Frequently asked questions about Arpelier
These answers describe the capabilities and limits visible in the current public product. They do not add pricing, licensing, service-level, browser-support, or security claims that have not been formally published.
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What kind of tool is Arpelier?
Arpelier is a web-based tool for building and exploring step-by-step 3D structures and cross-sections from semiconductor and microfabrication process flows. It focuses on structural understanding, education, early exploration, review, and communication.
Does entering a process flow generate a 3D structure?
Yes. Arpelier applies supported process steps, materials, masks, and conditions in sequence to calculate the structure at each stage. Changing an earlier step recalculates the affected downstream stages.
Is Arpelier a TCAD tool?
No. Arpelier is positioned as a pre-TCAD visualization environment for exploring process–structure relationships before detailed physical simulation. It does not replace professional TCAD, experiments, or process validation.
Which processes can Arpelier represent?
The public editor currently includes substrate, deposition, atomic layer deposition, spin coating, particles, dry and wet etching, chemical mechanical planarization, stripping, photolithography, ion implantation, oxidation, and material modification. Options and model depth vary by process.
Can I use Arpelier without signing in?
Yes, for exploration. Visitors can open official examples and projects that are accessible to them without signing in. Signing in is required for cloud saving and account-based project management.
Can I share a project with someone else?
Yes. Depending on the project access setting, an owner can share a link or QR code and can add collaborators with an assigned role. A project must be configured with suitable access before another person can open it.
Can Arpelier be used in classes or educational content?
Yes. Its official examples, process stages, 3D structures, and cross-sections can support teaching and learning about process–structure relationships. This capability statement does not define a separate commercial-use or licensing policy.
Can I make images for a presentation?
Yes. Arpelier can copy displayed 2D cross-sections and 3D views, and Gallery can organize selected scenes and export a PowerPoint sequence. Gallery and presentation output are supporting features rather than the core calculation model.
How do project access and security work?
Project access has three user-facing states. Private limits access to the owner and invited viewers or editors. Public lets anyone with the project link open it as a viewer, but does not show it in Explore or search. Public + Listed keeps public link access and also displays the project in Explore and search. New projects and duplicates default to Public with Listed turned off, so being public does not immediately expose them to unspecified users: someone needs the project link to find and open them. The owner can change this state at any time in the project sharing settings.
Can I use Arpelier on mobile?
Yes, with limits. Mobile primarily provides a preview-oriented interface for inspecting existing projects and making limited temporary adjustments. Changes are not saved there, and creating a new project is not currently available; desktop provides the fuller editing workflow.
Does Arpelier predict electrical characteristics or actual process results?
No. Quantitative electrical prediction and guarantees about equipment recipes, fabrication results, or yield are outside Arpelier’s primary purpose. Use professional simulation, experiments, metrology, and process validation for those decisions.