Nearfield Instruments: revolutionising chip measurement at nanoscale

Innovation at the nanoscale

Nearfield's metrology machines use highly precise AFM probes that operate at the nanoscale. They measure changes in atomic force fields without touching the surface of a chip. Additionally, they can use sound waves to ‘see’ through multiple chip layers, creating a three-dimensional image of the chip structure. This enables manufacturers to detect defects early and improve production efficiency.

From vision to global breakthrough

The story of Nearfield Instruments started with Hamed Sadeghian's vision. After earning his doctorate at Delft University of Technology, he joined TNO and developed technology to measure microchips at nanoscale. Existing methods were either too slow or caused damage. The idea was clear: create a fast, non-invasive metrology solution for chip manufacturers.

Supported by a multidisciplinary TNO team, the first prototypes were developed. The result: Nearfield’s QUADRA machine, capable of scanning the smallest chip structures with unmatched speed and precision.

Impact on the semiconductor industry

Nearfield’s machines offer an unparalleled combination of speed, precision, and non-destructive metrology suitable for probing the best chips and expected to play a key role in testing new microchip generations. This is crucial for the semiconductor industry, where manufacturers constantly strive for higher yields and more efficient production processes. Major players such as Samsung recognise the strategic value of Nearfield’s technology and have become key partners.

Milestone: delivery of the first machine

December 2020: the first QUADRA system, the High-Throughput Scanning Probe Metrology solution for 5-nanometre nodes and beyond, was completed. Nearfield shipped the equipment components by air to Samsung Semiconductor’s chip factory in South Korea. Assembly could only begin two weeks later, as the assembly crew flown in from the Netherlands had to quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nonetheless, it was a true milestone. More importantly: once the machine was finally commissioned, it delivered exactly what Nearfield had promised.

Future outlook

Nearfield stands on the verge of a global breakthrough. In the coming years, demand for advanced chips will continue to grow, driven by AI and other technological innovations. Nearfield’s expertise and patents provide a strong position to play a key role in the semiconductor industry, once again demonstrating the Netherlands’ strength in innovation, poised to capture much of this global market with billions. All indications point to this Dutch scale-up and TNO spin-off playing a vital part in measuring and checking the latest-generation chips.

With its revolutionary technology, Nearfield Instruments contributes to more efficient and sustainable chip production, which is essential for global digital and technological progress.