Tunneling magneto-resistive (TMR) read heads are the next generation in magneto-resistive readers for hard drive disks. TMRs typically include a magnetic tunnel junction that is composed of an oxidize...
Learn More

Production of faster, more powerful microelectronics requires that device features continue to shrink in size. Current lithographic processes based on chemically amplified resists routinely pattern fe...
Learn More

PIN diodes are semiconductor devices that include an undoped intrinsic semiconductor region between the p-type and n-type regions. These diodes are commonly integrated as photodetectors on silicon CMO...
Learn More

Very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits are tested before use to evaluate reliability and performance. The two most common testing methods are serial-scan and random access scan (RAS). The serial...
Learn More

The current art of nanoscale manufacturing uses self-assembling diblock copolymers to replicate a chemical pattern upwards. This method may be used to replicate a chemical pattern over a large area. H...
Learn More

The semiconductor industry fabricates integrated circuits (IC) through a series of plasma processes that involve etching lines and spots, as well as depositing thin films of materials and modifying su...
Learn More

Computer chips, composed of silicon (Si) semiconductors, store and transmit information as electrons.  The negative charge on electrons, however, hinders the speed with which information can be trans...
Learn More

Thin-film transistors often use a single-crystal layer of silicon semiconductor attached to a flexible plastic substrate to allow flexibility in the electronics. However, transistors using some types ...
Learn More

Thermoelectric materials can turn heat into electrical power or remove heat by applying a voltage. They are used in many applications, ranging from a simple, electrically cooled ice chest, to high-tec...
Learn More

Conventional integrated circuits, such as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits, allow large numbers of transistors to be combined into electronic gates. These gates control the flow...
Learn More

Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology is commonly used in integrated circuits for microelectronics. Current is produced in semiconductor devices by using mobile charge carriers, ei...
Learn More