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Researchers are claiming a breakthrough which could revolutionise how microchips are manufactured, potentially slashing their cost.
A team at UCL says it has developed a new way to induce silicon to oxidise. Silicon oxide layers are a key in microchips, insulating and protecting the silicon, storing charge and controlling currents. It forms very slowly naturally, so chip makers heat their silicon to around 1000°C, a process which costs a lot in energy.
A team at UCL says it has developed a new way to induce silicon to oxidise. Silicon oxide layers are a key in microchips, insulating and protecting the silicon, storing charge and controlling currents. It forms very slowly naturally, so chip makers heat their silicon to around 1000°C, a process which costs a lot in energy.