"Semiconductor Microchips and Fabrication: The Transformation of the Semiconductor Industry "  (Hardcover, Dr. Anurag Shrivastava)

"The semiconductor industry's meteoric rise and revolutionary power must be placed front and center in any account of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Nanoscale semiconductor microchips, incredibly potent inventions of human ingenuity that have transformed every aspect of contemporary life, are at the heart of this revolution. Evolution of these little electronic components has been the driving force behind technological advancement, from the first primitive transistors to the complex microprocessors of today, which contain millions of transistors. The mid-20th century invention of the transistor, which ended the era of the cumbersome and power-hungry vacuum tubes, was the foundational moment in the semiconductor era. An idea that would genuinely unleash the potential for downsizing and complexity, the integrated circuit was made possible by this ground-breaking innovation. As popularly predicted by Moore's Law, the number of transistors that could be placed on a single chip grew exponentially in the decades that followed. The industry's lifeblood, this dogged pursuit of ever-tinier, quicker, and more power-efficient microchips inspired a positive feedback loop of new developments in technology and their practical applications. This change has had an effect on almost every facet of contemporary life. Countless industries have been profoundly impacted by the ubiquitous integration of microchips, including computing, communication, entertainment, transportation, and healthcare. Developments in semiconductor technology gave rise to a host of modern conveniences, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, AI, autonomous vehicles, and the rapidly expanding IoT. These chips are more than simply parts; they're the brains and control hubs behind all the complicated features we use every day. But making these tiny wonders is an incredibly difficult undertaking. Microchip production, or semiconductor synthesis, is among the most complex and time-consuming industrial endeavours in history. It entails using cutting-edge methods including ion implantation, photolithography, etching, and deposition while operating in extremely clean surroundings at the atomic level. A thorough familiarity with the physical and chemical properties of materials is necessary for each stage. New techniques and equipment have had to be developed in response to the ongoing demand for smaller feature sizes, which has pushed the limits of engineering and scientific understanding. Discovering the secrets of this fabrication process, outlining the fundamental concepts, and showcasing the technical advances that have allowed for the production of billions of identical, extremely complicated devices on a single silicon wafer are the primary goals of this book. Not only have technological details changed, but the structure and worldwide dynamics of the semiconductor business have also changed dramatically. The original, mostly American business has blossomed into a worldwide web of specialist enterprises in the fields of design (fabless), manufacture (foundry), equipment, and materials. Economic variables, government regulations, and geopolitical concerns all play a role in shaping the strategic importance of the distribution of fabrication facilities across the globe. Now more than ever, the storey of the industry revolves around issues like the rising cost of producing innovative technologies, the robustness of supply chains, and global rivalry. To put recent technology developments in perspective and to draw attention to the possibilities and threats that the industry faces both now and in the future, this book delves into these larger industrial trends. The motivation for writing this book stems from a deep fascination with the semiconductor industry and its profound impact on the world and to provide readers with a comprehensive and accessible resource that goes beyond a superficial understanding, offering insights into both the fundamental principles and the cutting-edge practices that define this field. Whether you are a student seeking to enter the semiconductor world, an engineer or researcher looking to deepen your knowledge, a business professional navigating the industry's complexities, or simply an interested reader curious about the technology that powers the modern age, this book is intended for you. "