Periodic Reporting for period 3 - ASCENT (Access to European Nanoelectronics Network) Reporting period: 2018-05-01 to 2019-07-31 Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project ASCENT offers unparalleled access to European nanoelectronics infrastructure at Tyndall National Institute in Ireland, CEA-Leti in France and imec in Belgium. Funded by the Horizon 2020 Research Infrastructures Programme ASCENT enables the European research community to explore exciting new developments in advanced nanoelectronics and meet the challenges created in an ever-evolving and demanding digital world.ASCENT provides fast and easy access to the world’s most advanced CMOS technologies and infrastructure including access to 14nm CMOS device data, nanoscale test chips and device characterisation facilities. This is a unique opportunity to share best scientific and technological practices, form a knowledge–innovation hub and enable training for new researchers on advanced technology.There are three main elements within the programme: the networking activities, the access projects and the Joint Research Activities. The partners have worked very closely together to ensure that all aspects are delivered to the highest standards.The ASCENT programme has successfully established a new network within the nanoelectronics community based on providing access to world-leading expertise and facilities at Tyndall, imec and CEA-Leti. ASCENT has implemented a very effective communication plan to promote the programme to as wide an audience as possible. This has been done through both electronic communications and face-to-face contact through workshops and presentations at conferences and technical events.The initial set-up phase was complete within 6 months and the access was opened in November 2015. There was intensive media campaign to launch the programme called the ‘Sign-up’ campaign with widespread coverage of the initial press release. Following on from that all other communication channels such as quarterly newsletters, Twitter, LinkedIn, webinar, videos and the ASCENT and partner websites were used to promote the ASCENT programme. ASCENT has also participated in 54 events since the programme launched, including organising 5 ASCENT Workshops, 2 ‘mini’ workshops, stands at various conferences. A customised research Accelerator Programme for PhD students was run to directly engage with PhD students from across Europe. The goal of every event was to engage with the research community, to build an exciting network and attract users to the programme. This campaign has been a great success and over 400 members have signed up to the ASCENT network from 44 countries.The partners have established a simple access route and internal access protocols that allow fast and easy access to the three partner sites. All the technology offerings are described on the ASCENT website and IP protection measures are in place. During the programme 166 technical enquiries were received. Each enquiry is dealt with by a technical expert at the partner site. The details of the enquiry are shared with all partners and every assistance is given to ensure the researcher is matched to the best platform available. For Virtual Access (VA) the researchers receive immediate access to the data once they sign the on-line Terms and Conditions. For Transnational Access (TA) the researcher submits a short proposal which is then sent to an independent Selection Panel to decide on what projects get funded. A total of 100 access projects were funded, 41 VA and 59 TA projects. The VA projects access data from imec and CEA-Leti only whereas the TA projects access all three partner sites.Three Joint Research Activities (JRAs) were successfully completed that looked at developments to improve the access on offer at each partner site. The JRAs looked at 3 key topics to improve device reliability studies at 14nm and below, to standardise how the device data is formatted and to look at new measurement techniques for CMOS devices below 14nm.In conclusion ASCENT has had a significant impact on the European nanoelectronics research through• Providing easy access to key national and regional facilities, resources and services in advanced nanoelectronics at a European scale.• Promoting the advancement of knowledge and technology in balance with exploitation and innovation• Assembling a ‘critical mass’ of people, knowledge and investment to deliver European leadership in nanoelectronics components and systems. Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far ASCENT has built a strong nanoelectronics device community and has enabled access to world class infrastructure at Tyndall (Ireland), imec (Belgium) and CEA-Leti (France). The partners have undertaken extensive promotional campaigns including a series of workshops and a Research Accelerator programme targeting PhD students. As a result ASCENT has successfully established a vibrant starting community with over 400 members signed up from 44 countries.The three research infrastructures have set up a central access point to enable rapid access to both virtual (VA) and transnational access (TA) users. 166 researchers from 35 countries have submitted technical enquiries. These enquiries were discussed in detail with the relevant access provider and as a result a total of 100 users accessing the data and facilities on offer. The feedback from users has been very positive and they acknowledge the unique opportunity to access facilities that were previously not available to them. They also value the technical support they have received throughout the access process, from the initial contact point and throughout the execution of the access project.Three Joint Research Activities projects have been undertaken between the partners that have produced results with significant scientific merit and improved the access on offer to the wider community.ASCENT has successfully met all its deliverables and milestones. There were a total of 40 deliverables due in the programme and all have been delivered. 8 milestones were set to measure key progress points during the programme and all 8 milestones have been met. Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far) ASCENT has had a significant impact on the European nanoelectronics research through• Providing easy access to key national and regional facilities, resources and services in advanced nanoelectronics at a European scale.• Promoting the advancement of knowledge and technology in balance with exploitation and innovation.• Assembling a ‘critical mass’ of people, knowledge and investment to deliver European leadership in nanoelectronics components and systems.ASCENT is contributing to progress beyond state of the art at 14nm CMOS and beyond by offering access to device data and expertise and facilities at the world leading facilities and contributing to the European strategic electronics roadmap. Hosting the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing research and development facilities, positions Europe as a leader in design methodologies for advanced nanoelectronics with below 10nm feature sizes, thus enabling a competitive advantage for low power, mobile electronics applications with increased functionality. ASCENT opens the doors for all researchers to be part of this future technology development. Figure 4 : ASCENT PhD Research Accelerator Programme Figure 6 : ASCENT TA Users Figure 3 : ASCENT Marketing Channels Figure 1 : ASCENT Global community Figure 5 : ASCENT Partner exchanges within the JRA's Figure 2 : ASCENT Project Structure
