SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES, the German world market leader for optical discs based in Kahl/Main, will augment its business activities with TMR (Tunnel Magnetic Resistance) thin film sputtering systems for IT applications. These are vacuum thin film sputtering systems for use in the semiconductor industry on which either MRAM (Magnetic Random Access Memory) media or future read/write heads for hard disc drives will be manufactured.
Unlike conventional DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) technology, the new non-volatile MRAM storage media will retain stored information even if deprived of power. Additionally, an MRAM chip consumes less energy than a DRAM element. These advantages have led experts to anticipate revolutionary advances in computer technology, particularly for laptops and “smart� wireless devices such as PDAs and UMTS cell phones, etc. The use of MRAM is expected to grow exponentially in years to come, replacing up to 50% of DRAM technology by 2010.
Semiconductor manufacturers around the world such as IBM, Infineon, Motorola, Micron, Samsung, and NEC to name a few, are currently working on the development and future commercialization of MRAM technology. All of these represent potential customers for the new 300mm wafer TMR thin film sputtering system which SINGULUS will introduce by year-end. Customer response to initial presentations has been very positive.
Close cooperation with a key customer in the industry will lead to the development of new thin film heads using the same TMR thin film sputtering technology. This second field of endeavor also shows great promise. TMR read/write heads are key elements in the structural design of hard disc drives and well-suited to become catalysts for the next technology breakthrough.
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG, Hanauer Landstrasse 103, D-63796 Kahl/Main
ISIN: DE0007238909 / WKN: 723890