Irida Ibérica S.L. is a European supplier of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, offering technological solutions for research and development laboratories and pilot plant environments. Our focus is on supporting customers throughout the entire equipment lifecycle, from the initial process definition and selection of the most suitable technology, through to system configuration, installation, process development and optimisation, application support and after-sales service. By combining a broad portfolio of semiconductor manufacturing technologies with extensive market experience, Irida aims to be more than just an equipment supplier: we act as technology partners for organisations developing the next generation of devices and materials in the field of semiconductors.
From specialist distributor to European partner in semiconductor technology
Since its foundation, Irida has progressively expanded both its technology portfolio and its geographical presence. As a start-up in 2010, it joined the “Madrid Emprende” programme and graduated in 2013 as one of the companies with the highest turnover in the entire programme. What began as a business specialising in distribution has evolved over more than 16 years into a European organisation dedicated to semiconductor manufacturing equipment for R&D and small-scale production. During this period, we have supplied more than 250 advanced systems to universities, research institutes, technology centres and industrial laboratories across Europe. This experience has enabled us to develop in-depth knowledge not only of semiconductor manufacturing technologies themselves, but also of the specific requirements associated with research environments and pilot lines: process flexibility, multiple applications within the same platform, customised configurations, integration into existing cleanrooms and long-term technical support.
Bringing technology closer to the European semiconductor community
A significant part of our work involves presenting and promoting new semiconductor manufacturing technologies in Europe. Advanced wafer processing equipment cannot be properly introduced on the basis of published technical specifications alone. Understanding the fundamental principles behind an innovative technology, its advantages and limitations, and how it compares with alternative technologies, is essential when selecting equipment for a research project or a production line. For this reason, Irida places great emphasis on technical communication. We regularly present our technologies directly to research groups, cleanroom managers, process engineers and industrial research and development teams. We also actively participate in major European conferences, exhibitions and scientific events relating to semiconductors, thin films, nanotechnology, advanced materials, and micro- and nanofabrication. These activities enable us to maintain direct contact with the scientific community, understand emerging process requirements and introduce new technologies to the European market.
Application support – From the equipment to the process
Supplying the equipment is just the beginning of our relationship with our customers. Semiconductor manufacturing systems are fundamentally process tools, and their value ultimately depends on their ability to produce the required material, structure or device. For this reason, Irida provides application support from the earliest stages of a project. We work alongside our customers and our manufacturing partners to evaluate processes, materials, substrates and device requirements, in order to define the most suitable equipment configuration. Following installation, this cooperation can continue through process development and optimisation. Our aim is to shorten the time between receiving a new system and achieving a stable, operational process, whilst offering researchers the flexibility needed to explore new materials and applications.
European local service and long-term support
Technical support is another key aspect of our business. Semiconductor manufacturing equipment combines vacuum technology, plasma generation, RF and DC power supplies, gas supply, thermal management, motion control, electronics and sophisticated software. Reliable local support is therefore essential throughout the system’s service life. Irida handles installation, commissioning, training, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and technical interventions for all the equipment we supply. By maintaining close relationships with both the customer and the original equipment manufacturer, we provide a direct line of communication between European users and the engineering teams responsible for manufacturing the systems. This combination of local presence and direct manufacturer support is particularly valuable in research environments, where equipment configurations and processes are often highly customised.
A comprehensive portfolio of semiconductor processing technologies
One of Irida’s key strengths is the breadth of semiconductor manufacturing technologies available within a single portfolio. We cover most of the main techniques required for thin-film deposition, dry etching, and micro- and nanolithography, alongside complementary wafer processing technologies. Our thin-film deposition portfolio includes Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) technologies such as magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation and electron beam evaporation, as well as Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) processes such as PECVD and MOCVD. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) and plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition offer solutions where thickness control and conformality at the atomic scale are required. Different plasma technologies and process configurations can be selected depending on the materials, substrate constraints and the required film properties.
For material removal and surface modification, our portfolio encompasses an equally wide range of dry etching technologies, including reactive ion etching (RIE), inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE), deep reactive ion etching (D-RIE), cryogenic etching, ion beam etching and milling, reactive ion beam etching and atomic layer etching (ALE). This enables us to tackle applications ranging from conventional semiconductor pattern transfer to deep silicon structures, compound semiconductors, optical materials and emerging devices that require extremely precise surface control.
Lithography completes this portfolio of processes. Depending on resolution, substrate size, throughput capacity and application requirements, solutions may include mask alignment and photolithography, direct laser writing, electron beam lithography and other advanced lithography techniques. Together with complementary wafer processing technologies, these systems enable Irida to address a substantial part of the complete micro- and nanofabrication workflow.
One partner, multiple technologies
The breadth of this portfolio represents a significant advantage for our customers. Semiconductor manufacturing rarely relies on a single process. A device may require several deposition technologies, multiple etching steps and different lithographic processes before the final structure is achieved. When each process is considered in isolation, the selection of equipment can easily become fragmented across multiple suppliers, technologies and technical contacts.
Irida offers a different approach: a technology partner that provides access to a range of complementary process technologies.
This approach is particularly valuable when setting up or expanding research cleanrooms and semiconductor pilot lines. Rather than purchasing each process tool separately, customers can work with a single European partner capable of coordinating various technologies, equipment manufacturers and process requirements. This philosophy defines the role that Irida aims to play in the European semiconductor ecosystem: bringing together specialised technologies from leading equipment manufacturers and transforming them into integrated, accessible solutions with local support for semiconductor research, development and small-scale production.
