Quinas Technology Ltd, developer of the disruptive ULTRARAM non-volatile memory technology, has announced a significant milestone in its research and development programme, confirming the use of Atomic Layer Etching (ALE) to fabricate and refine its quantum-engineered device structures at KAUST Core Labs in Saudi Arabia.
The work builds on more than a decade of foundational quantum device research conducted at Lancaster University, with advanced atomic-scale processing now being carried out at KAUST Core Labs using Oxford Instruments’ ALE technology. This combination provides sub-nanometre control with ultra-low damage processing, a critical requirement for the precisely engineered quantum well heterostructures that underpin ULTRARAM.
ULTRARAM is a novel memory technology designed to combine DRAM-class speed with non-volatile data retention, offering the potential for significant improvements in energy efficiency and system performance. Achieving this requires exceptional control of interfaces and layer thickness within complex III–V semiconductor structures, making atomic-scale fabrication techniques ideal.
“Atomic-scale control of our quantum well structures is fundamental to ULTRARAM,” said James Ashforth-Pook, CEO and Co-Founder of Quinas Technology. “Working with KAUST Core Labs and leveraging Oxford Instruments’ Atomic Layer Etching technology gives us access to one of the world’s most advanced and credible environments for low-damage semiconductor R&D.”
KAUST Core Labs are internationally recognised for their leadership in advanced nanofabrication, plasma processing, and compound semiconductor research, supporting both academic excellence and industrial technology development.
“KAUST Core Labs support cutting-edge semiconductor research through advanced nanofabrication facilities and atomic-scale processing tools designed for low-damage device development,” said Dr Kenneth Kennedy, Director of the KAUST Nanofabrication Core Lab.
“Atomic Layer Etching enables precise, low-damage fabrication of nanoscale device features and is increasingly used in advanced semiconductor research and production environments worldwide. We are pleased that Quinas are using Oxford Instruments ALE systems at KAUST Core Labs to fabricate their ULTRARAM devices – KAUST is a long time customer of Plasma Technology with a suite of ALE and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) systems including the latest in ALD technology, the PlasmaPro ASP,” said Harriet van der Vliet, Head of Strategic R&D Markets, Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology.
This milestone reflects Quinas Technology’s growing engagement with Saudi Arabia’s advanced research ecosystem as part of its global R&D strategy and strengthens the company’s position as it progresses ULTRARAM towards prototype demonstration and future engagement with industrial partners, foundries, and strategic investors.
About Quinas
Quinas Technology is a UK-based deep-tech semiconductor company developing ULTRARAM™, a compound-semiconductor memory technology designed for AI and neuromorphic computing. Originating from research at Lancaster University, ULTRARAM leverages quantum resonant tunnelling to enable energy-efficient, non-volatile memory architectures.
About KAUST Core Labs
KAUST Core Labs provide state-of-the-art research infrastructure supporting advanced materials science, nanofabrication, and semiconductor device development. The facilities enable atomic-scale processing and characterisation across a wide range of emerging technologies.
About Oxford Instruments
Oxford Instruments provides academic and commercial organisations worldwide with market-leading scientific technology and expertise across its key market segments: Materials Analysis, Healthcare & Life Science and Semiconductors. Innovation is the driving force behind Oxford Instruments’ growth and success, supporting its core purpose to accelerate the breakthroughs that create a brighter future for our world. The vigorous search for new ways to make our world greener, healthier and more productive is driving unprecedented levels of R&D investment in new materials and techniques to support productivity and decarbonisation worldwide, creating a significant opportunity for Oxford Instruments to grow.
Oxford Instruments holds a unique position to anticipate global drivers and connect academic researchers with commercial applications engineers, acting as a catalyst that powers real world progress. Founded in 1959 as the first technology business to be spun out from Oxford University, Oxford Instruments is now a global company listed on the FTSE250 index of the London Stock Exchange (OXIG).
