Yue Peng

https://lnkd.in/gDieBSJa DRAGEN v4.3 is launching, with notable accuracy gains AND built-in mosaic calling. Quoting from some of the release material: Broad Clinical Labs has been systematically researching the accuracy of variant calls made by DRAGEN v4.3. Marina DiStefano, PhD, FACMG, associate lab director at Broad Clinical Labs, said: "We generated whole-genome sequence data from samples with confirmed calls in genes covered by DRAGEN v4.3 specialized callers, such as PMS2, NEB, and HBA, and from samples with orthogonally confirmed CNV calls. We also analyzed very-high-coverage WGS samples for mosaic evaluation. We are happy with the accuracy and speed and believe that DRAGEN v4.3 is a powerful tool for our clinical whole-genome research."

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Will Europe become the world’s foundry for photonic chips? : https://lnkd.in/eCDzDiRF The European Union is investing €380 million to establish a testing facility for photonic chips, with production lines planned in the Dutch cities of Eindhoven and Enschede. As announced by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, PIXEurope, a consortium spanning 11 countries, is managing the investment. Of the total investment, €133 million is earmarked for the Netherlands’ pilot production line. While photonics research has so far been concentrated in academia, the private sector is now making significant strides in this field. Eindhoven-based SMART Photonics is positioned to be a key player in the pilot facility, which is scheduled to break ground in mid-2025. “Through the PhotonDelta project funded by the National Growth Fund, dozens of small and medium-sized enterprises are collaborating with technology and innovation partners, putting the Netherlands at the forefront of photonic chip production,” the ministry stated. #semiconductor #manufacturing #technology #innovation #chips  #semiconductormanufacturing #advancedtechnology #engineering #lithography #nanometer #research #development #AI  #mobileprocessors #EUV #DUV

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Discrover the cross-filter from Keremi https://lnkd.in/eUBM4mRt

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📖Polarimetric Radar Signatures in Various Lightning Activities During Seoul (Korea) Flood on August 8, 2022, Hee‑Ae Kim · Junho Ho · Guifu Zhang · Kyung‑Ja Ha · Song‑You Hong · Chang‑Hoi Ho, Asia-Pac. J. Atmos. Sci. 60(4), doi:10.1007/s13143-023-00346-0 ▪️This study examines the relationship between lightning activity and cloud microphysical properties during the record-breaking rainfall in Seoul on August 8, 2022. The results show that the amount and distribution of graupel are closely related to lightning occurrences. Despite the significant social and economic damage caused by lightning in Korea, there has been a lack of previous research on the subject. As lightning events have become more frequent in recent years, the findings of this study provide valuable information for improving lightning prediction and developing effective response strategies.

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https://lnkd.in/etbaYBXV Plectonemically Supercoiled DNA by Job and Theo Odijk Statistical mechanics, Undulatory Electrostatics, Tight bending path integral, Asymmetry of pitch and radius, Comparison with experiment and simulations

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Inductive biases seem like arcane academic knowledge. But inductive biases also have very practical implications on model interpretation, model robustness, extrapolation behavior, etc. Learn more about inductive biases on Mindful Modeler: https://lnkd.in/dK65JmTv

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Imec patterns first logic and DRAM transistors using High-NA litho tools A major breakthrough for semiconductor industry. Imec and ASML announced on Wednesday that they had made the industry’s logic and DRAM structures using ASML'sASML’sroduction Twinscan EXE:5000 EUV lithography tool with a 0.55 numerical aperture, also known as a high-NA litho system. The successful demonstration of high-resolution patterning with the 0.55NA EUV scanner marks an essential milestone in microelectronics production. Imec achieved the patterning of random logic structures with 9.5nm dense metal lines (compared to a 13nm resolution in the case of currently used Low-NA tools), which corresponds to a 19nm pitch and a sub 20nm tip-to-tip dimensions, which is good enough to build logic on a 1.4nm-class process technology using a single High-NA exposure. Additionally, Imec successfully created random vias with a 30nm center-to-center distance, showcasing good pattern fidelity and critical dimension uniformity. Furthermore, 2D features were patterned at a 22nm pitch, which is good enough for a 3nm-class fabrication process. https://lnkd.in/ghgu7ddV

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Great paper in ACS Photonics, where imec researchers demonstrate how a compact optical phased array (OPA) can generate a focus through scattering media, aiming to enable microscopy at greater depths. Additionally, we show that integrated photonics can improve device compactness and operation speed compared to commonly used spatial light modulators (SLMs). Read more at: https://lnkd.in/eqMBZg4Y #integratedphotonics #photonics

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imec #ITF2024 - USING PHOTOACOUSTICS TO LOOK DEEPER INSIDE THE BODY: Let's continue our coverage of interesting optical technologies we saw at the recent imec ITF2024 two-day conference in the heart of #Antwerp. On day two, I wandered around the exhibition looking for demos – you know that I love demos. I renewed contact with Hilde Jans, who is R&D Project Manager at imec. Watch the video! She brings us up to date on what Optica Corporate member imec is doing in the field of photoacoustics for (mainly) biomedical applications. This is a non-invasive sensing technique for biomedical applications, such as tumour imaging or glucose sensing. It is based on the photoacoustic principle discovered by Alexander Graham Bell (yes, him), where incoming light is absorbed by a sample and generates sound waves. Looking deeper inside the body Because it focuses with sound, photoacoustics is able to image deeper in tissue than light-based alternatives. When imaging biological tissue, the choice of modality depends on the contrast used for imaging and the trade-off between resolution and depth. Light waves, e.g. used in endoscopy or microscopy, can generate high-resolution images but don’t travel far unperturbed. Deeper in tissue, the light gets scattered, resulting in blurry images. High-energy X-rays form a special case as they penetrate deep into the tissue and yield high-resolution images, but this ionizing radiation limits their use. To circumvent these drawbacks, other options that don’t rely on unperturbed light propagation have also been explored. Acoustic or sound waves are well known to safely monitor foetuses in the womb using ultrasound imaging. These mechanical waves are less scattered than electromagnetic waves of comparable frequencies or wavelengths, so they can reach objects deeper in the tissue. However, ultrasound images typically suffer from a low resolution. MRI images have greater detail than ultrasound images, but they are typically not real-time and static. In the soft spot between these established imaging methods emerges a novel technique with the resolution of light-based imaging and the good depth penetration of sound-based imaging, called photoacoustics (PA). It is capable of imaging finer blood vessels than other techniques without the need for contrast agents or X-ray. More info here: https://lnkd.in/dH2mNMb2

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Are you working with thermo-optic devices and interested in their dynamic characterization? Then the following paper might be of interest to you: 'A Critical Analysis of the Thermo-Optic Time Constant in Si Photonic Devices', just published in Photonics (open access). After careful review of published time constants of heaters for Mach-Zehnder-based and ring-based devices, we concluded that many researchers report different heating/cooling time constants for the same device. Based on the analytical solution to the heat equation, this is an unexpected phenomenon. To understand this better, we propose dynamic thermo-optic models that can simulate the non-linear coupling between temperature and optical transmission. These models should provide guidelines on how to properly extract thermo-optic time constants from experiments. https://lnkd.in/e2PkqkNH

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CALL THIS WEEK FOR EUROPEAN CHIPS ACT 2.0. WHAT?? I am looking forward to chairing a very topical panel at the Optica GLOBAL PHOTONICS ECONOMIC FORUM in Malaga on Day One (Oct 1st). I will be quizzing the following specialists. Gregg Bartlett, CTO, GlobalFoundries;  Burkhard Slischka, Co-founder & CEO, ALLOS Semiconductors;  Ed Bailey, GM/VP, Jabil;  Martin Schell, Executive Director, Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI; Torsten Vahrenkamp, CEO, ficonTEC; M. Ashkan Seyedi, Principal, NVIDIA. I expect this week’s story to come up. ESIA Calls for a Chips Act 2.0 The European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA), representing major players like NXP Semiconductors, Infineon Technologies, imec, and Fraunhofer, is urging the European Union to fast-track a second phase of its semiconductor strategy through a "Chips Act 2.0." The goal? To keep the region competitive in the fast-moving global race for semiconductor dominance. The original EU Chips Act, which became law in September 2023, seeks to mobilize €43 billion in public and private investment to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor capabilities, targeting 20% of the global market share by 2030. However, in a statement released Monday, ESIA warned that Europe must do more. While acknowledging the significance of the Chips Act as a "fundamental building block," the group emphasized the need to refine the scope, streamline funding processes, and fill existing gaps. Accelerating State Aid for Global Attractiveness One of the critical mechanisms under the Chips Act is providing state aid to attract global semiconductor manufacturers. Yet, delays in approval are hampering progress. For example, Intel’s proposed €30 billion mega-fab in Germany is still awaiting final approval. By contrast, Taiwan’s TSMC received €5 billion in support from the EU for its new chip facility in Dresden, but this came a year after the company’s commitment to invest in the bloc. ESIA advocates for the EU to fast-track these funding approvals to ensure Europe remains an attractive destination for chipmakers. Open Trade and Strategic Cooperation Beyond funding, ESIA calls for a more open trade policy to maintain global partnerships. They argue for a proactive approach to economic security rather than relying on protectionist measures. The Dutch government, under pressure from the US, has now announced further limits on the export of chipmaking machinery to China. The machines in question are ASML's 1970i and 1980i DUV (Deep Ultraviolet) immersion lithography tools. Toward a Coordinated Industrial Strategy Finally, ESIA recommends a coordinated, long-term industrial strategy led by a "Chips Envoy," an official tasked with aligning Europe’s semiconductor (and photonics?) goals across multiple industries. For the photonics industry, staying close to these developments is essential. Curious on the details?: read the attached document. Credit to Ioanna Lykiardopoulou of TNW for spotting this development.

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The European Union (EU) has announced an investment of €133 million ($142 million) in the Netherlands to establish pilot production facilities for photonic semiconductors, according to the Dutch economy ministry. This investment is part of a larger €380 million fund under the Chips Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership aimed at advancing Europe’s semiconductor R&D and production capabilities. Photonics, which uses light rather than electrons for calculations, offers significant advantages in speed and energy efficiency, making it ideal for applications in data centers and automotive technology. Dutch economy minister Dirk Beljaarts described photonics as "a technology of strategic importance," emphasizing Europe’s goal to gain a competitive edge across the semiconductor value chain. This investment aligns with broader EU strategies. In 2023, industry leaders in Europe’s photonics sector urged the EU to invest €4.25 billion to remain competitive with Asia and the U.S. Moreover, a September report by Mario Draghi advised that the EU must accelerate investment to maintain global competitiveness amidst economic challenges. Work on the Dutch facilities, involving Eindhoven and Twente universities and TNO, will begin in 2025, with co-investment from industry players. This marks a strategic move toward bolstering Europe’s photonics industry. Thanks again to Reuters of the Treasury for the full article with more background and insights click the source link in the comments below 💡 🙏👇 #Semiconductors #Photonics #EUInnovation #ChipsAct #TechInvestment #DigitalTransformation #SustainableTech #EuropeanIndustry #TechCompetitiveness

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🌟 Dear reader and AMS member 🌟 We are proud to announce another VENI grant has been awarded to one of our members Dr. Janneke Schwaner.   🔎 Research focus: "The mechano-sensory properties of skeletal muscles in agile locomotion."🔎   ℹ Background information: Navigating tricky surfaces like trails or stairs seems effortless thanks to the seamless collaboration between our brain and muscles. However, the underlying mechanisms of this teamwork remain a mystery.   💡 Janneke's research Janneke will combine experimental approaches with advanced computer models to explore how muscles and senses work together to maintain agility on uneven terrain. 💥 Janneke’s contribution Janneke's research aims to enhance the understanding of musculoskeletal function, to improve musculoskeletal models,  and to inspire new potential rehabilitation technologies 🦾.   Her innovative project will be conducted at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in collaboration with Huub Maas.   🌟 Congratulations to Janneke Schwaner! 🌟   #RehabilitationMedicine #Research #VENIgrant #AgileLocomotion #AmsterdamUMC #AIinHealthcare #MuscleMechanics #HumanMovementScience #InnovativeResearch

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T-ray enabled isosurface imaging is a great tool for visualization and metrology.

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GOOD NEWS AS PIXEUROPE LAUNCHES: Today, November 7th, the European Union has made a decisive step in strengthening its semiconductor and photonics landscape. The Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) has officially entered negotiations to establish PIXEurope – the Advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) Pilot Line for Europe. PIXEurope aims to be the world’s first Open-Access ecosystem for photonic integrated circuits, uniting Europe’s leading research organisations. This pilot line will pioneer cutting-edge PIC technologies, spanning chip design and fabrication to packaging and reliability testing. Funding & Support: This ambitious project is backed by the European Union through Horizon Europe and Digital Europe Programmes, alongside Member States and private sector partners. The collaborative effort aligns with the objectives of the Chips for Europe Initiative, promoting capacity building and innovation in Europe. Leadership & Vision: Jari Kinaret, Executive Director of Chips JU, noted , “This selection is an important step for the semiconductor industry and Europe’s capacity in producing photonic integrated circuits.” The pilot lines will accelerate process development, test and experimentation, and validation of design concepts. Their implementation is expected to bridge the gap from lab to fab and will be available to many users, including academia, industry and research institutions. Who’s Involved? Coordinated by the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), the 20-member consortium includes key players from Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Austria, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. Next Steps: The Chips JU will engage with the consortium to finalise Hosting Agreements, Joint Procurement Agreements, and related Grant Agreements. This move marks PIXEurope as the fifth pilot line under the Chips JU umbrella, set to collaborate closely with existing Pilot Lines, Design Platforms, and Competence Centres. Now, it's time for action. There is a tremendous amount of work to do.

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IMPROVING PHOTONICS STORYTELLING. Podcasts on platforms like Spotify and YouTube are having more and more impact, often reaching audiences well above traditional mainstream media. I also think the quality of some of the productions is superb. For example, the episode on harnessing quantum computing with Dr Hannah Fry in her series on the future. Let me know below if you have also discovered useful programmes of this calibre. Maybe we should publish a list? We should also follow their example to ensure that visual storytelling about photonics breakthroughs is shared beyond our industry. https://lnkd.in/dGqcyENp

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INSIGHTS on imec’s WORK ON Solid-state LiDAR vs. mechanical LiDAR Optica’s coverage of the recent imec #ITF2024 in Antwerp, Belgium, continues, and we appreciate the positive feedback we’ve received so far. There are many reasons why today’s mechanical and hybrid (solid-state combined with mechanical) LiDAR technologies don’t meet the demands of tomorrow’s applications: - They’re too bulky and costly to integrate elegantly into devices such as cars, VR devices, and mobile lidar systems. - They often depend on experts for their operation and calibration, adding to the price tag. - They’re composed of moving parts, making them vulnerable to vibrations and shocks. Moreover, mechanical LiDAR's angular resolution does not meet the requirements needed for activities such as long-range scanning. For example, to resolve a cm-scale object from 200-300 m, you need an angular resolution of 0.01°. At imec’s recent ITF2024 exhibition, we grabbed a few words from Joris Van Campenhout, program Director Optical I/O at imec to find out why they are integrating all LiDAR components on one integrated circuit, to ensure solid-state LiDARs overcome all these drawbacks. They’re compact, contain no moving parts, and can be mass-produced (wafer level) at a relatively low cost per device. Imec is doing this together with PhotonDelta and the Holst Centre in Eindhoven. So what’s next?

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