ibmchips
1997 - IBM Pioneers Copper Chips
After nearly 15 years of research, IBM scientists announced in September 1997 a new advance in semiconductor process that entails replacing aluminum with copper. Copper has less "resistance" than aluminum, and therefore transmits electrical signals faster. However, it doesn't mix as well with silicon, the base material of semiconductor chips. The IBM researchers found a way to put a microscopic barrier between the copper and silicon in a way that actually reduced the number of steps needed to complete a chip.
1997 - IBM Pioneers Copper Chips
After nearly 15 years of research, IBM scientists announced in September 1997 a new advance in semiconductor process that entails replacing aluminum with copper. Copper has less "resistance" than aluminum, and therefore transmits electrical signals faster. However, it doesn't mix as well with silicon, the base material of semiconductor chips. The IBM researchers found a way to put a microscopic barrier between the copper and silicon in a way that actually reduced the number of steps needed to complete a chip.