Scientists have
developed a pioneering new technique to produce cutting-edge, versatile
microchips that could revolutionise the speed, efficiency and capability of the
next generation of computers. Researchers from the University of Exeter in the
UK developed an innovative new method to engineer computer chips more easily
and cheaper than conventional methods. The discovery could revolutionise the
production of optoelectronic materials - or devices that produce, detect, and
control light - which are vital to the next generation of renewable energy,
security, and defence technologies, the researchers said. “This breakthrough
will hopefully lead to a revolution in the development of vital new materials
for computer electronics,” said Anna Baldycheva, from Exeter's Centre for
Graphene Science. “The work provides a solid platform for the development of
novel next-generation optoelectronic devices. Additionally, the materials and
methods used are extremely promising for a wide range of further potential
applications beyond the current devices,” Baldycheva said. The innovative new
research focused on developing a versatile, multi-functional technology to
significantly enhance future computing capabilities. The team used
microfluidics technology, which uses a series of minuscule channels in order to
control the flow and direction of tiny amounts of fluid. For this research, the
fluid contains graphene oxide flakes, that are mixed together in the channels
to construct the chips. While the graphene oxide flakes are two-dimensional -
consisting of length and width only - the research team used a new
sophisticated light-based system to drive the assembly of the three-dimensional
chip structures. Crucially, the research team have analysed their methodology
to not only confirm the technique is successful, but also to provide a
blueprint for others to use to help manufacture the chips. “We are very excited
about the potential of this breakthrough and look forward to seeing where it
can take the optoelectronics industry in the future,” Monica Craciun, Associate
Professor of Nanoscience at Exeter, added. The research was published in the
journal ‘Scientific Reports'.
Source: DNA-7th March,2017
