Can (Rachel)  Jiang

Can (Rachel) Jiang

Scholar Title

Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scholar

Research Title

Improving Reliability in Nanofabrication: A Systematic Approach to Failure Analysis and Process Optimization

Cohort

2025–2026

Department

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Research Areas
  • AI and Machine Learning
  • Nanoscale Materials, Devices, and Systems
  • Human–Computer Interaction
Supervisor

Tomás Palacios

Abstract

Modern nanofabrication relies on complex tools, where small process deviations can lead to significant yield loss and wasted time. Despite this, current workflows depend heavily on manual logging and experience-based troubleshooting, limiting process visibility and making root-cause analysis slow and inconsistent. To address this, we propose a data-driven framework for structured troubleshooting and process monitoring. We collect user-reported data on failure modes, frequency, and time loss to identify high-impact issues across nanofabrication tools. Then, we evaluate structured validation steps as practical interventions to reduce failures. By replacing trial-and-error debugging with systematic, data-informed workflows, this work aims to improve diagnostic efficiency, reduce downtime, and enable more scalable and reliable nanofabrication processes.

Quote

I chose to participate in this SuperUROP because it is interdisciplinary, combining my interests in AI and semiconductor technologies. I am interested in exploring how data-driven approaches can improve hardware reliability in nanofabrication. I hope to deepen my understanding of areas such as anomaly detection and system-level diagnostics, while gaining hands-on experience working with real-world process data. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to our group’s efforts to improve tool reliability and develop more systematic, efficient approaches to troubleshooting in nanofabrication environments.

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