Wafer scale graphene IC is smaller than a pinhead
1 min read
IBM researchers have created the first integrated circuit fabricated from wafer size graphene and demonstrated a broadband frequency mixer operating at frequencies up to 10GHz.
The IC is designed for wireless communications and, according to IBM, could enable people to interact with greater efficiency. It consists of a graphene transistor and a pair of inductors, integrated on a silicon carbide wafer.
The circuit operates as a broadband frequency mixer, which produces output signals with mixed frequencies of the input signals. Frequency mixing up to 10GHz and thermal stability up to 125°C has been demonstrated.
The fabrication scheme developed can be applied to other types of graphene materials, including chemical vapour deposited graphene films synthesised on metal films. It is also compatible with optical lithography for reduced cost and throughput.
"Just a few days before IBM commemorates its 100th anniversary, our scientists have achieved a nanotechnology milestone which continues the company's century long pursuit of innovation and technology leadership," said TC Chen, vp, Science and Technology, IBM Research. "This research breakthrough has the potential to increase the performance of communication devices that enable people to interact with greater efficiency."
