Researchers Create First Practical Semiconductor Made From Graphene
Transferring Ahead
Epitaxial graphene might trigger a paradigm shift within the subject of electronics and permit for fully new applied sciences that reap the benefits of its distinctive properties. The fabric permits the quantum mechanical wave properties of electrons to be utilized, which is a requirement for quantum computing.
“Our motivation for doing graphene electronics has been there for a very long time, and the remaining was simply making it occur,” de Heer mentioned. “We needed to discover ways to deal with the fabric, find out how to make it higher and higher, and at last find out how to measure the properties. That took a really, very very long time.”
Based on de Heer, it isn’t uncommon to see one more technology of electronics on its approach. Earlier than silicon, there have been vacuum tubes, and earlier than that, there have been wires and telegraphs. Silicon is considered one of many steps within the historical past of electronics, and the subsequent step may very well be graphene.
“To me, this is sort of a Wright brothers second,” de Heer mentioned. “They constructed a aircraft that would fly 300 toes by means of the air. However the skeptics requested why the world would wish flight when it already had quick trains and boats. However they continued, and it was the start of a know-how that may take individuals throughout oceans.”
Quotation: Zhao, J. et al. Ultrahigh-mobility semiconducting epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide. Nature (2024).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06811-0
Author: Catherine Barzler
Video and Pictures: Chris McKenney
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