This paper is concerned with assessing the impact that scheduling can have on the performance of semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities. The performance measure considered here is the mean throughput time (sometimes called cycle time, turnaround time or manufacturing interval) for a lot of wafers. A variety of input control and sequencing rules are evaluated using a simulation model of a re...

Acoustic techniques are used to monitor the temperature of silicon wafers in rapid thermal processing environments from room temperature to 1000" C with f 5 " C accuracy. Acoustic transducers are mounted at the bases of the quartz pins that support the silicon wafer during processing. An electrical pulse applied across the transducer generates an extensional mode acoustic wave which is guided b...

The integration of gas sensor components into smart phones, tablets and wrist watches will revolutionize the environmental health and safety industry by providing individuals the ability to detect harmful chemicals and pollutants in the environment using always-on hand-held or wearable devices. Metal oxide gas sensors rely on changes in their electrical conductance due to the interaction of the...