A team of Chinese researchers has achieved a landmark breakthrough in semiconductor technology, creating an ultra-thin semiconductor material just 0.7 nanometres thick. Led by Liu Kaihui, Liu Can, and Zhang Guangyu, this innovation addresses critical challenges in silicon-based chip miniaturization and paves the way for ultra-efficient microchips. Published in Science, the study highlights a revolutionary fabrication method that could redefine global chip manufacturing.
The Breakthrough: Thinner, Faster, and More Efficient
Traditional silicon chips face physical limitations as transistors shrink below 3 nanometres. The team from Peking University, Renmin University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences turned to 2D transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). These materials, only 0.7 nanometres thick, exhibit superior electron mobility and reduced power consumption compared to silicon.
| Material | Thickness | Electron Mobility | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molybdenum Disulfide | 0.7 nm | 200 cm²/Vs | Transistors, Photonic Chips |
| Tungsten Diselenide | 0.7 nm | 180 cm²/Vs | High-Frequency Circuits |
| Niobium Disulfide | 0.7 nm | 150 cm²/Vs | Energy-Efficient Processors |
Overcoming Fabrication Challenges
Previous attempts to produce TMDs struggled with impurities and structural defects. The team’s “grow at interface” method deposits atoms between a substrate and an initial crystal layer, ensuring atomic-level precision. This approach achieves a 50-layer-per-minute formation rate with up to 15,000 defect-free layers.
“Traditional layer-by-layer assembly couldn’t control atomic arrangements,” explained Liu Kaihui. “Our technique eliminates impurities, enabling mass production of high-quality 2D crystals.”
Applications in Chip Integration
By integrating TMD-based transistors, chip manufacturers can dramatically increase transistor density. A fingernail-sized chip could house billions more transistors, boosting computing power while reducing energy use. This aligns with global trends toward AI-driven devices, such as those highlighted in our coverage of Dell’s new AI-powered systems.
Implications for Global Semiconductor Industry
China’s progress in 2D materials could reduce reliance on foreign chip technology. With applications in photonics, quantum computing, and IoT, this breakthrough complements advancements like Microsoft’s recent security patches and enhanced web search strategies.