Methodology for capability maturity assessment of MNT chains

Abstract

The design of new MNT enabled products increasingly require function and length scale integration of features as well as a holistic combination of various structuring, replication and characterisation techniques. Therefore, in this study particular efforts have been made to identify the ‘maturity matrix’ of the process pairs and chains that underpin the above trends. These technologies have been evaluated with regard to their maturity by applying a methodology based on the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) developed by Watts (1989) and Crosby (1979). The CMM concept was contextualised according to the installations’ portfolio which includes a wide range of state-of-the-art MNT processes. The CMM evaluation of the individual processes was followed by a maturity evaluation of process pairs and chains by cross-linking their capability parameters, compatibility and complementarity meta-parameters. This approach enables us not only to study the maturity profiles of the most promising technological chains but also to heuristically focus on newly emerging solutions.