Samsung licenses U. of I. chip technology

Samsung Electronics has signed a deal to license technology developed more than a decade ago by a University of Illinois professor that extends the life of silicon chips.

The university announced the deal this week.

University of Illinois professor Joseph Lyding says he's pleased and a little surprised to see his technology licensed for the first time 14 years after he developed it.

The technology allows chip makers to substitute deuterium (doo-TEER'-ee-um) for hydrogen in their manufacturing process. Hydrogen can be relatively easily knocked off a silicon surface. That shortens the life of a chip.

The university hopes other companies follow Samsung. That could lead to millions of dollars in revenue for the school.