Scientists from the University of Groningen (the Netherlands) and the University of Würzburg (Germany) have investigated a simple biomimetic light-harvesting system using advanced spectroscopy combined with a microfluidic platform. The double-walled nanotubes work very efficiently at low light intensities, while they are able to get rid of excess energy at high intensities. These properties are useful in the design of novel materials for the harvesting and transport of photon energy. The results were published in the journal Nature Communications on 10 October.
Semiconductors
2019 Microprocessor Slump Snaps Nine Years of Record Sales
The microprocessor market’s string of nine straight record-high annual sales between 2010 and 2018 is expected to end this year with worldwide MPU revenue dropping 4% to about $77.3 billion because of weakness in smartphone shipments, excess inventories in data center computers, and the global fallout from the U.S.-China trade war, according to IC Insights’ recently updated forecast.
Radiation Detector with the Lowest Noise in the World Boosts Quantum Work
Researchers from Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have built a super-sensitive bolometer, a type of thermal radiation detector. The new radiation detector, made of a gold-palladium mixture makes it easier to measure the strength of electromagnetic radiation in real time. Bolometers are used widely in thermal cameras in the construction industry and in satellites to measure cosmic radiation. The new developments may help bolometers find their way to quantum computers. If the new radiation detector manages to function as well in space as it does in the laboratory, it can also be used to measure cosmic microwave background radiation in space more accurately.
Samsung Introduces Advanced Automotive Foundry Solutions Tailored to EMEA Market at Samsung Foundry Forum 2019 Munich
Samsung Electronics Co. today unveiled an expanded portfolio of cutting-edge foundry solutions at its Samsung Foundry Forum (SFF) 2019 Munich. Samsung attracted more than 200 industry experts from fabless companies and foundry partners, and 16 partner booths displayed advanced foundry technology trends, a significant increase in both numbers compared to last year, representing a more solid customer base of Samsung Foundry as well as greater collaboration in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
2019 Heterogeneous Integration Roadmap Released; Identifies Long-Term Technology Requirements to Speed Innovation
SEMI, the global industry association representing the electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced the 2019 release of the Heterogeneous Integration Roadmap (HIR). Designed to stimulate pre-competitive collaboration in order to advance heterogenous integration technology development and accelerate electronics innovation, HIR provides a long-term vision for the electronics industry, identifying future technology requirements and potential solutions. SEMI is among five HIR sponsors. SEMI members across the global electronics supply chain integrate separately manufactured components into assemblies to enhance electronics system functionality across a multitude of applications.
Graphene Substrate Improves the Conductivity of Carbon Nanotube Network
Transparent conductive films (TCFs) have many applications in touch screens, organic light emitting diodes and solar cells. These applications need materials that are strong, energy efficient and stable, which is why companies and researchers are interested in carbon-based materials. This applies especially to networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes, which are expected to replace the metal-oxide films that are currently used. In an article published in ACS Nano, scientists at Aalto University and the University of Vienna introduce a hybrid material made by combining carbon nanotubes and graphene, which improves the conductivity of the film beyond what is possible when using each of these component structures separately.
TSMC’s Leading-Edge Fab Investments Set Stage for Sale Surge in 2H19
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s heavy investments in advanced wafer-fab technology are set to pay off significantly for the world’s largest silicon foundry as it continues the production ramp of 7nm ICs in the second half of this year, according to an analysis in IC Insights’ September Update to the 2019 McClean Report.
New Approach For Modern Power Grids That Increases Efficiency, Reduces Cost
Modern power grids are rapidly developing due to the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic and wind power. This trend is expected to rise in the near future, as attested by major countries worldwide in their commitments to the production of large renewable power penetration. A modern power grid, with its reduced dependence on non-renewable energy, has indisputable advantages in terms of environmental safeguards, but its introduction does not come without a cost.
MIPI Alliance Advances Activities for ADAS, ADS and Other Automotive Applications
The MIPI Alliance, an international organization that develops interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries, today announced key advancements and activities designed to enhance advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving systems (ADS) and other automotive applications. Trends such as the proliferation of camera, display, radar, lidar and other sensors are creating growing demand for high-performance wired interfaces in vehicles. While drawing on its existing specifications for mobile devices, MIPI is developing and enhancing automotive specifications to meet the stringent requirements of automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, SoC designers and other industry providers in areas such as reliability, functional safety and low electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Patented Concept from Halle: Novel, High-Performance Diodes and Transistors
Physicists from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) have investigated if and how these materials might be developed. They have created, tested and filed a patent for a concept that utilises the latest findings from the field of spintronics. With their new concept, the researchers at MLU want to improve the properties of diodes and transistors. Common processors use thousands of diodes and transistors to process data.
