This three-year program is meant to allow companies to assess a maskless lithography infrastructure for IC manufacturing and the use of MAPPER* Technology for high-throughput. The multiple e-beam lithography program covers a global approach to the technology, including tool assessment, patterning and process integration, data handling, prototyping and cost analysis

“STMicroelectronics has been working for more than a decade with CEA-Leti on maskless lithography. Together, ST and CEA-Leti have established a full shaped-beam capability on ST’s Crolles pilot line and demonstrated the insertion of e-beam technology in a standard CMOS process flow,” said Joël Hartmann Silicon-Technology Development Director for STMicroelectronics, at Crolles, France. “Joining the IMAGINE program is a logical step for ST to get access to a mask-less lithography possible solution for future technology nodes.”

“The IMAGINE program will benefit from the strong knowledge and support of STMicroelectronics in maskless technology,” said Leti’s CEO, Laurent Malier. “The experience of CEA-Leti in e-beam technology has been strengthened over the years by this partnership with ST for using e-beam for advanced technology demonstrators. With STMicroelectronics supporting the IMAGINE program, we are convinced we will succeed to make maskless lithography a viable solution.”

*MAPPER’s offices are located in Delft, The Netherlands, near Delft University of Technology; MAPPER is delivering massively parallel electron beam platforms and this equipment delivery is part of the collaboration program.

About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2008, the Company's net revenues were $9.84 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

CEA-LETI Contact:
Serge Tedesco
Phone: +33 4 38 78 49 89
Email: serge.tedesco@cea.fr

STMicroelectronics Contact:
Didier Dedeurwaerder
Phone: + 33 4 38 92 27 90
Email: didier.dedeurwaerder@st.com