 |
|
UW-Madison team invents fast, flexible computer chips on plastic
July 19, 2006Madison - New thin-film semiconductor techniques invented by University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers promise to add sensing, computing and imaging capability to an amazing array of materials.
Historically, the semiconductor industry has relied on flat, two-dimensional chips upon which to grow and etch the thin films of material that become electronic circuits for computers and other electronic devices. But as thin as those chips might seem, they are quite beefy in comparison to the result of a new UW-Madison semiconductor fabrication process detailed in the current issue of the Journal of Applied Physics.
A team led by electrical and computer engineer Zhenqiang (Jack) Ma and materials scientist Max Lagally have developed a process to remove a single-crystal film of semiconductor from the substrate on which it is built. This thin layer (only a couple of hundred nanometers thick) can be transferred to glass, plastic or other flexible materials, opening a wide range of possibilities for flexible electronics. In addition, the semiconductor film can be flipped as it is transferred to its new substrate, making its other side available for more components. This doubles the possible number of devices that can be placed on the film.
By repeating the process, layers of double-sided, thin-film semiconductors can be stacked together, creating powerful, low-power, three-dimensional electronic devices.
"It's important to note that these are single-crystal films of strained silicon or silicon germanium," says Ma. "Strain is introduced in the way we form the membrane. Introducing strain changes the arrangement of atoms in the crystal such that we can achieve much faster device speed while consuming less power."
For non-computer applications, flexible electronics are beginning to have significant impact. Solar cells, smart cards, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, medical applications, and active-matrix flat panel displays could all benefit from the development. The techniques could allow flexible semiconductors to be embedded in fabric to create wearable electronics or computer monitors that roll up like a window shade.
"This is potentially a paradigm shift," says Lagally. "The ability to create fast, low-power, multilayer electronics has many exciting applications. Silicon germanium membranes are particularly interesting. Germanium has a much higher adsorption for light than silicon. By including the germanium without destroying the quality of the material, we can achieve devices with two to three orders of magnitude more sensitivity."
That increased sensitivity could be applied to create superior low-light cameras, or smaller cameras with greater resolution.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
By repeating the process, layers of double-sided, thin-film semiconductors can be stacked together, creating powerful, low-power, three-dimensional electronic devices.
"It's important to note that these are single-crystal films of strained silicon or silicon germanium," says Ma. "Strain is introduced in the way we form the membrane. Introducing strain changes the arrangement of atoms in the crystal such that we can achieve much faster device speed while consuming less power."
For non-computer applications, flexible electronics are beginning to have significant impact. Solar cells, smart cards, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, medical applications, and active-matrix flat panel displays could all benefit from the development. The techniques could allow flexible semiconductors to be embedded in fabric to create wearable electronics or computer monitors that roll up like a window shade.
"This is potentially a paradigm shift," says Lagally. "The ability to create fast, low-power, multilayer electronics has many exciting applications. Silicon germanium membranes are particularly interesting. Germanium has a much higher adsorption for light than silicon. By including the germanium without destroying the quality of the material, we can achieve devices with two to three orders of magnitude more sensitivity."
That increased sensitivity could be applied to create superior low-light cameras, or smaller cameras with greater resolution.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Computer Chip Current Events and Computer Chip News RSSNanowires key to future transistors, electronics
A new generation of ultrasmall transistors and more powerful computer chips using tiny structures called semiconducting nanowires are closer to reality after a key discovery by researchers at IBM, Purdue University and the University of California at Los Angeles.
New 'finFET' promising for smaller transistors, more powerful chips
Purdue University researchers are making progress in developing a new type of transistor that uses a finlike structure instead of the conventional flat design, possibly enabling engineers to create faster and more compact circuits and computer chips.
NC State Develops Material That Could Boost Data Storage, Save Energy
North Carolina State University engineers have created a new material that would allow a fingernail-size computer chip to store the equivalent of 20 high-definition DVDs or 250 million pages of text, far exceeding the storage capacities of today's computer memory systems.
Quantum computer chips now 1 step closer to reality
In the quest for smaller, faster computer chips, researchers are increasingly turning to quantum mechanics -- the exotic physics of the small. The problem: the manufacturing techniques required to make quantum devices have been equally exotic. That is, until now.
Scientists identify genetic cause of previously undefined primary immune deficiency disease
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a genetic mutation that accounts for a perplexing condition found in people with an inherited immunodeficiency.
New findings could help hybrid, electric cars keep their cool
Understanding precisely how fluid boils in tiny "microchannels" has led to formulas and models that will help engineers design systems to cool high-power electronics in electric and hybrid cars, aircraft, computers and other devices.
Graphitic memory techniques advance at Rice
Advances by the Rice University lab of James Tour have brought graphite's potential as a mass data storage medium a step closer to reality and created the potential for reprogrammable gate arrays that could bring about a revolution in integrated circuit logic design.
Hankering for molecular electronics? Grab the new NIST sandwich
The sandwich recipe recently concocted by scientists working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) may prove tasty for computer chip designers, who have long had an appetite for molecule-sized electronic components - but no clear way to satisfy it until now.
New material for nanoscale-computer chips
New data from Chinese-Danish collaboration shows that organic nanoscale wires could be an alternative to silicon in computer chips. The discovery has just been published in the respected scientific journal, Advanced Materials.
Breaking barriers with nanoscale lasers
We could soon see the potential of laser technology expand dramatically. Ways to make lasers smaller are being discovered through collaborative efforts of researchers at Arizona State University and Technical University of Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
More Computer Chip Current Events and Computer Chip News Articles
 |
HP Pavilion dv9000 Video Chip Heatsink - RSIFBAT70260103A by Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion dv9000 Video Chip Heatsink - RSIFBAT70260103A |
 |
Chip, the Little Computer (Chip, el Pequeno Computador) (Life Lessons Series, Bilingual) (Life Lessons (Alpine Bilingual Hardcover)) (Life Lessons ... (Life Lessons (Alpine Bilingual Hardcover)) by Tim Anders & Dr. Hope (Author), Dr. Hope (Contributor), Dan Hamilton (Contributor) Endearing story of persistence and determination written in English and Spanish. Chip, a little computer, learns the value of having faith in his dream while he faces an uncertain outcome and seemingly insurmountable problems. Vibrantly illustrated by former Disney artist Dan Hamilton. |
 |
High Sierra Chip Messenger Bag,Black/Charcoal (Charcoal Lining) by High Sierra Blend the line between work and play. With its large, easy-access main compartment, padded computer sleeve for a 15" laptop, and pockets for a cellphone, water bottle, and MP3 player, our Chip messenger bag is destined to become your instant go-to bag. |
 |
Classic Cartoon Favorites, Vol. 4 - Starring Chip 'n Dale Starring: Artist Not Provided An hour-long collection of Disney cartoons. Chicken in the Rough, 1951, In a farmyard a hen is sitting on a nest of eggs when Chip an' Dale, who are picking acorns, come upon the eggs. A baby chick comes out of one of the eggs and Dale, in trying to stuff chick back into the egg, gets involved with a rooster. He is finally trapped under hen with rooster pacing out in front. Chip 'n' Dale, 1947, Cold Awakens Donald; he goes out to chop tree for log. Chipmunks, Dale and Chip, inside log, shaken out into snow, follow Don into house to get nuts left in log. They try various ways to get log from fireplace and finally succeed. Out of Scale, 1951, Donald, as the engineer of a miniature train, runs into difficulties with Chip 'n Dale when he replaces an oak tree, where they have stored nuts,... |
 |
Live from the Ruhr Triennale Chip Taylor (Performer), Carrie Rodriguez (Performer) |
 |
Computer IC Chip Extractor Tweezers Pick Up Repair Tool Computer IC Chip Tool Kit. This a new computer IC chip tool kit. Perfect for removing and installing computer chips. You receive: One pair of tweezers that measure approximately 4 9/16" (115.6 mm) long. One 3 prong pick up tool that measures approximately 4 3/4" (120.65 mm) long. One pair of IC extractors that measure approximately 4" (101.6 mm) long. We work hard to update our descriptions and pictures of our merchandise. As part of a process of ongoing innovation by our suppliers, newer versions of the item shown may be shipped before we are able to complete an update. As a result there may be a slight variation in color and design. |
 |
Poker Chip Card Guard of Vintage Retro Apple Computers Rainbow Logo by Carson's Collectibles Makes an excellent gift for any occasion. Positioning the card cover over your cards will keep your hand from being exposed, mucked or accidentally turned over. It's also a great way to show support for your favorite team or get a laugh at the table. We use high-gloss, water and oil resistant labels. Our card guards are made with a 40 mm chip in diameter and 3mm thick and 12 gram weight. They are sealed in acrylic air-tite holders. Our labels are 1 1/4 inch in diameter. |
 |
Microchip Micro Chip Computer Cufflinks Cuff Links by Cufflinks These cufflinks are great for everyday wear, special occasions and weddings. They make a perfect gift for the Groom and Groomsmen, that special someone, or just for yourself! Enamel & Silver Plated. Display Beautifully in Included Jewelry Box. Bullet Back Closure. Dimensions: Approx. 3/4" Diameter |
|
National Geographic Video, Miniature Miracle: The Computer Chip | |
 |
JET 90402S Stage 2 Module by Jet Chips JET Stage 2 Module is designed to provide power gain across the entire power band-not just at full throttle. It is constructed with durable material that ensures longevity and dynamic spectrum tuning provides performance gain of up to 25 horse power. This module also improves the throttle response, acceleration and low end torque. It is backed by simple plug-in installation. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |