←1999 |
2001→ |
The fields of research covered by this conference have been at the forefront of the drive to develop technology to make smaller and smaller structures. We have ventured into size regimes where we are often dependent on microscopes and the skill of microscopists to see the results of our work (and often what went wrong). To highlight the importance of micrographs to the field, the conference holds a micrograph contest. The entries were judged both from the technological and artistic standpoint. Six categories were defined:
- Best Electron Micrograph
- Best Ion Micrograph
- Best Photon Micrograph
- Scanning Probe MicroGraph
- Most Bizarre
- Grand Prize
In maintaining high standards for the awards, the judges choose not to make awards in the photon and scanning probe categories.
The rules included the following:
- Contestants must have been registered 2000 conference attendees.
- Micrographs must be submitted as an 8 inch by 10 inch foil and must be accompanied by a completed entry sheet.
- Entries must be of a single image taken with a microscope and may not be significantly altered.
- There is no restriction with respect to the subject matter.
- Electron and ion micrographs must be black and white.
In 2000, 33 entries were submitted. There were many outstanding micrographs. The work represented in the submitted micrographs covered a wide range of fields including micro mechanical, photonic, and integrated circuit fabrication, chemical and dry etching, field emission tips, UV and x-ray optics, and of course e-beam, ion beam, x-ray, and photo lithography experiments. The panel of judges who selected the award winners consisted of:
Prof. Evelyn Hu
University of California at Santa Barbara
Nikki Marrion
World Bank
Al Wagner
Humanitarian, IBM
TITLE: Micro-Blast
Description: Structure etched in monocrystalline silicon
Magnification for 3″x4″ image 50KX
Instrument: Philips XL40 FEG SEM
Submitted by: Frans Holthuysen & Falco van Delft Philips Research Laboratories, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
TITLE: Micro Wine Glass
Description: The Micro Wine Glass was made by 30KV Ga+ FIB CVD using a hydrocarbon gas. Beam current 10pA Construction time 10 min.
Magnification The external diameter of the glass is 2.75um. The height is 12um.
Instrument: Seiko Instruments, Model SIM9200
Submitted by: Shinji Matsui Hijime Institute of Technology and Takashi Kaito Seiko Instruments Inc.
TITLE: Hi there! I’m Spooky.
Description: An unexpected meeting after cleaning a stack of various polymer films.
Magnification for 3″x4″ image: 20KX
Instrument: Philips XL40 FEG SEM
Submitted by: Frans Holthuysen & Falco van Delft Philips Research Laboratories, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
TITLE: Pick and Place
Description: An ant was frozen in liquid nitrogen (to make the body rigid), coated with carbon (to make the body conductive) had chip placed in jaws with tweezers, and imaged in FIB.
Magnification for 3″x4″ image: 100X
Instrument: FIB
Submitted by: Frank T. Hartley and Jayant Neogi, Jet Propulsion Laboratory,California Institute of Technology and Norsam Technology