Inova-Ria recently joined the open class “Inside the Cleanroom”, promoted by the Department of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics (DETI), in a session that brought together more than 30 participants to explore the inner workings of these highly controlled environments, essential for the development of microelectronics — from nanometer-scale processes to the challenges of industrial production.
The session featured Vítor Silva, guest speaker and former researcher at INL, who shared his hands-on experience, providing participants with a practical understanding of how cleanrooms operate and promoting knowledge transfer between scientific research and real-world application.
An environment where every particle matters
Cleanrooms are highly controlled environments, essential for the production of nanotechnology devices used in sectors such as healthcare, energy, automotive, and electronics.
In this context, factors such as dust, humidity, light, or even microscopic particles released by the human body can compromise the entire process. In fact, it is estimated that 75% of contamination sources originate from people themselves, even when wearing specialized protective equipment.
To mitigate these risks, strict protocols are followed:
- Use of full-body suits and gloves
- Passage through high-pressure air showers
- Separation of zones (white, yellow, and “grey area”) depending on sensitivity levels
More than rules, these measures ensure the integrity of processes where every step is critical.
From wafer to final product
At the core of these processes are silicon wafers, where multiple devices are integrated at a microscopic scale.
The session highlighted several key stages:
- Material deposition, including techniques such as CVD, PVD, and ALD
- Lithography, where patterns are created using light or electron beams
- Etching, the process of material removal using different approaches (wet and dry)
- Metrology and imaging, essential for quality control
Each phase requires extreme precision, as any failure can compromise the entire production cycle.
R&D vs industrial production: two distinct realities
One of the key topics addressed was the difference between research and development (R&D) and industrial production.
While R&D is characterized by exploratory, iterative, and less predictable processes, industrial production requires:
- Stability
- Repeatability
- Strict control of specifications
- Cost optimization at scale
This transition represents one of the biggest challenges in technology transfer: turning innovation into robust and scalable solutions.
Key challenges: stress and uniformity
Among the most relevant technical challenges are:
- Material stress, which can cause wafer deformation, particularly curvature
- Non-uniformity, affecting device performance
These factors require continuous monitoring and validation at every stage, reinforcing the importance of well-documented and controlled processes.
The future of cleanrooms
The evolution of micro- and nanotechnology points to continued investment in cleanrooms, along with the attraction of qualified talent and specialized training.
With increasingly critical applications — from consumer electronics to medical devices — these infrastructures are becoming key drivers of technological innovation and industrial competitiveness.
Inova-Ria’s participation in this initiative reinforces its commitment to strengthening the connection between academia and industry, promoting knowledge transfer in strategic areas for the future of technology.
