Technical Paper Round-Up: March 15


Research is expanding across a variety of semiconductor-related topics, from security to flexible substrates and chiplets. Unlike in the past, when work was confined to some of the largest universities, that research work is now being spread across a much broader spectrum of schools on a global basic, including joint research involving schools whose names rarely appeared together. Among the ... » read more

Research Bits: March 7


Optical signal processing with acoustic waves Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) demonstrated an optical-wave signal that can be amplified or canceled using optically driven acoustic waves on a silicon chip. Optical signal processing using Brillouin scattering, in which acoustic waves scatter light, has been demonstrated in nanophotonic structures. But ... » read more

Research Bits: March 1


Large-scale phased array Researchers at Princeton University developed a large-scale high-frequency antenna array using thin-film materials. “To achieve these large dimensions, people have tried discrete integration of hundreds of little microchips. But that’s not practical — it’s not low-cost, it’s not reliable, it’s not scalable on a wireless systems level,” said senior stud... » read more

Research Bits: Feb. 22


Dense optical data storage Researchers from the University of Southampton developed a laser writing method for producing high-density nanostructures in silica glass, which could be used for long-term, dense data storage. “Individuals and organizations are generating ever-larger datasets, creating the desperate need for more efficient forms of data storage with a high capacity, low energy ... » read more

Manufacturing Bits: Feb. 15


Strong plastics The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a new material that is stronger than steel but is light as plastic. The new material, which can be made in large quantities, involves a two-dimensional polymer that self-assembles into sheets. The material’s Young modulus—or a measure of how much force it takes to deform a material—is between four and six times gr... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: Feb. 15


3D printed piezoelectrics Researchers at University of Notre Dame and Purdue University developed a hybrid 3D printer that combines multi-material aerosol jet printing and extrusion printing, integrating both functional and structural materials into a single printing platform. They used it to create an all-printed piezoelectric wearable device. The stretchable piezoelectric sensors conform ... » read more

Manufacturing Bits: Feb. 7


Design tools for solid-state batteries Oak Ridge National Laboratory has devised a new tool designed to accelerate the development of energy-dense solid-state batteries. The tool, called the Solid-State Battery Performance Analyzer and Calculator (SolidPAC), enables researchers to assess the impact of battery designs and choice of cell components for solid-state batteries. It can be used to... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: Feb. 7


Stopping interference in integrated photonics Researchers at EPFL and Purdue University combined integrated photonics and MEMS to develop an electrically driven optical isolator-on-a-chip that transmits light in only one direction. Optical isolators are useful to prevent reflected light from other components compromising or interfering with an on-chip laser’s performance. They are often c... » read more

Manufacturing Bits: Feb. 1


Fab equipment cybersecurity In a major step to help provide security in the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain, SEMI has published the first cybersecurity specifications and standards for fab equipment. For some time, the semiconductor industry has been developing new cybersecurity standards for fab equipment in an effort to protect systems from potential cyberattacks, viruses, and IP... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: Feb. 1


Seaweed-inspired energy harvesting Researchers from Dalian Maritime University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Sun Yat-sen University developed flexible power generators that mimic the way seaweed sways to efficiently convert surface and underwater waves into electricity to power marine-based devices. Networks of sensors are spread across coastal zones, collecting information on curre... » read more

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