I.B.M. enhances liquid crystal display process

Article Abstract:

IBM researchers have perfected an improved liquid-crystal alignment technique used in desktop and laptop computer liquid crystal displays. The new non-contact manufacturing technique involves use of an ion beam gun to attach an ultrathin carbon layer, on which substrate liquid crystals align themselves. The new technique is less costly and simpler than the 95-year-old rubbing method formerly used. IBM hopes to have the new method deployed in its factories by the end of 2001.

United States, Science & research, Electronic components, not elsewhere classified, Other Electronic Component Manufacturing, Liquid Crystal Displays, Innovations, Electronic components industry, Company technology development, LCD display

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Computer project would speed data: businesses, schools and U.S. agencies to join effort

Article Abstract:

A cooperative agreement exists, among the National Science Foundation, the computer and communications industries and major US universities, to develop a nationwide high technology data communications network. This research and development project's goal is to deploy a network capable of transmitting data at rates faster than one billion bps, more than 700 times present rates. Initial government funding for this project is $15 million with $100 million expected in industry-sponsored research efforts over three years. One of the areas where research is needed especially for new gateways between the network and the computers since they are the weak spot in high-speed systems. Potential uses for this national computer network include: rapid transmission of mixed information types including data, voice, images and broadcast signals; scientific imaging transmission; and remote multimedia conferences.

Communications Equipment, Admin. of general economic programs, Planning, Computer networks, T, High technology, Science and technology policy, Fiber optics, United States. National Science Foundation, Data communications, Telecommunications transmission technologies, American Telephone and Telegraph Co., Industrial cooperation, Industry-Sponsored Research, Government Funding, Cooperative Agreements, Telecommunications Industry, Government aid

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I.B.M's big gamble on X-rays: new chip process could fly or flop

Article Abstract:

IBM is developing an experimental X-ray chip-etching machine called a superconducting synchrotron storage ring. IBM hopes for a success in this area to keep both IBM and the US from becoming dependent on Japanese computer chips. The machine generates X-rays, which would be used to etch circuits that are much finer than those that are now etched using light waves. According to an IBM spokesperson, X-ray chip-etching research is especially critical because IBM's Japanese competitors are involved in it. IBM's X-ray device, which weighs 27 tons, is the fruition of eight years of research done at IBM's East Fishkill laboratory at Hopewell Junction, NY. IBM wants to use X-ray technology to make memory chips that can store 256 million bits of information. Other US semiconductor companies consider the process too costly, however, and do not think the limits of existing chip-etching technology have been reached. They also believe laser technology is more feasible.

Semiconductors and related devices, Electronic computers, Industrial machinery, not elsewhere classified, Semiconductor industry, Semiconductor devices, Computer industry, Electronic components, Computer memory, Integrated circuit fabrication, Semiconductor production equipment industry, Semiconductor production equipment, Memory, International competition (Economics), X-rays, Semiconductors, Memory (Computers), Semiconductor Device, Japanese Competition, Packaging Density, Miniaturization, X-ray lithography, Synchrotron radiation sources

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