 |
|
Shifting sound to light may lead to better computer chips
March 17, 2009LIVERMORE, Calif. - By reversing a process that converts electrical signals into sounds heard out of a cell phone, researchers may have a new tool to enhance the way computer chips, LEDs and transistors are built.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists have for the first time converted the highest frequency sounds into light by reversing a process that converts electrical signals to sound.
Commonly used piezo-electric speakers, such as those found in a cell phone, operate at low frequencies that human ears can hear.
But by reversing that process, lead researchers Michael Armstrong, Evan Reed and Mike Howard, LLNL colleagues, and collaborators from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Nitronex Corp., used a very high frequency sound wave - about 100 million times higher frequency than what humans can hear - to generate light.
"This process allows us to very accurately 'see' the highest frequency sound waves by translating them into light," Armstrong said.
The research appears in the March 15 edition of the journal Nature Physics.
During the last decade, pioneering experiments using sub-picosecond lasers have demonstrated the generation and detection of acoustic and shock waves in materials with terahertz (THz) frequencies. These very same experiments led to a new technique for probing the structure of semiconductor devices.
However, the recent research takes those initial experiments a step further by reversing the process, converting high-frequency sound waves into electricity. The researchers predicted that high frequency acoustic waves can be detected by seeing radiation emitted when the acoustic wave passes an interface between piezoelectric materials.
Very high-frequency sound waves have wavelengths approaching the atomic-length scale. Detection of these waves is challenging, but they are useful for probing materials on very small length scales.
But that's not the only application, according to Reed.
"This technique provides a new pathway to generation of THz radiation for security, medical and other purposes," he said. "In this application, we would utilize acoustic-based technologies to generate THz." Security applications include explosives detection and medical use may include detection of skin cancer.
And the Livermore method doesn't require any external source to detect the acoustic waves.
"Usually scientists use an external laser beam that bounces off the acoustic wave - much like radar speed detectors - to observe high frequency sound. An advantage of our technique is that it doesn't require an external laser beam - the acoustic wave itself emits light that we detect," Armstrong said.
Founded in 1952, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a national security laboratory, with a mission to ensure national security and apply science and technology to the important issues of our time. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is managed by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
But by reversing that process, lead researchers Michael Armstrong, Evan Reed and Mike Howard, LLNL colleagues, and collaborators from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Nitronex Corp., used a very high frequency sound wave - about 100 million times higher frequency than what humans can hear - to generate light.
"This process allows us to very accurately 'see' the highest frequency sound waves by translating them into light," Armstrong said.
The research appears in the March 15 edition of the journal Nature Physics.
During the last decade, pioneering experiments using sub-picosecond lasers have demonstrated the generation and detection of acoustic and shock waves in materials with terahertz (THz) frequencies. These very same experiments led to a new technique for probing the structure of semiconductor devices.
However, the recent research takes those initial experiments a step further by reversing the process, converting high-frequency sound waves into electricity. The researchers predicted that high frequency acoustic waves can be detected by seeing radiation emitted when the acoustic wave passes an interface between piezoelectric materials.
Very high-frequency sound waves have wavelengths approaching the atomic-length scale. Detection of these waves is challenging, but they are useful for probing materials on very small length scales.
But that's not the only application, according to Reed.
"This technique provides a new pathway to generation of THz radiation for security, medical and other purposes," he said. "In this application, we would utilize acoustic-based technologies to generate THz." Security applications include explosives detection and medical use may include detection of skin cancer.
And the Livermore method doesn't require any external source to detect the acoustic waves.
"Usually scientists use an external laser beam that bounces off the acoustic wave - much like radar speed detectors - to observe high frequency sound. An advantage of our technique is that it doesn't require an external laser beam - the acoustic wave itself emits light that we detect," Armstrong said.
Founded in 1952, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a national security laboratory, with a mission to ensure national security and apply science and technology to the important issues of our time. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is managed by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Computer Chips Current Events and Computer Chips News RSSQuantum 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.
Rutgers physicists discover novel electronic properties in two-dimensional carbon structure
Rutgers researchers have discovered novel electronic properties in two-dimensional sheets of carbon atoms called graphene that could one day be the heart of speedy and powerful electronic devices.
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.
Nuclear fusion research key to advancing computer chips
Researchers are adapting the same methods used in fusion-energy research to create extremely thin plasma beams for a new class of "nanolithography" required to make future computer chips.
Caltech and IBM scientists use self-assembled DNA scaffolding to build tiny circuit boards
Scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and IBM's Almaden Research Center have developed a new technique to orient and position self-assembled DNA shapes and patterns-or "DNA origami"-on surfaces that are compatible with today's semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
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.
Tiny 'MEMS' devices to filter, amplify electronic signals
Researchers are developing a new class of tiny mechanical devices containing vibrating, hair-thin structures that could be used to filter electronic signals in cell phones and for other more exotic applications.
From graphene to graphane, now the possibilities are endless
Ever since graphene was discovered in 2004, this one-atom thick, super strong, carbon-based electrical conductor has been billed as a "wonder material" that some physicists think could one day replace silicon in computer chips.
Material world: graphene's versatility promises new applications
Since its discovery just a few years ago, graphene has climbed to the top of the heap of new super-materials poised to transform the electronics and nanotechnology landscape.
More Computer Chips Current Events and Computer Chips News Articles
 |
On-Chip Networks (Synthesis Lectures on Computer Architecture) by Li-Shiuan Peh (Author), Natalie Enright Jerger (Author) With the ability to integrate a large number of cores on a single chip, research into on-chip networks to facilitate communication becomes increasingly important. On-chip networks seek to provide a scalable and high-bandwidth communication substrate for multi-core and many-core architectures. High bandwidth and low latency within the on-chip network must be achieved while fitting within tight area and power budgets. In this lecture, we examine various fundamental aspects of on-chip network design and provide the reader with an overview of the current state-of-the-art research in this field. Table of Contents: Introduction / Interface with System Architecture / Topology / Routing / Flow Control / Router Microarchitecture / Conclusions |
 |
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. |
 |
Warlocks and Witches, Computer Chips, Microchips and You by Afrika Bambaataa Few artists can claim to be the progenitor of their genre and also an upstart the way Afrika Bambaataa, the force behind Time Zone, can on Warlocks and Witches, Computer Chips, and You, his first widely available release since 1988's The Light. The awkwardly titled WAWCCMAY is significant not merely as the return of the godfather of hip-hop--one of the central figures of rap's formative era more than a decade ago--but also because the old man's record stands up to any kid MC who claims to take it to the next level (and they all do). Give Gramps some room--it seems he's still got much to offer. Bambaataa's strength lies in his worldview: where some rap stars are championed for representing their block (as in Staten Island, New York's Wu-Tang Clan), Bambaataa and his youth organization,... |
 |
Jet Chips 15015 Performance Programmer by Jet Chips JET Performance Programmer includes a built-in scan tool with live data monitoring. It allows real time monitoring of several vehicle sensors for fine tuning and troubleshooting. This programmer locks to the vehicle's VIN code and stores the factory program in its memory. |
 |
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,... |
 |
Pantone Solid Chips two book set by Pantone, Inc. The new 2005 edition has been redesigned in a larger format which provides 25% percent more color area per chip and improved handling. The two-book set includes six perforated chips for each solid PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM Color, making it easy to select, specify and communicate color on coated or uncoated stocks. Attach color reference chips to artwork and digital files to ensure that you get a perfect match every time. |
 |
Venom 400, V45141 Computer Control Module by Venom Performance Venom 400 Computer Control Module, V45-141 - Fits: Chevy Truck/SUV 350/5.7L 1987-95. The Venom 400 increases horsepower up to 25% throughout the low and midrange. The Venom Performance Module uses a powerful, 8-bit micro-controller to re-map the vehicle's fuel and timing curves. Fuel and timing maps are set to deliver optimum performance gains throughout the low and midrange of the vehicle's power-curve. Unlike most "Chips", the Venom 400 does not respond only to wide open throttle. It produces noticeable, useable gains under normal, daily driving conditions. Venom Performance is a leading manufacturer of performance electronics, and the Venom 400 has been their best selling product for about a decade. |
 |
Computer Chip Onesie by Shop Zeus |
|
National Geographic Video, Miniature Miracle: The Computer Chip | |
 |
3 in 1 Premium Rapid Car, Home / Travel, Computer Charger (with IC CHIP) for Blackberry Bold 9000, Curve 8310 8300, 8820 by Lux Case |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |