Synchronization is vital High-precision oscillators are at the heart of modern electronics. They provide accurate timing and syn- chronization in computer centers, AI systems, net- works and many other applications where precise clock signals are vital — for example, in order to transfer data without errors, synchronize calcula- tions or use energy efficiently. The oscillator that the interdisciplinary team plans to build in the Nano-Argovia project NANO- SAW will serve as a proof of concept for a new way of generating vibrations based on “Rayleigh waves” — surface acoustic waves (SAWs) that travel along the surface of a material. These waves are produced in a thin layer of aluminum nitride (AlN), a piezo- electric material that is particularly good at convert- ing mechanical stresses into electrical signals and vice versa. This aluminum nitride layer is applied to a substrate using a special coating technique known as high- power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). The substrate can then be integrated directly into exist- ing microchips — which is vital for miniaturization and applications in modern electronic devices. Fine, comblike electrode structures are attached to the aluminum nitride surface in order to apply electrical voltages that stimulate mechanical Rayleigh waves, which then spread across the sur- face. A second electrode structure detects the incom- ing waves and converts them back into electrical signals. These signals are then amplified and re- turned by a feedback circuit in order to produce con- tinuous oscillation — in other words, the oscillator “vibrates” in a stable manner at a specific frequency. Fast, energy-saving and stable When it comes to manufacturing, one priority for the interdisciplinary team led by Professor Mathieu Coustans (FHNW School of Engineering and Environ- ment) is for the aluminum nitride layers to have a thickness of less than 500 nanometers. The research- ers are also keen to achieve optimum crystallo- graphic alignment in order to improve the acoustic characteristics. The oscillator should start very quickly (under 100 milliseconds), consume very little energy and produce an extremely stable clock signal. This project will help to drive advances in ener- gy-efficient information and communication tech- nology with nanoscale materials and nanofabricated components as well as integration at system level. Clock generator for digital systems In the Nano-Argovia project NANO-SAW, researchers are developing a tiny, high-precision oscillator based on nanoscale surface waves. This is intended to serve as a frequency reference for digital high- speed systems. Cooperation between: FHNW School of Engi- neering and Environ- ment Paul Scherrer Institute PSI Micro Crystal AG Weitere Informationen: Nano-Argovia program FHNW School of Engineering and Environment Paul Scherrer Institute PSI Micro Crystal AG “For Micro Crystal AG, NANO-SAW is an opportunity to bring our industrial exper- tise in high-precision timing components into a strong research collaboration. The project addresses key requirements for future oscillator technologies: accuracy, stability, compactness, low power con- sumption, and compatibility with modern microelectronics. We also expect valuable collateral insights for our broader technology development.” Dr. Thierry Hessler, Micro Crystal AG Nano-Argovia program 16 SNI INSight June 2026