ULSI and Thin Film Semiconductor Technologies: Evolution of Industry and Research Linked to Higher Education in France
Résumé
This paper discusses the evolution since the early 1980s of microelectronics applied to integrated circuits (ULSI) and large surface electronics (TFT) in France, both in industry and in academic institutions. This strategy is the result of the French government's policy to support the development of industry and higher education. The objective was to provide industry with future technicians, engineers, masters and doctors with the knowledge, know-how and capacity to develop this field as in advanced countries. More recently, a new government plan has been initiated to develop connected objects and the Internet of Things, mandatory for the emerging digital society. These correspond to the combination of ULSI and TFT technologies. After a synthetic presentation of the evolution of the industrial and academic environment, the paper highlights the evolution of the two main technologies as well as the strategy developed by the French educational community based on innovation and enabling it to bring
know-how and skills in this field.