16 April 2009
Diamond transistor is ‘world’s smallest’
Scientists claim to have developed the world's smallest diamond transistor.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow announced that at 50 nanometres in length, it is half the size of the previous smallest diamond transistor and over 1000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.
Dr David Moran (pictured) from the department of electronics and electrical engineering explained that diamond is an ideal material for the next generation of nanoscale electronic devices due to its unique properties. "From its invention in 1947, the transistor has been the building block of many modern day technologies," Dr Moran said, ""By developing a diamond transistor technology, we aim to tap into the truly amazing properties of this exciting material which could prove fundamental to the development of several next generation technologies. Dr Moran noted that these technologies include Terahertz imaging and automotive collision detection. "These applications require a very fast and ideally high power transistor technology that needs to be able to operate in adverse weather/temperature conditions. This is where a diamond transistor technology would excel."
The diamond itself is artificially made by UK firm Element 6 through a process called chemical vapour deposition.
The creation of the tiny device is part of a five year project funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and is the result of a collaborative project between the University of Glasgow and Heriot Watt University.
Author
Chris Shaw
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.gla.ac.uk
Companies
University of Glasgow
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