Training program forges links with Korea
Samsung sends staff to RSPhysSe
By Julian Lee An ANU scientist is demonstrating how industry can be used to support basic research in science. An agreement established by Dr Rod Boswell of the Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering (RSPhysSE) has encouraged a leading Korean company to pay for staff to be trained at the ANU. Dr Kyeong Chi, the second staff member from Samsung to come to the ANU since the training program began two years ago, will bring sorely needed funds to the research school. "With this arrangement, we fulfil the university's brief to teach and do basic research, and earn some money at the same time," Dr Boswell said. At the Plasma Research Laboratory in RSPhysSE, Dr Chi will be taught state-of-the-art etching techniques used to produce computer memory and processor chips. To produce the intricate pattern which defines how a computer chip will work, a mask is laid over a silicon wafer and trenches cut into it. Plasma - highly ionised or "excited" gases - is used to create the trenches by producing a reactive chemical which dissolves the exposed areas on the wafer. As the trenches are created, waste gas and silicon is pumped away. By studying the properties of plasma, Dr Chi will contribute towards developing and refining a cleaner and more controllable technique for producing high capacity computer chips. Plasma etching has two advantages over the old, wet technique - where silicon wafers were dipped into chemical baths. "Firstly, we can make a nice square trench with well defined smooth walls only a quarter of a micron across - about a hundredth of the width of a human hair. Secondly, plasma etching is environmentally friendly as we don't have to dispose of large quantities of wet toxic chemicals," Dr Terry Sheridan, also of RSPhysSE, said. With computer memory capacity increasing exponentially, there is a clear need for industry to stay in touch with the latest research. "Samsung has chosen the ANU because they think it is a good place for teaching - we make the scientific principles very clear," Dr Boswell said. "We also provide them [visiting researchers] with work space, equipment and technical assistance. "They go back with a lot more than just good science however. They learn English, experience a different research environment, and see how our society works," Dr Boswell said. "They return home and quickly rise up the ladder." Besides financial gain, the exchanges also benefit the ANU through publication of basic research and strong networks with international businesses. "They make good ambassadors when they go back. They become managers and lay good foundations for future interactions," Dr Boswell said. His students have already seen the advantages of this networking - with several employed by companies in Silicon Valley in California. "Our group provides instant international connections for students looking for jobs," he said. Dr Boswell believes his group is so successful with Korea because of the strong group ethos that he instils. "New members are accepted completely into the group. Lots of the work we do is social and this has been remarked on by other Asian groups," he said. Acting on this, Dr Boswell initiated the exchange program at a conference in Korea when he suggested that a Samsung staff member come to the ANU to be trained. "Every day of stopped production [at Samsung] is millions of dollars lost, therefore it is critical to have trained staff to know what to do if something goes wrong," Dr Boswell said. After six months of silence, he was surprised when they accepted the offer. Dr Boswell believes they accepted because he didn't try to hold back any information and answered questions openly. "You have to believe people are not going to rip you off," Dr Boswell said. "Our role in universities is to engage in basic research and teaching, not only for students but also for groups outside the university and Australia."