Chinese researchers have pioneered a novel method for producing crystals, significantly enhancing the controllability of their structures, according to a research article published in the journal Science on Friday.
Crystals are indispensable materials in modern computing, communications, aviation, and laser technology. The new method is expected to boost the computing power of chips and serve a new generation of electronic and photonic integrated circuits.
Traditionally, large-size crystals are produced by layering atoms in a “bottom-up” approach on the surface of small crystal particles. However, this method faces limitations due to the strict requirements for the type and arrangement of atoms to form successful crystals. As the number of atoms increases, uncontrolled atomic arrangements and the accumulation of impurities and defects can affect the purity and quality of the crystals.
“When the number of atoms increases, the atomic arrangement gradually becomes uncontrolled, and impurities and defects are gradually accumulated, affecting both purity and quality of the crystal,” said Liu Kaihui, a professor at the School of Physics of Peking University.
The researchers developed a new method to accurately control atomic arrangements, enabling the crystal growth rate to speed up to 50 layers per minute, with the number of layers reaching up to 15,000. Each layer’s atomic arrangement is completely parallel and precisely controllable, effectively avoiding defect accumulation and improving structural controllability.
This method has been applied to produce seven types of two-dimensional crystals. “The monolayer thickness of the two-dimensional crystals is only 0.7 nanometers,” said Liu. “When they are used in the transistors of integrated circuits, the integration of the chips can be significantly improved.”
Liu added, “The density of transistors can be greatly increased on a fingernail-sized chip to provide more computing power.” Such crystals can also be used for infrared frequency conversion of light, which is expected to promote the application of ultra-thin optical chips.
Reference(s):
Chinese researchers develop novel method to produce crystals
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