Two KRISS Achievements Selected for the 2024 "Top 100 National R&D Achievements"

 

On January 23rd, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP) announced the “Top 100 National R&D Achievements of 2024”. The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) had two achievements selected, once again showcasing its excellence in research and development.

 

The Top 100 National R&D Achievements highlight innovative research outcomes in the field of science and technology, contributing to raising public awareness of the importance of science and technology.

 

The KRISS research achievements selected for the Top 100 National R&D Achievements of 2024 are as follows:

 

1) Mechanical/Materials Sector: "Development of Micro Flow Measurement Technology for Establishing National Standards and Commercializing Technologies in the Medical Semiconductor Field," led by Dr. Lee Seok Hwan, Principal Research Scientist of the Thermometry and Fluid Flow Metrology Group.

 

▲ Group photo of Thermometry and Fluid Flow Metrology Group

 

In semiconductor dispenser processes, the high viscosity and curing characteristics of epoxy often cause nozzle clogging or inaccurate dispensing. To resolve this, non-contact flow measurement technology is required, but current ultrasonic flow meters have limitations in measuring at low flow rates.

▲ Non-contact flow measurement sensor connected to the epoxy dispenser

/ 'Dot' flow in the dispenser

 

Dr. Lee's team developed an infrared absorption-based non-contact flow meter capable of measuring epoxy resin in real-time during semiconductor dispenser processes. This sensor enables accurate monitoring without interrupting the process, contributing to improved semiconductor yields. It can measure flow rates as low as 0.1 mg, allowing for the quantitative measurement of extremely low discharge amounts that were previously undetectable with ultrasonic flow meters. Additionally, a temperature measurement technology utilizing the infrared absorption characteristics of epoxy has been developed, which could be used in non-contact thermometers in the future.

 

▲ Comparison of measurements between the Infrared Absorption-Based Non-Contact Flow Sensor and Scale

 

The developed sensor, which uses infrared absorption to measure flow externally from the pipe, can accurately measure even minute amounts as small as 1 µg. This technology is expected to drive innovation in non-contact flow measurement and contribute to quality improvement and yield maximization in mobile phone assembly and semiconductor packaging processes. It will also play a key role in improving process efficiency in PR and semiconductor chemical processes.

 

2) Information/Electronics Sector: "Localization Technology for 5G Antenna Measurement Equipment," led by Dr. Lee Dong-Joon, Principal Research Scientist of the Electromagnetic Wave Metrology Group.

 

▲ Group photo of Electromagnetic Wave Metrology Group

 

5G aims for ‘hyperconnectivity’, connecting all people and things, and maintaining high quality is crucial for providing services to various devices such as autonomous vehicles, IoT, and AI. However, 5G requires more complex measurement technologies due to the use of beamforming technology and multiple antennas, with no measurement terminals available.

 

▲ KRISS-Developed Sensors for 5G Antenna Measurement / 5G Antenna Measurement Equipment

 

To resolve this, Dr. Lee’s research team developed an ultra-small optical fiber-based sensor, about the thickness of a human hair, that allows precise measurements even at distances as close as 0.1 mm. Additionally, this sensor can distinguish micrometer-scale fine lines, enabling the precise evaluation of the performance of various antennas.

 

▲ Commercialized Measurement Equipment Line of 5G Antenna Technology

 

The innovatively improved antenna measurement technology reduced the distance measurement to just a few millimeters and shortened the measurement time by more than 90%. The lightweight mobile equipment is also usable in general laboratories. The research team secured key original patents and published the results in SCI journals, while supporting commercialization through technology transfer.

 

In 2021 and 2023, the team transferred technology for electro-optic measurement and 5G antenna performance evaluation sensors, with successful outcomes from the companies that received the transfer. This technology is expected to be used in 6G communication systems, slated for commercialization in 2028, and contribute to establishing national electromagnetic wave measurement standards.

 

KRISS looks forward to creating even more outstanding research achievements and continuing to contribute to the advancement of science and technology.