A new type of semiconductor

Materials first developed at Oregon State University over a decade ago with the goal of developing transparent transistors may lead to a real revolution in the field of electronic devices.

[Translation by Dr. Nachmani Moshe]
Materials first developed at Oregon State University over a decade ago with the goal of developing transparent transistors may lead to a real revolution in the field of electronic devices.

Transparent transistors were invented by researchers from Oregon State University back in 2002. As part of follow-up work and in cooperation with private industry, certain materials used in the production of transparent transistors - semiconductors made of amorphous oxide - are now being used in their first commercial applications.

One of the first and most important semiconductors is based on the compound of indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO). This material is currently used in the production of flat screens for computer monitors with excellent resolution and clarity, as well as in ultra-thin television screens. The material will soon also come to the displays of tablet computers and mobile phones.

"Amorphous oxide semiconductors may have a significant impact on an industry whose value today is estimated at 100 billion dollars," said John Wager, one of the researchers in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the university. "Thanks to the increased mobility of the electrons inside them, materials such as IGZO can provide brighter and sharper displays than ever before," he added. Transistors made of this material consume less electricity in sleep mode and because of this it will be possible to manufacture mobile phones that need to be charged once or twice a week, instead of once a day, as is customary today. The main competitor of semiconductors made of amorphous oxide is the material polysilicon, notes the lead researcher. At the same time, the competing technology is much more complex and expensive. Semiconductors made of amorphous oxide have an advantage in light of the fact that they can be used right now with minimal adaptation to existing production facilities," explains the lead researcher. "Such a move will result in billions of dollars in savings, instead of building a new production plant required for the poly-silicon material. It seems that the use of semiconductors made of amorphous oxide is on the verge of a breakthrough," adds the lead researcher. If the current trend continues at the same rate, within the next five years most people will have one or more devices that include these materials. The pace is really breathtaking."

The impending commercialization of amorphous oxide semiconductors also bodes well for the future of transparent electronics. In principle, it will be possible to integrate electronic components on any surface of glass. For example, the mirror in the bathroom will allow you to display your agenda for that day in an up-to-date and friendly way; A window will be able to function as the computer monitor together with touch screen control; Guidance and navigation instructions may be displayed on the vehicle windshield; Or you could even replace your curtains with windows that will automatically or manually darken to block direct radiation.

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