In an exciting leap for technology, scientists from the Chinese mainland have unveiled a groundbreaking method to mass-produce high-quality "golden semiconductor" indium selenide. Developed by researchers from Peking University and Renmin University of China, this innovation is set to pave the way for a new generation of chips that could outsmart traditional silicon-based technology.
Silicon chips are approaching their performance limits, creating an urgent need for high-performance, low-energy alternatives. By precisely controlling the atomic ratio of indium to selenium—a technical challenge that has hindered mass production for a long time—the team has achieved what many thought impossible.
The novel process involves sealing an amorphous indium selenide film with solid indium and then applying heat. As the indium vaporizes, it forms an indium-rich liquid interface along the film's edge. This is where high-quality indium selenide crystals begin to form with a perfectly regular atomic arrangement, ensuring the critical 1:1 atomic ratio.
Remarkably, the researchers have managed to produce 5-centimeter-diameter wafers and construct large-scale arrays of high-performance transistors. These advances are perfectly poised to power integrated circuits in everyday devices, from smart terminals to groundbreaking applications in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving. Reviewers for Science have even hailed the work as "an advancement in crystal growth." 🚀
For tech enthusiasts and young innovators, this breakthrough offers a glimpse into a rapidly evolving future where advanced chip technology enables smarter, more efficient devices. The development not only highlights the innovative spirit of the scientific community but also sets the stage for the next wave of digital transformation.
Reference(s):
China develops new method to mass-produce high-quality semiconductors
cgtn.com
