Group 1 - Nearfield Instruments has launched a strategic development project to accelerate innovation in semiconductor metrology through a collaboration with Imec [1] - The partnership aims to address key challenges in the semiconductor manufacturing value chain, including 3D morphology measurement and hybrid bonding characterization [1] - The QUADRA system is designed to meet the demands for precision, speed, and scalability in metrology, which are critical for chip performance, energy efficiency, and yield in the AI chip era [1] Group 2 - Nearfield Instruments specializes in advanced metrology and inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry, focusing on next-generation scanning probe microscopy systems [2] - The QUADRA platform enables non-destructive, high-throughput atomic force microscopy (AFM) 3D imaging, allowing for precise measurement of complex structures critical in advanced process nodes and 3D integrated circuit packaging [2] - The company's solutions are designed for seamless integration into high-volume manufacturing environments, featuring strong automation capabilities and rapid measurement cycles [2] Group 3 - The high numerical aperture EUV lithography metrology technology is being developed to enhance the production efficiency of lithography machines [3] - QUADRA's unique sidewall imaging mode allows for precise characterization of high aspect ratio structures such as complementary field-effect transistors (CFET) [3] - The metrology and inspection capabilities for 3D integration and hybrid bonding are enhanced, focusing on applications like copper pad and dielectric roughness, erosion, and full-chip imaging [3]

当地时间6月15日，香港创新科技及工业局局长孙东教授继续荷兰的访问行程。他与荷兰外交部人员会 面时指出，香港特区高度重视维系与荷兰的关系。他强调，香港作为国际城市，一直发挥"超级联系 人"和"超级增值人"的角色和功能。香港特区政府致力打造香港成为国际创科中心，两地在创科领域合 作空间广阔。 访问期间，孙东教授考察初创孵化器和社区工作空间Amsterdam Venture Studios Startup Village，提供由 多个货柜屋组成的办公场地。该社群现聚集35间专注于人工智能和量子科技的初创，旨在促进科学、商 业和初创生态之间的相互合作和知识交流。 孙东教授参观在社群内的荷兰初创公司Omni Wind Tech BV，该公司专注于小型风力涡轮机发电专利技 术的创新开发，以促进风能在商业及社区场景的高效应用。他听取该公司的发展战略与核心技术，了解 其通过绿色创新推动清洁能源可持续发展的实践模式。 孙东教授亦拜会中国驻荷兰大使馆临时代办何时晴，向他介绍香港在"深化国际交往合作，更好融入国 家发展大局"所作出的努力。孙东教授对大使馆支持香港特区与荷兰就加强创科发展和招商引资方面合 作表示感谢。 其后，孙东教 ...

Core Insights - Nearfield Instruments and A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics have signed a multi-year research collaboration agreement to advance semiconductor metrology technology [1][2] - The collaboration aims to develop advanced metrology solutions to efficiently produce artificial intelligence chips, driven by the rapid rise of AI and the increasing demand for computing power [1][2] - The semiconductor industry is shifting towards heterogeneous integration, which combines different types of chips into a single system, enhancing computational performance and energy efficiency [1][2] Company Insights - Nearfield Instruments specializes in high-precision measurement technology and plays a critical role in process control necessary for the next generation of AI chips and heterogeneous integration [3] - Nearfield has established Nearfield Singapore as an innovation and service center to support semiconductor manufacturers in Southeast Asia [3] - A*STAR is Singapore's leading public sector R&D agency, focusing on open innovation and collaboration with public and private partners to benefit the economy and society [4] Industry Insights - The partnership aligns with Singapore's ongoing efforts to strengthen its semiconductor industry through strategic collaborations with global technology leaders [2] - The collaboration is expected to enhance the capability to develop breakthrough solutions for AI-driven computing, emphasizing energy-efficient manufacturing of AI and high-performance computing chips [2]