New release: Atomistix ToolKit 2009.11

With updates of the ATK-SemiEmpirical model, a preview of the next DFT version, and several updates to the graphical user interface, this release is an important step towards integrating the semi-empirical and the DFT models into one homogeneous environment. It should however be noted that ATK-DFT 2009.11 is not a complete replacement of ATK 2008.10, as it is still missing a few key features. Therefore it is considered an alpha-version, while VNL hereby is released in another beta-version.

The materials involved in novel semiconductor circuits are becoming more and more complex, which is not least evident in the latest generation of gate stacks involving high-k dielectrics. In addition to the pure material properties, the focus of research is now on modeling advanced junctions and interfaces between different materials. For this, a detailed description on the quantum-mechanical level is required, in order to calculate e.g. the leakage current or Schottky barrier. Moreover, since these interfaces are very thin, even on a nanoscale level, defects play a crucial role. Therefore, an atomistic description is needed to be able to predict how impurities, vacancies, etc influence the properties of the junction. Several academic researchers, including Prof. Nishi's group at Stanford, are using Atomistix ToolKit (ATK) from QuantumWise to model such structures.

New release: Atomistix ToolKit Semi-Empirical (ATK-SE) 2009.06

ATK-SE sets a new standard for nanoscale device simulations! Faster than DFT, allowing for larger systems, and featuring a unique capability to calculate how electrostatic (metallic and dielectric) gates influence the electron transport. And that's just the beginning...!