A ruthenium-based advanced precursor has received a prestigious award at the SEMICON Europa 2009 event, it was confirmed today (27th October).

Air Liquide Electronics created and patented the device, known as ToRuS, in order to assist the manufacturing of new hard-disk reading heads currently hitting the market.

The heads are made using giant magnetoresistance - a novel physical phenomenon which is aided by ruthenium - and ToRuS is capable of depositing ultra-fine layers of the precious metal.

This contribution to the electronic components manufacturing industry was recognised at the SEMICON Europa convention, which was held recently in Dresden, Germany.

Following a vote of 25,000 professionals involved in the relevant sector, the product was awarded the Enabling Material prize.

"To make increasingly efficient electronic devices, the semiconductor industry must rely on new chip materials," commented Air Liquide.

"Ruthenium is one such material poised to become a crucial element, particularly in data storage and memories."

Air Liquide was founded in 1902 and currently operates in 75 countries, while also employing 43,000 people and registering about 200 patents per year.

Source:

Air Liquide Electronics awarded for innovation (27/10/09)

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