Challenges in semiconductor technologies

Technological progress in micro- and nano-electronic materials and devices has dramatic repercussions on modern society and human interactions. Improving quality and performances of nanomaterials and nanodevices is therefore a fundamental target in nanoscience and nanotechnology which can be chased by combining optimization of materials, processes, appr+B2oaches, architectures, during the whole production chain, from the fundamental nanosized building blocks to the final assembled device. This keynote session is focused on two crucial topics in microelectronic materials and devices. First the need for large scale facilities for nanocharacterizations, e.g., neutron reflectivity, X-ray diffraction and X-ray nano-tomography, which is a major issue in the whole production chain, from nanomaterials to devices. Then, the focus is on memories, a relevant class of microelectronic devices, and in particular on advanced approaches to improve their performances.