Semiconductors

Researchers solve longstanding problem in measuring semiconductor defects

IMDEA Networks participates in the development of the photonic chip of the future

Atomic step–terrace ordering enables unprecedented precision in mechanical testing

"Breaking the limits of OLED: Postech achieves low-votage freely color tunable ultra-pure laser emission"

Brighter, more stable red LEDs for next-generation micro-LED displays

The study demonstrates a significant improvement in red light emission from Eu-doped gallium nitride grown on a semipolar crystal plane. The approach selectively promotes the formation of highly efficient luminescent centers, resulting in brighter and more stable red LEDs for next-generation micro-LED displays.

Printed oxygen "highways" shatter the 2D transistor speed limit

A research team has successfully removed the primary obstacle to post-silicon computing by creating a record-breaking electronic connection for atomic-thin materials. The new GaOx layer enables 'hybrid tunnelling' mechanism, reducing contact resistance and allowing transistors to operate at much lower voltages without sacrificing speed.

University of Utah, National Laboratory of the Rockies partner to advance energy resilience, critical minerals and data-enabled science

The University of Utah and National Laboratory of the Rockies have signed a three-year MOU to strengthen the US energy system. The partnership enables research on urgent national security and energy priorities, including water security, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing.

The hidden structure behind a widely used class of materials

A team of researchers from MIT has directly characterized the three-dimensional atomic structure of a relaxor ferroelectric for the first time. This breakthrough provides a framework for refining models used to design next-generation computing, energy, and sensing devices.

Trapping light magic: MOF-derived nanoconfined hollow polyhedral photocatalyst

A novel MOF-derived nanoconfined hollow polyhedral bimetallic sulfide heterojunction exhibits enhanced light harvesting efficiency and promotes rapid tetracycline degradation, with a kinetic rate constant five times higher than pristine Ag2S. The material maintained over 90% efficiency in real water matrices.

MIT faculty examine how to expand the US economy in new book, “Priority Technologies”

The book highlights the importance of sustaining innovation in sectors such as semiconductors, biotechnology, and critical minerals to drive economic growth and national security. By rebuilding domestic manufacturing and leveraging new technologies, the US can regain leadership in these areas and capture a $4 trillion market.

Beyond silicon: the soft, dissolvable brain chips engineered to learn and vanish

Artificial synapses are built from soft, bio-friendly materials that operate like human brain synapses, merging data storage and computing into a single unit. Laboratory prototypes demonstrate immense capabilities, consuming energy on the scale of femtojoules.

Stretching and squeezing diamond opens new path for ultra-precise quantum sensors

Researchers discovered a way to tune the quantum properties of tiny defects in diamond by stretching or compressing the crystal, enabling next-generation sensors with unprecedented precision. The silicon-vacancy center, a promising building block for quantum devices, responds predictably to mechanical deformation.

Mind the gap! Semiconductor industry is relying on the wrong materials

Researchers at TU Wien found that 2D materials are unsuitable for smaller electronic structures due to a tiny gap formed between the material and insulating layer. However, some materials can be combined with stronger bonds to eliminate this issue, potentially revolutionizing miniaturization steps.

Ultra-sensitive multi-band infrared polarization photodetector based on 1T'-MoTe2/2H-MoTe2 van der Waals heterostructure

The device exhibits outstanding performance across a broad optical spectrum, with high responsivity and specific detectivity. Its polarization-sensitive detection capability enables the direct deciphering of light's polarization state without external filters.

Perovskite nanocrystals in glass for high-efficiency and ultra-high resolution dynamic displays

Researchers develop fluoride-engineered perovskite nanocrystal glass for high-efficiency, full-color emission and ultra-high-resolution holographic displays. The glass matrix enables stable and efficient photoluminescence of PNCs, driving the creation of high-quality dynamic displays.

New model explains how single electrons cause damage inside silicon chips

Researchers have uncovered a quantum mechanism by which energetic electrons break chemical bonds in microelectronic devices, leading to gradual wear and degradation. The discovery reveals that a single electron triggers bond breaking, allowing scientists to engineer more stable materials with longer lifespans.

When light gets trapped at nanoscale: New ways to power the future of optoelectronics

Researchers explore new design strategies for metasurfaces and BICs, enabling scalable light control and efficient optoelectronic platforms. These advances have practical implications for applications in lasing, sensing, nonlinear optics, wavefront shaping, and imaging.

The 'thinner yet tougher' paradox: A two-sided upgrade for flexible microchips

A new manufacturing approach enables the creation of working transistors on both sides of flexible microchips, doubling computing density. The technique uses a liquid bath to detach and float ultra-thin silicon membranes, allowing for precise fabrication without harsh adhesives.

Light bends perovskite crystal lattice, opening way to new devices

Researchers have discovered a photostriction effect in perovskite crystals that reversibly changes shape when exposed to light. This property makes them 'smart materials' that can be tuned to respond to stimuli, potentially leading to new device designs such as sensors or actuators.

Tiny LED design could power next-generation technology

Researchers from The University of Osaka propose a compact LED design that directly emits circularly polarized light, potentially simplifying optical devices. The new design uses robust inorganic materials and achieves high levels of both efficiency and polarization degree.

‘Spin-flip’ in metal complexes can help solar cells leap beyond limits

Researchers successfully captured singlet-fission-amplified excitons with a molybdenum-based emitter, achieving 130% quantum yield and pushing the limits of solar cell efficiency. The team used a metal complex called 'spin-flip' emitter to harvest multiplied energy from singlet fission.

Preserving polarization while boosting light from atomically thin semiconductors with silicon nanospheres

Researchers have demonstrated that silicon nanospheres can enhance second-harmonic generation in monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides while preserving valley-polarization information. The study provides design guidelines for efficient, polarization-preserving nonlinear light sources at the nanoscale.

SKKU reveals the origin of polarity inversion in polymer semiconductors

A research team has elucidated the mechanism behind polarity inversion in polymer semiconductors, revealing that it occurs when dopant uptake exceeds a critical threshold. This phenomenon enables both p-type and n-type behavior in a single material, simplifying device structures and improving manufacturing efficiency.

Boron arsenide semiconductor sets record in quantum vibrations

Researchers discovered a new material, boron arsenide, that exhibits record-high coherence of optical phonons due to suppression of three-phonon scattering. This finding holds promise for the development of quantum phononics and could aid in managing excess heat in electronics.

How UCLA researchers cleared the nanoscale bottleneck holding back next-gen electronics

Researchers at UCLA have developed a strategy to improve the efficiency of electrical current entering perovskite semiconductors, enabling faster and lower-power devices. By creating a thin, locally modified region under the metal contact, they enabled electrons to pass through the barrier using quantum mechanical tunneling.

Light trapped in a layer thousands of times thinner than a sheet of paper

Researchers have developed a structure that traps infrared light in a layer just 40 nanometers thick, opening up opportunities for faster and smaller photonic systems. They achieved this by creating a subwavelength grating using molybdenum diselenide, a material with a high refractive index.

New tools and techniques accelerate gallium oxide as next-generation power semiconductor

Researchers at Nagoya University present six advances in gallium oxide thin-film growth, including a world-first result growing the material on low-cost silicon substrates. The new High-Density Oxygen Radical Source doubles atomic oxygen density, promoting chemical reaction and film growth.

New research reveals how semiconductor electrodes can achieve green hydrogen production

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have developed a new approach to model semiconductor electrodes, revealing the basic mechanisms underlying the hydrogen evolution reaction on a titanium dioxide semiconductor. The study identified a previously unknown phenomenon in electrocatalysis, where local charge centers, polarons, activa...

Engineers improve infrared devices using century-old materials

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a promising approach to using well-studied semiconductors to improve infrared light-emitting diodes and sensors. The new technology has the potential to lead to smaller, sleeker, and less expensive infrared devices with improved defect tolerance.

Electron microscopy shows ‘mouse bite’ defects in semiconductors

Cornell University researchers have used electron microscopy to detect 'mouse bite' defects in semiconductors, which can sabotage their performance. The imaging method has the potential to touch every form of modern electronics and could be a crucial tool for debugging and fault-finding in computer chips.

Theoretical principles of band structure manipulation in strongly correlated insulators with spin and charge perturbations

A new study by MANA demonstrates that strongly correlated insulators can behave differently, allowing spin and charge excitations to exist independently. This enables the creation of new electronic modes that actively modify band structures under external stimuli.

Catching light in air: programmable Mie voids boost light matter interaction

A new platform with monolayer WS₂ on top of nanoscale air cavities demonstrates strong enhancement of light emission and nonlinear optical signals. The approach improves upon conventional dielectric nanoresonators by trapping light in air cavities, concentrating the optical field near the surface.

Transient Pauli blocking for broadband ultrafast optical switching

This study reveals that a femtosecond laser can induce a rise in electronic temperature, transiently blocking optical absorption and enabling multicolor modulation from a single material platform. The discovery opens a new pathway toward ultrafast, broadband, and energy-efficient photonic devices.

When records are not enough

A team of scientists and industry experts investigated the challenges of developing new solar cells, including copper indium gallium diselenide and perovskite. They recommend focusing on material resilience, stability, and sustainability to ensure long-term success.

Diamond owl swoops in with new method to keep electronics cool

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to grow patterned diamond surfaces that can decrease operating temperatures in electronics. This approach uses microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition to create ordered layers of diamond crystals on substrates, allowing for controlled seed placement and scalable growth.

Alloy-engineered valleytronics

Researchers have observed a new microscopic mechanism enabling precise control of magneto-optical properties in alloys of two-dimensional semiconductors. The discovery opens up prospects for technological applications in devices exploiting valleytronics.

What does ‘flexibility’ actually look like?

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding flexibility at the molecular scale, finding that individual molecules contribute to material stiffness. This discovery could inform the design of faster and more efficient flexible electronics.

Semiconductor physics: polaron formation observed for first time

Physicists at LMU have successfully tracked the extremely brief formation process of polarons using an ultrafast imaging method, confirming a theory from 1933. The researchers demonstrated that electrons lose energy and gain mass as they form these quasiparticles.

Distinguished researcher elected to National Academy of Engineering

Dr. Bruce Gnade, professor emeritus at the University of Texas at Dallas, has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to advancing electronic materials and semiconductor device technologies. He is also recognized for his leadership in education and workforce development.

Rolling out the carpet for Spin Qubits with new chip architecture

Researchers developed a new chip architecture called QARPET, which allows for the characterization of hundreds of qubits under the same operating conditions. The platform features a tiled approach to qubit measurement, making it efficient and scalable.

Redefining GaN power devices for adoption in EVs and data centers

Researchers at IISc have developed a new gate stack that cuts gate leakage by up to 10,000 times, improving threshold stability and reaching high gate breakdown voltages. The advancements enable GaN technology adoption in high-reliability applications.

Researchers discover how to dampen electronic noise in materials with potential for quantum technologies

Scientists have developed prototype devices with lower noise levels than conventional electronics, using unconventional materials to form nanowires. These materials exhibit a unique property where noise drops as the electrical current increases, enabling potential applications in ultralow-noise communication and sensor technologies.

Bai lab secures two patents with EV industry partners

The Bai lab has developed two patented technologies to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging and power conversion, in collaboration with FORVIA HELLA and Volkswagen Group of America. These innovations enable more efficient energy transfer between the AC grid, high-voltage car battery, and low-voltage car battery.

Real-time view inside microreactor reveals 2D semiconductor growth secrets

A team of researchers from Okayama University directly observes the atomic-scale growth of ultra-thin semiconductor crystals using a microreactor. They identify multiple growth regimes and dynamics, shedding light on how crystal shape and quality depend on conditions.

Thermal transport modulation in YbN-alloyed ALN thin films to the glassy limit

Scientists discover a new method to engineer crystalline materials with exceptionally low thermal conductivity by alloying YbN into AlN. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize industries such as semiconductor packaging and chemical reactors.

A slight twist, a big change: atomic registry reshapes electrons

Researchers have discovered that twisting and stacking oxide crystals can create specific atomic configurations that act as an 'invisible fence' to trap or repel electrons. The study reveals charge disproportionation due to subtle distortions in oxygen octahedra, leading to altered electron accumulation patterns.

Great power rivalry is reshaping global supply chains, new study shows

A new study from the Stockholm School of Economics shows how growing rivalry between major powers is pushing firms to rethink their sourcing, production capacity, and supplier relationships. Companies are diversifying suppliers, reducing dependence on single countries for critical inputs, and relocating or duplicating production to dif...

UC Irvine engineers invent wireless transceiver rivaling fiber-optic speed

Researchers at UC Irvine's Nanoscale Communication Integrated Circuits Labs developed a unique transceiver that operates in the F-band spectrum, enabling speeds of up to 120 gigabits per second. This technology offers massive bandwidths and can transform how machines, robots, and data centers communicate.

UCLA-led team discovers metallic material with record thermal conductivity

A UCLA-led research team has discovered a new metallic material that conducts heat nearly three times more efficiently than copper, opening up new pathways for cooling electronics and AI hardware. The material, theta-phase tantalum nitride, boasts an ultrahigh thermal conductivity of approximately 1,100 W/mK.

Joint research validates new semiconductor etching process, achieving five times speed improvement

Researchers at Nagoya University and Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd. have developed a new semiconductor etching method that significantly reduces processing time and enhances energy efficiency. The process employs plasma etching with hydrogen fluoride at very low temperatures, eliminating the need for fluorocarbon gases.

Light-speed learning: A brain-inspired chip that thinks with light

Researchers developed a bio-inspired neuron platform that processes and learns information using light and electronics integrated on a single platform. The chip achieves 92% image recognition accuracy and demonstrates key synaptic behaviors found in biological learning.

Ultrathin ferroelectric capacitors for next-generation memory devices

Researchers from Japan successfully downscaled a total ferroelectric memory capacitor stack to just 30 nm, maintaining high remanent polarization and paving the way for compact and efficient on-chip memory. This breakthrough demonstrates compatibility with semiconductor devices and paves the way for future technologies.

Pusan National University researchers uncover scalable method for ultrahigh-resolution quantum dot displays

Researchers introduce a universal, nondestructive direct photolithography method for QD patterning, enabling precise control over fragile surface chemistry. The study demonstrates high-resolution patterns exceeding 10,000 pixels per inch and boosts device efficiency.

Tohoku University and Fujitsu utilize causal AI to discover superconductivity mechanism of promising new functional material

Researchers used causal AI to extract insights from ARPES data of cesium vanadium antimonide, a kagome superconducting material. The technology revealed that the chemical bonding state of cesium atoms strongly influences the electronic state of the V3Sb5 layer, responsible for superconductivity.

Hybrid excitons: Combining the best of both worlds

Scientists have created a new quantum state, known as hybrid excitons, at the interface of organic and 2D semiconductors. This unique state enables ultrafast energy transfer, which holds promise for developing next-generation solar cells and optoelectronic components.

Unveiling non-thermal catalytic origin of direct current-promoted catalysis for energy-efficient transformation of greenhouse gases to valuable chemicals

Scientists established a definitive charge-driven mechanism underlying the non-thermal catalytic enhancement observed in DC-applied DRM, focusing on Pd/CeO2 as a model catalyst. The study reveals a cooperative mechanism between trapped electrons and strain-induced holes as the microscopic origin of non-thermal catalysis under DC applic...

Scientists find that a ‘design limitation’ in transistors actually improves performance

Research from the University of Surrey discovers that small energy barriers in transistors make them more stable and reliable. The study reveals a novel 'multimodal transistor' design with two gate electrodes, enabling separate control of current injection and flow, which improves device performance.

Nanoscience breakthrough puts low-cost, printable electronics on the horizon

Scientists have developed a predictive framework for 2D semiconductor industry, enabling the creation of high-performance printed transistors and circuits. This technology has the potential to manufacture low-cost, flexible, and high-performance 2D electronics for various applications.

Swansea University professor wins SEMI Academia Impact Award for European semiconductor leadership

Professor Owen Guy has received the SEMI Academia Impact Award for his outstanding contributions to semiconductor research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in Europe. He is Director of Swansea University's Centre for Nanohealth and a member of its Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials.

University of Tennessee secures $1 million NSF grant to build semiconductor workforce pipeline

The University of Tennessee has received a $1 million NSF grant to build a semiconductor workforce pipeline. The Explorations program will train high school teachers in UT labs, equipping them to deliver classroom-ready modules in semiconductor design and manufacturing.