Can we build a truly high performance computer which is flexible and transparent?

Sci Rep. 2013:3:2609. doi: 10.1038/srep02609.

Abstract

State-of-the art computers need high performance transistors, which consume ultra-low power resulting in longer battery lifetime. Billions of transistors are integrated neatly using matured silicon fabrication process to maintain the performance per cost advantage. In that context, low-cost mono-crystalline bulk silicon (100) based high performance transistors are considered as the heart of today's computers. One limitation is silicon's rigidity and brittleness. Here we show a generic batch process to convert high performance silicon electronics into flexible and semi-transparent one while retaining its performance, process compatibility, integration density and cost. We demonstrate high-k/metal gate stack based p-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors on 4 inch silicon fabric released from bulk silicon (100) wafers with sub-threshold swing of 80 mV dec(-1) and on/off ratio of near 10(4) within 10% device uniformity with a minimum bending radius of 5 mm and an average transmittance of ~7% in the visible spectrum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't