Researchers from China and the U.S. have made a breakthrough in the field of semiconductor materials by creating a new type of stable semiconductor graphene, which boasts significantly better performance than silicon and other two-dimensional semiconductors. The achievement has been described as a leap from silicon chips to carbon chips.
Graphene, the first stable two-dimensional material discovered, has been the focus of scientists since its discovery in 2004 due to its potential to create more energy-efficient and faster chips. However, its “zero bandgap” characteristic has hindered its application in the semiconductor field.
By precisely controlling the epitaxial growth process of graphene, the researchers were able to introduce a bandgap into the material, transforming it into a true single-crystal graphene semiconductor. The performance of this semiconductor exceeds that of silicon by ten times and is 20 times larger than other two-dimensional semiconductors.
This breakthrough paves the way for high-performance electronic devices that surpass traditional silicon-based technologies. The properties of the semiconductor graphene align with the increasing demand for higher computing speeds and miniaturized integrated electronic devices.
While the development of this semiconductor is a significant step towards the transition from the silicon era to the carbon era, its widespread use still requires further testing and industrialization. The researchers estimate that it may take another 10 to 15 years before graphene semiconductors can be fully implemented.
Despite the intensifying competition and export control measures on chips, the cooperation between the Chinese and American teams has remained fruitful. However, the researchers emphasize the importance of healthy competition and cooperation in driving technological development.
In conclusion, the creation of this new type of semiconductor graphene brings us closer to achieving higher-performance electronic devices and marks a fundamental shift in the field of electronics. While there is still work to be done before its widespread adoption, the potential of graphene semiconductors is an exciting development for the semiconductor industry.
The source of the article is from the blog tvbzorg.com