The breakthrough was achieved by determining how to measure the electric field remotely inside a semiconductor device. In a new study published in the journal Nature Electronics, scientists outline how to accurately determine this electric field, which means developing a new generation of power and radio frequency electronic devices that can be faster, more reliable, and more energy efficient
Semiconductor devices can be designed by experimentation, but more often by means of device simulation, which can also establish the production of semiconductor devices for real applications. But when it comes to new and emerging semiconductor materials, it is often not known how accurate and correct these simulations actually are.
Professor Martin Kuball said: “Semiconductors are capable of conducting positive or negative charges and therefore However, these semiconductor devices do not end in silicon, there are many other semiconductors, including gallium nitride (used, for example, in blue LEDs) .These semiconductor devices, such as AC power from the mains is converted to direct current, resulting in energy loss in the form of waste heat, for example, if you look at your laptop, the power supply heats up or even heats up.
“Man applies voltage to an electronic device, resulting in an output current used in the application. Inside this electronic device is an electric field that determines how this device works, how long it will work, and how well it works. No one could actually measure this electric field, which is so essential to the operation of the device. They have always relied on simulations, which are difficult to rely on unless their accuracy can actually be tested, “the researcher explained.
In order to make these new materials high-performance and long-life electronic devices, it is important that researchers find the optimal design where electric fields do not exceed a critical value that would result in damage or failure.Experts plan to use emerging materials such as gallium nitride and gallium oxide, which allows higher frequencies and higher voltages to operate, creating new circuits that reduce energy loss.
A study published by a group from the University of Bristol describes an optical device allowing the direct measurement of the electric field in these new devices, which will form the basis for future efficient power applications such as solar or wind power plants connected to the national grid, electric cars, trains and airplanes. Reduced energy loss means that societies do not have to produce as much energy in the first place.
Professor Kuball explained: “This also means that the electric fields in the devices are larger and can therefore fail more easily. The new technology developed in 2006 allows the electric fields in the devices to be quantified, allowing the device simulations to be accurately calibrated. Therefore, electronic devices are designed so that the electric fields do not exceed critical limits and do not fail. “
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