EE Journal | Metrology Maketh the Man (and Woman, and Silicon Chip)

Metrology is the scientific study of measurement. The ability to measure things helps in locating and identifying problems and weak spots in production lines and processes. I was just introduced to a new molecular sensor for semiconductor metrology that may be poised to take the chip fabrication process by storm, but first…

When we look around, it’s easy to be awed by all of the amazing technology that surrounds us. I know I am. But I also know that we are prone to making errors (when I say “we,” I’m referring to the human race — other people — not myself, you understand). Over the centuries, we’ve dropped the metaphorical ball on numerous occasions.

Take the Greek mathematician and engineer Hero of Alexandria (10 AD to 70 AD), for example. Hailing from Alexandria in Roman Egypt (hence his moniker; his ethnicity may have been either Greek or Hellenized Egyptian), Hero is considered to be one of the greatest experimenters of antiquity.