329
originally presented in Figure 2.1 of Chapter 2 labels our current
age the Silicon Age for good reason. Silicon is, of course, the
primary material currently used in a remarkable array of semiconductor devices that form the basis for the millions of microprocessors used in current electronic applications. Though silicon
has long held a premier place in the world of electronics, discussions in the literature of the future of electronics suggest that
silicon-based technologies for microprocessors are reaching limits
and that alternative technologies are needed, including technologies based on the unique electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of various nanomaterials, such as semiconducting carbon
nanotubes or other materials (see Further Reading at the end of
this chapter).
In the complex world of electronics and electronic devices, microprocessing units are, of course, but one component. Other areas
that can potentially benefit from the use of nanomaterials include
memory units and interconnects. Some of the expected trends in
this field are broadly illustrated in the technological progression
forecast by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) group (see Figure 9.25). The figure clearly shows
that anticipated decreases in feature sizes can still occur with
existing or recently emerging technologies. With the accelerating
trend toward feature sizes becoming smaller and smaller, nanotechnologies begin to appear to play central roles as semiconductors, memory units, interconnects, and contacts. A parallel
trend is continued increases in multifunctionality—for example,
chips that not only provide computer processing power but
also serve as biodetectors or provide other functions. As we will
see, there are many industry-driving forces for multifunctionality.
The unique electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of nanomaterials can enable these kinds of components to become not
only smaller to but also have increased processing capabilities
and multifunctionalities.
Nanomaterials that have unique electrical and magnetic properties are also expected to have huge impacts on energy storage
and generation devices. Improved efficiencies are projected. For
example, the power, durability, and use time of rechargeable
lithium batteries, now in widespread everyday use, are expected
to improve. (These topics are discussed in more detail in Section
9.7 on enabling systems.) Optoelectrical approaches that are relevant to a vast array of systems ranging from telecommunications
to specific devices are expected to improve. The development of
quantum dot laser technologies, for example, promises more effiElectrical and Magnetic Environments
originally presented in Figure 2.1 of Chapter 2 labels our current
age the Silicon Age for good reason. Silicon is, of course, the
primary material currently used in a remarkable array of semiconductor devices that form the basis for the millions of microprocessors used in current electronic applications. Though silicon
has long held a premier place in the world of electronics, discussions in the literature of the future of electronics suggest that
silicon-based technologies for microprocessors are reaching limits
and that alternative technologies are needed, including technologies based on the unique electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of various nanomaterials, such as semiconducting carbon
nanotubes or other materials (see Further Reading at the end of
this chapter).
In the complex world of electronics and electronic devices, microprocessing units are, of course, but one component. Other areas
that can potentially benefit from the use of nanomaterials include
memory units and interconnects. Some of the expected trends in
this field are broadly illustrated in the technological progression
forecast by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) group (see Figure 9.25). The figure clearly shows
that anticipated decreases in feature sizes can still occur with
existing or recently emerging technologies. With the accelerating
trend toward feature sizes becoming smaller and smaller, nanotechnologies begin to appear to play central roles as semiconductors, memory units, interconnects, and contacts. A parallel
trend is continued increases in multifunctionality—for example,
chips that not only provide computer processing power but
also serve as biodetectors or provide other functions. As we will
see, there are many industry-driving forces for multifunctionality.
The unique electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of nanomaterials can enable these kinds of components to become not
only smaller to but also have increased processing capabilities
and multifunctionalities.
Nanomaterials that have unique electrical and magnetic properties are also expected to have huge impacts on energy storage
and generation devices. Improved efficiencies are projected. For
example, the power, durability, and use time of rechargeable
lithium batteries, now in widespread everyday use, are expected
to improve. (These topics are discussed in more detail in Section
9.7 on enabling systems.) Optoelectrical approaches that are relevant to a vast array of systems ranging from telecommunications
to specific devices are expected to improve. The development of
quantum dot laser technologies, for example, promises more effiElectrical and Magnetic Environments