[volt-nuts] DIY JJ was Re: HP 3458A

[Chuck Harris]

Back when I was in graduate school, we had undergraduates that
were making quite acceptable power transistors on an old fab line
that came from Westinghouse.  This was in the late 70's, early 80's.
We also had graduate students that were making neural networks and
other more complex analog integrated circuits on the same fab line.

It is very doable.

Making IC's and microprocessors is now a standard two semester
course in virtually all EE undergraduate programs.... it all started
with the Conway and Meade textbook in the late 70's, early 80's.
The kids study the techniques, and nail down their architecture in
the first semester, and by the end of the second semester they receive
their fab'd devices, and test and present.

I know of amateurs that own and operate electron microscopes in their
home labs.

-Chuck Harris

Marvin E. Gozum wrote:
> Yes, they would have to manufacture to very specific tolerances, far more than a
> simple transistor. So far, I've not read of any reports including college projects,
> of manufacturing a quality semiconductor that would represent the needed engineering
> skills and gear to begin, except this:
>
> http://vimeo.com/2423528
>
>
> It may take more time than a 4 year college degree.
>
> <http://vimeo.com/jeri>Jeri Ellsworth may have it; but one has to dedicate
> substantial resources to simply tool for the project then develop skills to execute
> the fab. A key is understand the processes, and not take as a cook book what she
> presents nicely, because refinement and modification will be needed to extend this
> process. She clearly tries to do that as she can continue to refine her labs gear and
> skills, all with OTS and salvage parts!
>
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeri_Ellsworth
>
>
> P.S. She suggests she has an electron microsocope at her lab, to track her
> developments so one can see where depositions are going.