“While we are in the early stages of research, we see the possibility of manipulating the nanoscale structure of platinum so that we can have control over the size, porosity, composition, surface species, solubility, stability and other functional properties of these metal nanostructures,” says John Shelnutt, the Sandia scientist leading the research effort. “Such control means that the redesigned platinum could be used in many new applications, including catalysis, sensors and optoelectronic and magnetic devices.”

(February 16, 2004) San Jose, Calif.&#8212During SEMI’s ‘Test and Packaging: 2004 and Beyond’ lunch forum, held February 12, several interesting trends were noted: unit shipments of IC packages and materials have reached historically high levels; wire bond pitches are nearing their theoretical limit; and alternative business models may be required to cope with the high cost of IC test.