Advanced chip technology uses sound to improve sustainability and lower costs

Adding to the ever-growing developments in the Valley’s startup technology space, Crystal Sonic, a Phoenix-based hard-technology startup, is joining our industry-leading Applied Research Center. This public-private partnership with researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) will advance chip manufacturing techniques to further solidify the state of Arizona as a leader in semiconductor technology innovation.

Crystal Sonic's unique advanced manufacturing Sonic Lift-off technology harnesses the power of sound to allow for the reuse of precious wafer material used in semiconductor device manufacturing. This lets chip manufacturers improve manufacturing sustainability, reduce waste, and dramatically lower cost, which in turn will accelerate the adoption of next-generation chips used for electrification, communications and sensing technologies. 

To date, Crystal Sonic has been the recipient of awards from the Department of Energy (DOE), NASA and National Science Foundation (NSF), in addition to the Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI). As a cohort member of the Applied Research Center, Crystal Sonic will expand its scope to conduct process tests and feasibility studies on its product prototype.

"The resources available through the PEI Applied Research Center open up new opportunities for us to prioritize sustainable manufacturing processes and make the most of these valuable materials,” said Arno Merkle, CEO of Crystal Sonic. “We will work in partnership with the experts at ASU to reduce costs and waste production and revolutionize the industry standard.”

Collaboration Fuels Innovation

PEI’s Applied Research Center focuses on guiding advanced technology projects from the initial idea generation phase to project formation, research validation and, finally, commercialization. Project leaders collaborate with experts at ASU, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona to develop innovative technologies that have transformative impact across wearables, med tech, climate and clean tech, and semiconductor industries. Public-private partnerships built on intentional investments and shared resources ensure the accuracy, reliability and effectiveness of these innovative technologies.

"We are proud to pilot the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing and fast-track the impact of Crystal Sonic’s technology on the regional semiconductor ecosystem,” said Kathleen Lee, Director of Applied Research Centers for PEI. “This Arizona technology will drive economic growth, as chips are increasingly ubiquitous across communications, computing, healthcare, transportation, clean energy and other industries.” 

For more information about PEI’s Applied Research Centers Program, visit AZPEI.org/applied-research. To learn more about Crystal Sonic, visit Xtalsonic.com.