Maintaining Moore's Law: Lithography, Semiconductors, and Chip Fabrication with Mordechai Rothschild
In this episode of the 632nm podcast, we explore how 193nm lasers unexpectedly overtook x-ray approaches and reshaped semiconductor manufacturing. Physicist Mordechai Rothschild describes the breakthroughs that turned a once “impossible” technology into the mainstay of chip fabrication, including the discovery of specialized lenses, the invention of chemically amplified resists, and the game-changing flip to immersion lithography. We also hear candid insights on the race to push below 13.5 nanometers, where new ideas in plasma sources and advanced coatings might one day carry Moore’s Law even further.Dr. Mordechai Rothschild is a leading physicist and technologist at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, serving as Principal Staff in the Advanced Technology Division. He has been instrumental in advancing micro- and nanoscale systems, with significant contributions to 193-nm photolithography—a technology critical to modern semiconductor manufacturing. His work has earned him the 2014 SPIE Frits Zernike Award and the 2015 Edwin H. Land Medal. With over 220 publications and 16 patents, Rothschild's research spans metamaterials, microfluidics, and nanofabrication. He holds a BS in physics from Bar-Ilan University and a PhD in optics from the University of Rochester.01:22 Early Days and Technological Challenges08:54 The Role of Photoresist in Lithography19:39 The Rise of X-ray Lithography25:52 Global Competition and Geopolitics28:45 Challenges and Future of Lithography44:33 Introduction to Excimer Lasers47:54 Applications of 193nm Lasers49:41 Development of Reliable Laser Sources58:38 Lens Aging and Material Challenges01:01:10 Exploring Alternative Materials01:07:41 Liquid Immersion Lithography01:15:21 Engineering Complex Lithography Systems01:23:43 Immersion Lithography Insights01:24:33 Prototype to Foundry Adoption Timeline01:25:41 Challenges in EUV Development01:32:24 Personal Journey to Lincoln Lab01:38:59 Exploring Advanced Lithography01:57:26 Future of Moore's Law and Lithography02:06:40 Advice for Young ScientistsSubscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyRSSFollow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYin
14 Apr 2h 7min
Quantum Cascade Lasers: Federico Capasso on Curiosity and Bell Labs
In this episode, physicist Federico Capasso recounts his winding path from struggling undergrad to pioneering inventor of the quantum cascade laser. He reveals how openness, daring ideas, and the bottom-up ethos at Bell Labs led to breakthroughs that redefined semiconductor research.Capasso also discusses the blurred lines between basic and applied science, the importance of nurturing curiosity, and the serendipitous moments that propelled his career. From avalanche photodiodes to metasurfaces to quantum biology, he offers a fascinating look at how big discoveries often begin with a simple spark of wonder.
1 Apr 1h 32min
How Edison Inspired Eli Yablonovitch to Create Four World-Changing Inventions
Eli Yablonovitch shares how Thomas Edison's approach of requiring "a thousand failed discoveries for every one that works" shaped his scientific philosophy. From solar cells to semiconductor lasers to photonic crystals to cell phone antennas, Yablonovitch reveals how each invention evolved from identifying fundamental physics concepts that others overlooked. He explains how his light-trapping concept now used in every solar panel stemmed from thinking about statistical mechanics. His strained semiconductor laser design, which initially faced industry resistance, eventually became the standard in all laser pointers and DVDs. Throughout his career spanning Bell Labs, Exxon, and academia, Yablonovitch demonstrates that true innovation comes from understanding basic physics principles and having the courage to pursue ideas others dismiss as impossible.
14 Mars 3h
From Failed PhD to Nobel Prize | John Mather’s Journey to Revolutionize Astronomy
Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Nobel laureate Dr. John Mather. From his childhood days of building radios and telescopes to leading NASA's groundbreaking COBE mission, learn how a spectacular failure during his PhD research unexpectedly paved the way for his Nobel Prize-winning work. And hear the story of how NASA took a chance on a 28-year-old scientist who would change our understanding of the universe.Dr. Mather shares insights into the engineering marvels behind modern space telescopes, including the James Webb Telescope's ingenious cooling system and the concept behind hybrid ground-space observatories. Hear details about near-mission failures, midnight revelations that saved COBE, and the surprising connection between space telescopes and stealth fighter technology. Follow us:Twitter: https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky: https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov: https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin: https://x.com/XinghuiYinSubscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWebsite: https://www.632nm.com
25 Feb 1h 53min
Hunting for Alien Artifacts | Avi Loeb
Join the 632nm team as we sit down with Harvard Professor Avi Loeb, in this fascinating exploration of astronomy, alien life, and the intersection of science and politics. From discussing the mysterious interstellar object that changed astronomy to explaining why Mars might not be the best destination for human colonization, Loeb challenges conventional wisdom with evidence-based insights. His unique perspective, shaped by his journey from growing up on a farm in Israeli to becoming a leading Harvard scientist, reminds us to think from first principles about the universe’s biggest questions.The conversation illuminates the stories behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including the work of overlooked pioneers in astronomy, and seriously explores the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Loeb shares his vision for the Galileo Project, discusses the search for alien artifacts on Earth, and explains why artificial intelligence might be crucial in solving the Fermi Paradox.00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts00:34 Avi Loeb's Journey and Achievements01:15 Science vs. Politics05:49 Early Life and Philosophical Influences16:57 Astrophysics and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life55:19 Breakthrough Initiatives: A Surreal Presentation56:40 Stephen Hawking's Visit and Human Limitations59:17 The Search for Intelligent Civilizations01:02:09 The Future of Space Exploration01:05:33 The Age of the Universe and Interstellar Objects01:42:23 The Quest for Immortality: Leaving a Legacy01:43:31 AI and Human Existence: A Philosophical Dive01:45:57 Navigating Politics: A Scientist's Perspective01:48:13 The Scientific Method: A Path to Truth02:03:27 Galileo Project: Searching for Extraterrestrial Life02:40:52 The Simplicity of Science02:41:25 Exploring Oumuamua and the Galileo Project02:45:24 The Quest for Interstellar Discoveries02:48:35 The Origins of Life and the Universe02:59:22 The Future of AI and HumanityFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com
18 Feb 3h 37min
Are We Doomed? | Dan Aronovich on Norbert Wiener's 1948 “Cybernetics”
In this episode, the 632nm team sits down with Dan Aronovich (Data Science Decoded Podcast) to explore predictions about technology and society, starting with MIT pioneer Norbert Wiener's remarkably prescient warnings about AI from 1948. His concerns about artificial systems misinterpreting human instructions mirror modern discussions about AI alignment, while his skepticism of social sciences raises important questions about the limitations of studying human behavior.The conversation takes an unexpected turn as it delves into demographic forecasts that paint a striking picture of humanity's future. The discussion reveals how declining global fertility rates could lead to religious groups becoming demographically dominant, while technological advances might create a world populated by extremely long-lived humans augmented by robotics.01:16 Exploring Norbert Wiener's Cybernetics01:35 Main Claims of Cybernetics03:14 Cybernetics in Different Cultures04:06 Historical Context and AI Precursors05:30 Wiener Filter and Signal Processing10:16 Philosophical Insights and Social Implications22:48 Analog vs Digital and Future of AI31:56 Debunking Doom Predictions32:13 AI and Digital Control32:59 AI and Physical World Challenges35:13 Future Societal Structures37:58 Global Fertility Trends42:45 AI in Military and Arms Race47:15 AI Creativity and Hallucinations52:53 Psychedelics and AIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com
10 Feb 58min
Information, Entropy & Reality | MIT Professor Seth Lloyd on Quantum Computing
The 632nm team sat down with MIT professor Seth Lloyd for a mind-bending journey through quantum mechanics, information theory, and the early days of quantum computing. Lloyd shares fascinating stories from his pioneering work in quantum information, including how he nearly got expelled from his PhD program for pursuing what was then considered a "crazy" research direction. Through engaging examples and personal anecdotes, he explains why quantum mechanics is "irreducibly weird" and how information and entropy are fundamentally the same thing.The conversation takes unexpected turns with remarkable stories about Stephen Hawking's quantum gravity lectures, Richard Feynman's three tricks that revolutionized physics, and epic MIT student pranks including the great Caltech cannon heist. Lloyd also tackles deep questions about consciousness, free will, and the computational nature of the universe, explaining why the universe itself may be its own most efficient simulation. His unique perspective as both a mechanical engineer and quantum physicist brings fresh insights to some of science's most profound mysteries.00:00 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Philosophy02:13 Academic Journey and Early Inspirations05:26 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Quantum Information11:17 Entropy, Information Theory, and the Second Law25:33 Quantum Computing and Feynman's Hamiltonian41:27 Discrete vs. Continuous Spectrums in Quantum Systems42:39 Early Quantum Computing Breakthroughs44:27 Building Quantum Computers: Techniques and Challenges50:27 The Universe as a Quantum Computer01:05:52 Quantum Machine Learning and Future Prospects01:19:12 Navigating an Academic Family Background01:19:50 Challenges in Quantum Information Career01:24:32 Reflections on Harvard and MIT Experiences01:27:01 Exploring Free Will and Consciousness01:57:09 MIT Hacks and AnecdotesFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com
3 Feb 2h 3min
From Medieval Glass to Nobel Prize | Moungi Bawendi on Mastering Quantum Dots
In this episode, the 632 team interviewed Nobel laureate Moungi Bawendi, revealing his serendipitous journey to the discovery and development of quantum dots. From a summer internship at Bell Labs to an expired bottle of chemicals that contained the perfect mixture, Bawendi shares how some of chemistry's biggest breakthroughs came from unexpected places. He draws remarkable connections between medieval stained glass artisans and modern nanotechnology, explaining how thousand-year-old techniques unknowingly pioneered the manipulation of nanoparticles.The conversation takes us through the evolution of quantum dots from laboratory curiosity to revolutionary technology, now powering millions of modern TV displays. Bawendi offers candid insights into the challenges of modern scientific research funding, even at prestigious institutions like MIT, while discussing how the path from discovery to real-world impact still takes decades despite our fast-paced digital era.01:04 Understanding Quantum Dots02:41 The Birth of Quantum Dots03:49 Discoveries and Career Choices09:05 The Evolution of Nanotechnology11:02 The Chemistry Behind Nanocrystals50:58 Bulk Phosphine and Cost Efficiency53:56 Timeline of Quantum Dot Research01:12:46 MRI Contrast Agents and Iron Oxide01:17:14 Funding and Future of Scientific ResearchFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Twitter @ https://x.com/632nmPodcastSubstack: https://632nmpodcast.substack.com/Michael Dubrovsky @ https://x.com/MikeDubrovskyMisha Shalaginov @ https://x.com/MYShalaginovXinghui Yin @ https://x.com/XinghuiYinSUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/632nm/id1751170269Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aVH9vT5qp5UUUvQ6Uf6ORWEBSITE: https://www.632nm.com
27 Jan 1h 31min
