research
• Participate in annual research reviews
• Provide annual reports and pre-defined deliverables

Timetable and Deadlines

Please direct all technical questions to Dr. Jim Hutchby, (james.hutchby@src.org).
All other questions should be directed to Jennifer Bennett, (jennifer.bennett@src.org).