Nanowires and Transistors

1 July 2007

Researchers have successfully created transistors using nano-wires, creating flexible electronics at the Nano level that open the door for a whole host of commercial applications.

The transistors are made of transparent nanowires built on glass or plastic films. Both the nanowires and the films are transparent; this differs from prior implementations of nano-transistors, where the electrodes used were non-transparent, and the final structure was opaque in color.

The commercial implications of the current breakthrough include applications such as malleable computer displays, e-paper, smart credit cards and windshields, to name just a few. E-paper can provide full motion video, without the need for electrical current to backlit the display, as would be the case with conventional flat-panel displays. Electronic displays on windshields, eyeglasses and sports goggles can provide real time information while tracking events in progress.

The smart credit cards created using the Nano transistors would contain embedded microprocessors and make it possible to provide encrypted information that secures transactions made against the card, as well providing for more robust identification for users.

Importantly, these nanowire enabled transistors continue to deliver high performance levels while remaining flexible. The transparent transistors can be manufactured at low cost and can conduct electricity at speeds comparable to those found in consumer electronics.

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