Thin-film research enters new era with innovative AI approach

The public-private partnership, running from June to December 2025, is one of the first initiatives in Europe to apply large language models (LLMs) and multimodal AI to the autonomous control of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).

2025-06-25

(Press-News.org) Berlin, 25 June 2025 – The Paul Drude Institute for Solid State Electronics (PDI) in Berlin has announced a collaboration with scientific technology company Bizmuth MBE Ltd. to integrate intelligent automation into the growth of semiconductor materials. The six-month partnership, running from June to December 2025, is one of the first initiatives in Europe to apply large language models (LLMs) and multimodal AI to the autonomous control of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).

MBE is a well-established method for producing tailored atomically precise layers of materials, widely used in semiconductor and quantum technology research. The process takes place in an ultra-high vacuum environment, where beams of atoms or molecules are deposited onto a heated surface, building up material structures with atomic precision. While MBE has been central to materials research since the 1960s, the method continues to rely heavily on manual control, with operators adjusting growth conditions based on experience and real-time observations.

The growth of high-quality Gallium Nitride (GaN) has already been successfully established within the semiconductor industry and will serve as a reference system for the project. GaN is a semiconductor material critical to high-power electronics, energy-efficient devices, LEDs, and high-frequency communication components. The AI software will be implemented and tested on GaN at PDI before being applied to more complex materials systems, where conventional trial-and-error approaches for determining growth parameters are often too time-consuming and costly.

The collaboration will focus on developing AI-driven control software for MBE systems, designed to automate adjustments during the growth process in real time. Unlike existing AI-assisted tools, which provide feedback but leave decision-making to operators, this system will operate autonomously. The software will run entirely on local edge hardware, ensuring data security and independence from cloud infrastructure. The project aims to improve the reproducibility, efficiency, and scalability of semiconductor research, while reducing material waste and system downtime.

PDI is an internationally recognized research institute with more than 30 years of expertise in MBE and semiconductor materials. The institute operates 11 MBE systems at its Berlin facility and contributes a large experimental dataset on GaN growth to support the AI system's development.

Prof. Dr. Roman Engel-Herbert, Director of PDI, said: “We are pleased to launch this collaboration with Bizmuth, combining industrial experience with PDI’s research expertise in materials science. PDI has built a strong international reputation for its work in GaN growth and brings both the technical knowledge and experimental mindset needed to advance this project. We are excited to be part of what we believe is the beginning of a new era in materials synthesis.”

Isabella Lorente, CEO of Bizmuth, said: “This project marks a turning point, not just for Bizmuth, but for the entire MBE ecosystem. For years, we’ve envisioned a future where AI doesn’t just assist researchers but takes command in real-time. Working alongside Dr. Faebian Bastiman, our CTO and a leading expert in MBE, we’re thrilled to bring that vision to life with PDI’s world-class research team.”

The collaboration is now underway, with a fully operational AI-controlled MBE system expected to be demonstrated by the end of 2025.

_________________________________________________________________________

About PDI
The Paul-Drude-Institut für Festkörperelektronik (PDI), located in Berlin, Germany, is a leading research institute specializing in both fundamental and applied research at the intersection of materials science, condensed matter physics, and device engineering. With a particular focus on low-dimensional semiconductor structures, PDI's mission is to inspire and demonstrate new functionalities for future technologies.

www.pdi-berlin.de

About Bizmuth MBE Ltd.

Bizmuth MBE Ltd., based in London, UK, is a deep-tech company at the intersection of AI, advanced manufacturing, and materials science. Focused on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), Bizmuth develops cutting-edge control and analysis software, delivers expert-led training, and supports lab setup through strategic consulting. Built by co-founders with over 15 years of experience across entrepreneurship and semiconductor technologies, Bizmuth is redefining how materials are designed and grown.

www.bizmuthmbe.com

Media contacts

Eimear Bruen, Head of Communications
Paul-Drude-Institut für Festkörperelektronik (PDI)
bruen@pdi-berlin.de
+49 30 20377 288
Isabella Lorente, CEO
Bizmuth MBE Ltd.
lorente@bizmuthmbe.com
+44 75 12809 222 END

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