Brief description of the project.
The increased semiconductor manufacturing density and complexity pose new challenges
for a fast, non-destructive, micro-scale surface processing control that cannot be
solved in a traditional manner. The project suggests a solution in the field of atomic,
molecular and optical physics. The proposed non-contact "optical tester" is a laser
light spot, which irradiates a gas of molecules or atoms surrounding the surface
and produces a snapshot photograph (map) of the electric field distribution. The
project is consistent with the economic and social priorities of industrially-oriented
research in Latvia. Accomplishing the project with a creative joint team from Latvia,
Russia and US will stimulate integration of Latvian scientists and engineers into an
international partnership, help to make Latvian high technology products market
competitive. Training of young researchers and engineers at the universities of
Connecticut and Oklahoma is highly beneficial for supplying Latvia with high-quality
professionals prepared for creating and using up-to-date technologies. Specifically,
executing the project at the University of Latvia (lab of Prof. R. Ferber), with the
participation of two industrial companies Baltic Scientific Instruments (Dr V. Gostilo)
and RD ALFA (M. Lapkis) based in Riga, is creating the modern integrated research,
education and technology sites, the lack of which is the most acute problem of education
in Latvia.