FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NCT Technologies Secures Worldwide Exclusive License for Atomic Layer Polishing (ALP®) from Caltech/JPL
Pasadena CA, March 7, 2025 – NCT Technologies proudly announces that it has secured a worldwide exclusive license for Atomic Layer Polishing (ALP®) from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). ALP® is a breakthrough smoothing technology capable of refining semiconductor materials such as Silicon Carbide (SiC), Gallium Nitride (GaN), Ruthenium, Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂), and many others to an ultra-smooth finish of 0.2nm RMS or below. Atomic Layer Polishing (ALP®) was originally developed in the Microdevices Lab at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for use in space applications. JPL is managed for NASA by Caltech.
Unlike traditional Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP), which relies on physical contact, slurry, and pads, ALP® is a revolutionary non-contact process. This key advantage allows it to eliminate common defects and subsurface damage associated with CMP, offering an unprecedented level of precision and material integrity. Moreover, ALP®'s capabilities extend beyond planar surfaces, enabling the smoothing of complex three-dimensional structures such as damascene trenches and other semiconductor features that CMP cannot effectively process.
"This exclusive agreement with Caltech/JPL marks a significant milestone in the commercialization of ALP®, positioning NCT Technologies at the forefront of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing," said John Doricko, Sr Vice President at NCT Technologies. "With ALP®, we can deliver unparalleled surface quality, improved device performance, and increased manufacturing efficiency across a broad range of applications."
Caltech/JPL has a long-standing tradition of fostering innovation and supporting the commercialization of transformative technologies. By licensing Atomic Layer Polishing (ALP®) to NCT Technologies, Caltech/JPL is ensuring that this cutting-edge advancement moves from research labs to real-world industrial applications, benefiting sectors such as power electronics, advanced computing, and optoelectronics.
NCT Technologies is now actively engaging with industry leaders to integrate ALP® into semiconductor manufacturing processes, unlocking new possibilities in precision polishing and device fabrication.
For more information:
NCT Technologies
www.ncttechnologies.com
Contact: John Doricko
Email: [email protected]