At the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) held in December 2025, researchers from imec, a leading research and innovation hub in advanced semiconductor technologies, announced a significant advancement in the fabrication of solid-state nanopores. The team successfully demonstrated wafer-scale production of these nanopores using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. This marks the first time such a fabrication technique has been applied on a large scale, paving the way for potential commercial applications.
Solid-state nanopores are gaining attention for their capabilities in molecular sensing. They can analyze individual molecules by detecting changes in ionic current as molecules pass through the nanopores. Despite their promising applications, the technology has not yet been commercialized due to challenges in scaling production and reducing costs. With this breakthrough, imec’s proof of concept represents a crucial step towards making solid-state nanopores more accessible for various industries.
The use of EUV lithography in this context is particularly notable. Traditionally, this technique has been employed in semiconductor manufacturing, notably for creating smaller and more efficient chips. The successful adaptation of EUV for nanopore fabrication showcases its versatility and potential for broader applications in nanotechnology.
Impact on Molecular Sensing Technologies
The implications of this development extend beyond mere fabrication techniques. The ability to produce solid-state nanopores at a wafer scale could revolutionize molecular sensing applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety. For instance, these nanopores could be integrated into diagnostic devices that provide rapid, real-time analysis of biological samples.
Imec’s achievement not only highlights the technical prowess of their research team but also emphasizes the growing importance of advanced manufacturing techniques in the field of nanotechnology. As the demand for precise molecular analysis continues to rise, this innovation positions imec at the forefront of the industry.
The research team’s success at IEDM serves as a testament to the collaboration among scientists, engineers, and industry partners focused on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in semiconductor technology. As they move forward, further studies and developments will likely focus on refining the fabrication process and exploring the full range of applications for solid-state nanopores.
The announcement from imec is likely to attract attention from both academia and industry, as stakeholders seek to leverage this technology for various applications. The potential for cost-effective mass production could accelerate the adoption of solid-state nanopores, transforming how molecular sensing is approached across multiple sectors.
In conclusion, imec’s groundbreaking work presented at IEDM 2025 showcases a significant leap forward in the field of nanotechnology. As the research community continues to explore the possibilities of solid-state nanopores, this achievement could herald a new era of innovation in molecular sensing technologies.